Best Tours in Lima

Walking tours of the centre

A guided walk around the historic centre usually lasts two to three hours and covers the main plaza, the cathedral, the convent of San Francisco and some lanes and balconies beyond. A guide earns the fee here: churches may have restricted entry, the colonial layers are easy to miss, and some of the quieter streets are best passed through with someone who knows them. Tours run in English and Spanish, and some in other languages. Ask whether entry tickets are included and how many people are in the group.

Pick a morning departure if you can. The centre is at its calmest early, and you will be back on the coast for lunch before the afternoon traffic builds. If you prefer to go alone, things to do in Lima suggests a route that avoids the busiest hours.

Food tours and cooking classes

Lima's food is the main reason many people book a tour. Food walks usually combine a market visit with tastings of ceviche, street snacks and drinks in one or two districts, and last a few hours. Cooking classes teach how to prepare ceviche or a pisco sour and often start with a market shopping trip.

Check how much you will actually eat, whether dietary needs are catered for, and whether alcohol is included. Tours that visit several stops tend to be better than those that stay in a single restaurant.

If you have a restricted diet, write to the operator before booking. Peruvian cooking relies heavily on fish, shellfish, chilli and peanuts in some dishes, and a good operator will tell you honestly what can and cannot be adapted. What to eat in Lima explains the dishes you are likely to meet.

Archaeology and day trips

Pachacamac is the most popular excursion from the city, usually a half-day trip combining the ruins with a stop at the on-site museum. Other tours run to adobe pyramids and ancient sites around the coast. Self-guided visits are possible, but the sites are large and a guide helps interpret the layout, particularly for the eroded adobe.

A tour that reaches the site early avoids the midday sun, which is intense on the open grounds even when the city is grey. Take a hat, water and sun protection, and wear closed shoes for the sandy paths.

Museum visits can also be done with a guide. The collections in the Larco Museum are easier to follow with commentary, though the labels are good enough for independent visitors.

Adventure on the coast

Along the cliffs of Miraflores, operators offer tandem paragliding, bike rides and sunset kayaking or surfing lessons in the bay. Conditions depend on wind and swell, so flights and lessons can be cancelled, and it is worth asking what happens if they are. Check that equipment is in good condition, that instructors are qualified and that insurance is included.

These activities are best planned for a clear spell and not as a rigid appointment on your last afternoon before a flight. If you are travelling with children, ask about age and weight limits in advance. Read the operator's safety briefing and do not feel pressured to go ahead if the wind or sea looks wrong. For the cliff-top area where most of these outings start, see Miraflores.

Airport transfers and private drivers

Many travellers book a driver for a day to link several sights, which can be efficient given the distances. A private driver or guide costs more than public transport but saves time and removes the stress of negotiating fares. Ask for the price in writing, including waiting time, and confirm the language of the driver.

For the airport, a pre-booked pick-up through your hotel is the calmest option on a late arrival. The Lima airport transfer options are compared there, along with what to do at the terminal. Do not accept rides from people who approach you in the arrivals hall.

How to choose an operator

Look for a clear written description of the route, group size, included extras and the language of the guide. Read recent independent reviews, check that the company has a physical address and a licence, and be wary of unusually cheap offers. Book airport pick-ups through your accommodation or a known service, and avoid agreeing a price with people who approach you on the street.

Guided tours or going independent helps you judge which outings justify a guide, and scams lists the tricks to avoid around tour sellers.