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5 Best Food Tours in Lima + 8 Things to Know BEFORE Booking

5 Best Food Tours in Lima + 8 Things to Know BEFORE Booking

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One of the best ways to experience a culture is through food. Food is so deeply rooted in everyone’s daily life, and we love how it reflects every country we travel to, especially Peru! This is one of the top destinations for foodies – and even with all its beautiful sights, many people come to Peru solely for its cuisine. Crazy, right?

So when planning a trip to Peru, we knew we had to try all the food! And luckily, Lima is one of our favorite Latin American cities and a great place to sample delicious cuisine. There are many awesome tours in Lima … including some food ones, of course!

With so many interesting and delicious dishes, food tours really help you maximize your time! Plus, tours helped us discover the best local eateries with everything from gourmet ceviche to street food staples. Even after living in Lima, we still found these tours helpful in finding the best spots to return to. 

We loved the gastronomic scene here so much that we want everyone to experience it! To help you out, we put together this guide with the best food tours in Lima to choose from and everything you should know before booking. Keep reading so you can be well prepared and amazed by this culinary culture!

Don’t have time to read the full article? Lima is well known for its food, so don’t miss out on visiting the best spots with the help of a local expert. We loved both the gourmet day tour for the brunch/lunch crowd and this evening food tour for the night owls. Both include a stop at the famous restaurant inside the Huaca Pucllana ruins that has served royalty!

Our Top Choice

If you’re ready to book a tour right now, Lima’s Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour is our top pick! We found the nine stops on this tour to be a great mix of delicious food along with some history of the city. It’s a walking tour, so it feels like you really get to know Lima while also enjoying tasty treats like fresh fruit, chocolate, ceviche, and lomo saltado (a dish with marinated sirloin and grilled veggies over French fries and rice – so like Peruvian poutine!).

It feels like a VIP way to explore Lima and eat incredible food along the way. This tour is the same one we took and can be booked online for only $89 USD which includes food, drinks, and a wonderful guide.

1. Why do a food tour in Lima?

A selection of Peruvian food on a food tour in Lima, Peru
I think this was my favorite tour!
Dessert on a food tour in Lima, Peru
Everything we tasted was fantastic!

Peruvian food was world-famous before any of us could find Peru on a map. This cuisine has been influenced by a melting pot of cultures that have made their way through the country – with culinary traditions dating back to the 15th century! It includes ancient Incan traditions, influences from Spanish settlement, and, finally, a modern flair. With all these elements combined, Peru has figured out how to make some of the best food in the world. 

Peru also has a perfect climate for growing fresh fruits and vegetables. Its varied landscapes, with mountains and jungles, help the country produce a wide variety of flavorful ingredients. Plus, with such a long coastline, the country is also famous for its seafood.

In Peru, Lima has become the hub for gastronomy. After all, it’s a bustling metropolis of 10 million people and has drawn some of the finest chefs in the world. In fact, three of the world’s 50 best restaurants are in Lima! To top it off, Maxim magazine called Lima “the kingdom of heaven” in terms of gastronomy and “arguably the greatest culinary destination in the world.” 

Have we said enough to convince you that Peru’s food scene is worth visiting? If so, we definitely recommend joining a food tour!

We found taking a food tour to be a super convenient way for travelers to experience this booming culinary scene. I know that whenever I am in a new city, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out where the best places are. Luckily, food tours show you the local area and all those culinary hot spots. Instead of falling victim to tourist traps, you’ll skip straight to the good stuff!

On tours, I usually end up learning about new dishes I’d never even heard of. I also learn about the background of these staple foods, which leans into understanding the culture in general! Plus, if you take a food tour within your first few days in Lima, you know the best spots to return to. 

The best part is there are so many food tours in Lima, so you can easily find one that suits you. Are you looking for a night tour to experience the authentic street food culture? Perhaps you prefer a history-rich tour that takes you to old taverns … or maybe you enjoy the local art scene paired with food. Seriously, there are so many great options to choose from!

Regardless of which one you choose, all of these tours will leave you full in belly and spirit. I honestly can’t recommend taking a food tour enough. Trust me, experiencing the incredible culinary scene is one of the absolute best things you can do in Lima!

