Exploring Lima from a Fresh Perspective Through Multiple Activities

There are so many ways to discover or rediscover the city of Lima, by taxi, on foot, by tourist bus, by combi, by bike, by boat, and even by paraglider! Each mode of transport offers its own unique perspective on Perú's capital, revealing charming places and distinctive neighborhoods that can transform your journey into Peru into a truly unforgettable and off-the-beaten-path experience.

How to Experience Lima in a Less Touristy Way?

Many visitors love exploring Lima's historic center on foot, as it's recommended by every travel guide—and for good reason! Yet they often find themselves limited by fatigue and distance, taking the same photographs everyone else does. By embracing more distinctly Peruvian modes of transportation, an entirely new Lima will reveal itself to you!

Lima, by Bicycle!

Every district of Lima has its own worthwhile attractions and hidden gems. Cycling is an excellent way to discover unexpected corners of the city while enjoying the freedom to craft your own personal route. For bike rentals, companies like Bike Tours of Lima are available. If you're looking for a more relaxed pace but still want to traverse the city to see its cathedrals, churches, and historic streets, why not consider a panoramic bus tour?

Lima, by Bus!

Several bus companies offer sightseeing tours throughout Lima, the most well-known being Mirabus Peru and City Sightseeing. They provide panoramic rooftop views of neighborhoods including downtown Lima, San Isidro, Miraflores, and beyond. It's an efficient way to take in numerous sights in minimal time and gain a quick overview of the capital. Or why not venture off the beaten path by skipping tourist buses altogether and instead using the city's public transit system—the Metropolitano or even small combis—for your travels? This way, you'll discover the more authentic, everyday face of Lima's life!

Lima, by Taxi!

At local taxi rates, you can easily hop from one attraction to another by simply raising your arm and catching a ride for just a few soles. This way, you'll navigate the capital from end to end in minimal time and expense. Taxi drivers eager to avoid traffic and pick up more passengers will take you through numerous small streets you'd never have discovered on your own, and might just reveal a "hidden gem" tucked away in this sprawling metropolis.

From the cliffs of the Costa Verde, you can take flight by paraglider for approximately 150 soles and enjoy an unforgettable perspective over the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. As you ascend, you'll also gain an exceptional panoramic view of Lima's entire cityscape—a vantage point few tourists ever experience, perfect for capturing stunning aerial photographs!

Lima, by Boat!

Another intriguing option for gaining a unique perspective on Lima is exploring the city by boat. Organized boat tours allow you to discover the Callao port, Miraflores Bay, the Regatas Club, the cliffs, Chorrillos Bay, Barranco, and more. These outings last approximately one hour and allow you to traverse the entire coastline in an original way. For the more adventurous, excursions to the Palomino Islands departing from Callao's port offer the chance to swim alongside sea lions.

Several Destinations Truly Worth a Detour in Lima

• The Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Magico del Agua): For just 4 soles, you can witness spectacular water displays through 13 extraordinary fountains complete with stunning light and sound shows projected on screens of water droplets!

• Lima Zoo (Parque de las Leyendas). Strolling through a zoo's pathways, discovering animals from Peru and around the globe, is always a worthwhile activity. This zoo is uniquely landscaped throughout, making it possible to spend hours exploring without ever feeling bored.

• Lima's Museums offer remarkable cultural variety, spanning from various Pre-Columbian cultures to the colonial era and contemporary works. Among museums worth visiting are the Gold Museum, the National Museum, MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Larco Herrera, and the National Museum of History and Anthropology. Barranco is home to a true gem, the Pedro de Osma Museum, housed in a former colonial mansion. Nearby, the MATE showcases works by celebrated Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, who has been photographing celebrities from around the world for over 30 years.

• The magnificent archaeological site of Pachacámac, where you can wander through the ruins of a Pre-Hispanic temple. Rich with walls, streets, temples, and pyramids, this 460-hectare site containing 50 structures is a treasure absolutely worth visiting during your time in Lima.