Lima tours

Things to do in Lima

Welcome to Lima, where the Pacific subtly meets Peru's vibrant heart. This city, often dubbed the culinary capital of South America, is not just a feast for the palate but a journey through time and culture. Your local guide is more than just a companion; they are your gateway to understanding Lima's layered stories. As you stroll through Barranco, the murals whisper tales of yesteryears, each corner holding a piece of the past. Dive into a food and wine journey, where ceviche isn't just a dish, but a symphony of flavours, perfectly paired with a Pisco Sour that's as traditional as it gets. Skip the usual queues at the Larco Museum and let the artefacts narrate Peru's rich history. These aren't just tours; they're your personal introductions to Lima's soul, where every moment is curated to be as authentic as the city itself. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Lima. Explore Lima your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Lima tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Lima for every interest, including: History tours: Explore the Historic Centre on foot, including Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the San Francisco convent’s catacombs, then contrast it with pre-Hispanic Lima at Huaca Pucllana. Add the Larco Museum for a curated look at ceramics and gold, with a short garden break between galleries. Layover tours: Pick-up at Jorge Chávez International, then a timed loop to Miraflores and Barranco for the Malecón cliffs, the Bridge of Sighs, and a ceviche stop, with drop-off back at your terminal. With 4–6 hours, include the Historic Centre or Huaca Huallamarca; with 2–3 hours, keep it coast-focused. Nature and Wildlife tours: Ride a morning boat to the Palomino Islands from the Callao pier to see sea lions and seabirds, or stay on land at Pantanos de Villa for herons, stilts, and seasonal flamingos. If you like active tours, your guide can pair birding with a coastal bike path segment along the Costa Verde. Lima’s distances are long and traffic is heavy; the Metropolitano and Metro help in some areas but won’t cover a full day of touring. Most travellers choose chauffeured tours or private transportation to keep schedules predictable. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Lima inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Invite yourself to a private walking tour in Lima and include its vibrant neighborhoods with a local guide to reveal the city's true character. A local can show you the best of each area. - Miraflores: Known for its parks and ocean views, this neighborhood is perfect for families and anyone looking for a mix of relaxation and modern amenities. Its lively atmosphere and scenic vistas make it a must-see. - Barranco: The bohemian heart of Lima, this area is ideal for cultural tourists and art lovers. It's filled with colorful murals, galleries, and a vibrant nightlife. - Centro Histórico: For history enthusiasts, this neighborhood offers colonial architecture and significant landmarks. It's a fascinating place to explore Lima’s historical roots. Day trip ideas from Lima Use Lima as your base and branch out to neighbouring cities, coastal reserves, and ancient sites on day trips that fit how you like to explore. Pachacamac: Head south to this pre-Hispanic complex where adobe pyramids, painted walls, and the Temple of the Sun look over the Pacific, and spend a few unhurried hours learning how different cultures shaped the site, then balance it with a simple lunch by the coast or a quick stop at local workshops so history fans, casual sightseers, and photographers all get what they came for. Palomino Islands, Callao: Ride a small boat out from the port for sea lion colonies, seabirds, and chilly Humboldt waters that make the wildlife thrive, and choose to swim in a wetsuit or stay dry and shoot photos from the deck, while your tour can add a stroll through Monumental Callao for street art or a ceviche stop if you want a taste of the port’s food scene. Paracas and Ballestas: Make it a full-day run down the Pan-American to speedboat around the Ballestas Islands for penguins, sea lions, and arches carved by waves, then cross the Paracas National Reserve where wind-shaped desert meets bright water, and decide if you prefer more time on the boat, a drive to viewpoints, or a relaxed seafood lunch in town since longer tours here can shift pace without losing the highlights. Lunahuaná, Cañete Valley: Follow the river valley two to three hours from Lima for class II and III rafting when levels are right, easy zip lines, cycling, and tastings at small pisco bodegas, and mix light adventure with simple countryside food and a look at the old bridge and plaza, which works well if you like active days that still leave room for local flavours. Lomas de Lachay National Reserve: In the fog season from roughly June to November, this coastal hillside turns green with short trails, wildflowers, and birdlife, so plan a morning walk for cooler air and clearer views, and if you enjoy hiking or nature photography, the gentle loops and quick roadside lookouts keep things flexible without a long climb. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Lima most travellers miss.