2. What are the best food tours in Lima?

1. Nighttime Gourmet Food Tour

Chicken dish you get to try on the gourmet food tour
Yum!
A bar tender makes a pisco sour in Lima Peru
Learning to make a pisco sour!

Let’s start this list with our overall favorite tour! We absolutely loved this nighttime gourmet food tour through Lima. It was so fun getting dressed up to hit a beachfront cocktail bar, visit a historic restaurant, and stroll through the art district. This tour stood out because they did a great job highlighting the food, history, and culture of each place we explored!

After hotel pickup, your group will head to Cala, an upscale lounge overlooking the beach. Here, we tried Peru’s famous pisco for a real taste of the city. We also enjoyed some seaside bites to help coat our stomachs. I had a hard time pulling myself from the gorgeous beach view and tasty cocktails to move on to the second stop – but it was well worth it. 

You’ll then head to Huaca Pucalla, which is a restaurant well-known by Lima locals. This restaurant is housed in a pre-Incan archeological complex and is frankly stunning! At night, they light up the surrounding ruins and pyramids so you get the full effect. After admiring the beautiful site, we were given an array of traditional Peruvian dishes. They brought out so much food to try! I was stuffed but certainly not complaining because it was all so good! 

Finally, the tour will lead you to the art-filled Barranco neighborhood. We actually went to a house near the Bridge of Sighs where a private chef prepared small dishes and incredible desserts. We finished off the evening with a stroll through the art-filled streets of Barranco. It was the perfect end to a magical evening!

This was our favorite tour because we had such a wonderful, seamless evening from start to finish. It also included everything! All food, drinks, and transportation were covered (no surprise expenses), and the tour guide really added to our experience. This was also a small tour with a max 10 people, so we were able to make some new friends without being overwhelmed by a large group.

Pickups start around 4 pm and include hotels in central tourist areas (Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barrancas). You can expect the whole evening to last about 5 hours and cost $145 USD. I honestly can’t recommend this tour enough! You can book this nighttime gourmet food tour online here!

Related Read: Another one of our top destinations in Peru is Cusco. To learn why, read about our favorite things to do in Cusco (it’s not just about Machu Picchu – although that’s a big part of it!).

2. Lima Gourmet Food Tour (Day)

Ceviche we tried in Lima Peru on a gourmet food tour
Ceviche!

This daytime tour is operated by the same company as the previous tour, so you can expect the same high quality with a different twist! While the night tour captivated our hearts, this tour actually takes you to more places and gets a little more in-depth. You’ll still stop in Barranco and Huaca Pucalla, but you’ll also visit a Peruvian coffee roaster, take a market tour, and learn how to make ceviche.

The guides fit a lot into this 5-hour tour, so buckle up for a good day!

You’ll start in the Barranco neighborhood, full of art, music, and locally-owned businesses. We really enjoyed simply walking around these streets. However, it got even better when we were taken to the Tostaduria Bisetti coffee roasters. They explained how they hand-pick coffee beans every day and roast them fresh for some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. 

My favorite part of this 5-hour tour was the Miraflores neighborhood. Here, we went to a traditional market, which was a unique look into the Peruvian food culture. We tried some fruits I had never even heard of and learned the fascinating legends behind local foods.

Then, we stopped at a locally known seafood restaurant. We got to interact with the food by learning how to prepare ceviche and a pisco sour. It was a truly authentic Peruvian experience! Plus, this was led by a chef and bartender. We were basically experts by the end and absolutely loved this part of the tour!

Our final leg of the tour took us by San Isidro, a historic part of the city, and to the delicious Huaca Pucalla Restaurant. They gave us 4 different desserts and yet another round of pisco cocktails. I was ready for a nap by the end of this tour!

This tour is truly inclusive. All of your food, drinks, tastings, activities, tour guide, and transportation are included! The tour will pick you up from your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. Any other areas will require a pickup fee, or you can meet at the designated point in Miraflores.

This full day is an exceptional experience and a great way to get to know Lima. Pickup starts at 9 am, and the tour officially begins around 9:45 am, lasting 5 hours. It costs $145 USD per person with no hidden fees. For the ultimate daytime foodie tour, check availability and secure your spot here!

3. Lima Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour

Bailey waits for a famous sandwich in Lima Peru on a food tour
Waiting for more food!
Bailey bites into a new fruit she tried on a food tour in Lima, Peru
This fruit tastes like marshmallow!

This tour is aptly named Lima’s Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour because it has nine different stops! Not only will you see Lima’s food and drink scene, but you’ll also visit the city’s historic and cultural sites. This tour gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in Lima’s rich culture, which made us truly fall in love with Peru!

This walking tour will meet at the colonial Plaza San Francisco of Barranco. We honestly prefer walking tours because they feel a little less rushed. They also allow you to experience the city throughout the entire tour. Plus, you can walk off some of the food you’ll be eating, so you’ll have room for even more!

Your first stop will be a workshop to learn about the various aspects of Peruvian cuisine. It includes tasting locally grown fruit and chocolate. Yes, please!

Before you really dive into the gastronomic side of this tour, you’ll enjoy Barranco’s cultural sites. While we were certainly here for a food tour, we really liked these additional activities. They help break up the eating portions so you can build up that appetite!

You’ll see the famous Bridge of Sighs, street art, and stop by a few art galleries. I really liked the Jade Rivera gallery. This muralist captured everyday life so well, offering a unique window into the culture. Oh, and I also enjoyed stopping at a coffee shop for some locally roasted coffee and empanadas, of course!

By now, we were ready to start the food tastings! We went to four different spots, starting with ceviche at República del Pisco (one of the best restaurants in Barranco). We also tried Andean punch and causa rellena, which is a layered potato casserole.

Just around the corner is another delicious restaurant (I think we see a theme here) called Ayahuasca. Here, we tried lomo saltado. This is a typical Peruvian dish with marinated sirloin and grilled vegetables over french fries and rice. It’s like the Peruvian version of poutine, so the Canadian side of me felt right at home! 

The tour ended on a sweet and sour note as we stopped at two more places for a pisco sour and ice cream made with local fruits. It was simply wonderful!

This tour is available daily at 9:30 am, 3 pm, and 5 pm, so you can find the best time for your schedule. All of your food and drinks are included, as well as your wonderful tour guide! You can expect tours to last 4 hours, ending in the Plaza de Armas. It costs $89 USD per person, and you’re basically getting a walking tour and food tour in one! 

The price doesn’t include an 18% sales tax. However, foreigners can avoid this extra charge by sending a scan or photo of their passport ahead of time.

Do you like the sound of exploring Barranco and stopping at all its best eateries? Then reserve this hihgly-rated tour well in advance!

4. Street Food and Old Taverns Tour in the Historic Center of Lima

Downtown Lima on a walking tour
Downtown Lima
A sandwich we tried on a food tour in Lima, Peru
The sandwich was so good!

Here we have yet another epic walking food tour. This one’s unique because you’ll sample 13 different dishes and visit some of the oldest taverns in all of Peru. This tour could also be called “Lima’s history tour” because of all the historic places you’ll be seeing!

You’ll experience the most important landmarks, in addition to the array of dishes inspired by all parts of the country. My recommendation: come hungry because you have a lot of delicious things to try, and you don’t want to miss out on this feast!

This tour was really fascinating because it’s a mix of information and history paired with delicious food. It starts at the Gran Hotel Bolivar Lima, which is an iconic hotel from the 1920s and is quite beautiful. You’ll head down Jiron de La Union, Lima’s historically famous boulevard, where you’ll see stunning historical buildings. 

Now the feasting can commence! The next four stops on this 4-hour tour highlight some of Lima’s extraordinary food culture. One of my favorites was Mercado Central. This bustling market is full of incredible smells, fresh fruits, and local vendors. It’s an experience in itself just walking inside – and you’ll get to taste some new fruits.

Then, you’ll hit Lima’s Chinatown for some Cantonese-Peruvian fusion dishes. To finish off this food section, you’ll try Peru’s twist on a churro. While you’re chowing down, the guide shares details of the Cantonese migration to Peru and how it impacted the cuisine you’re eating.

We had a lot of fun at this next stop which calls itself a museum … but really, it’s just a bar (this might be the best type of museum out there!). The Pisco Museum is home to Peru’s famous drink, pisco. This location is also the perfect opportunity to try this delicious spirit!

Our final stop of the tour was at Alameda Chabuca Granda, a square full of street vendors. While I love restaurants, street vendors have such a local vibe and this tour takes you to some of the best stalls to try super authentic dishes.

There are honestly so many amazing dishes you’ll try on this tour that I can’t even fit them into this blog post. While I love the array of delicacies this tour includes, one of the best parts is the local tour guide, Evelyn! She grew up in the area and loves food, as well as sharing it with others. We had such a good time simply walking through the neighborhood with her as she explained what life was like in Lima. 

This tour includes all of your food, beverages, and any additional activity fees. It is a walking tour, so be sure to wear comfortable walking attire and be prepared to eat a lot of delicious food! Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 11 am and 4:30 pm, so it can be either your lunch or dinner! It lasts roughly 4 hours, ending at the beautiful San Agustin Church.

One big thing to highlight is how affordable this tour is! All of this is only $69 USD, and you can expect a small group of up to 10 people. Honestly, it’s a complete steal! I highly recommend booking this tour before it sells out!  

5. Food and Art: Lima Colors and Flavors Walking Tour

A tour guide speaks to us during a city tour in Lima
Learning about the art in Barranco!
Bailey enjoys an ice cream on a food tour in Lima Peru
Ice cream!

Our final tour on this list is certainly different from the others. This food and art tour focuses on the local markets and vibrant colors of Lima, in addition to its wonderful food! You’ll get to explore the Chorillos and Barranco neighborhoods, the beach, and street art. I always enjoy seeing the more local side of a city, it makes the experience feel more authentic and less touristy. 

The tour starts out by picking you up from your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco. However, once you get to the central area, it will be a walking tour! You’ll head to Agua Dulce Beach, which is a beautiful coastline where locals like to hang out and swim. Agua Dulce definitely has a local vibe, and you get some incredible views from the beach!

Walking through marketplaces is one of my favorite ways to experience the local culture of a city. And luckily, this 4-hour tour is packed with them! After the beach, you’ll be market-hopping while treating your tastebuds to local cuisine.

First up, Mercado Chorillos is well known for its large fish market, where you’ll check out the vendors and watch the fishermen at work. It was nice to chat with the actual fishermen and learn about the different types of fish in this region. Then you’ll head to another bazaar, Mercado Paradita, to try some seasonal fruits and enjoy the bustling market!

You will head to yet another market, Jorge Chaves Market. Here, you’ll try some typical Andean and Amazon-style Peruvian food! These are two very different but significant regions in Peru, and I thought it was so cool to experience both styles of cuisine.

Finally, you’ll head to Barranco to explore the vibrant, art-filled streets. The reason this tour is called the “Lima colors tour” is because of this part of the city! You’ll check out the Bridge of Sighs, local art galleries, and beautiful street art!

This tour takes off at 9 am and lasts four hours! It only accommodates up to 10 travelers, keeping it small and personal. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as well as all of your food, drinks, and your amazing tour guide! You get all this for just $60 USD per adult, but the price drops the more people you book for!

If you want to combine culture, art, AND food, this is the tour for you! Check availability and book it online with Vaitor right here.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, read our complete Viator review to learn more about what we think about Viator.

3. Is the street food in Lima safe to eat?

Famous sandwich shop visited on a food tour in Lima, Peru
A local hot spot for delicious sandwiches!

Yes, the street food is safe to eat! Lima has high food standards. Even if you’re trying street food outside of a tour, you should be fine.

Tours will take you to the most reputable food stands because they certainly don’t want you to get sick! Lima understands the importance of food safety, especially when they are serving foods such as ceviche. 

I recommend bringing hand sanitizer any time you do a food tour because you’ll likely be walking around the city and coming into contact with a lot of things. It’s best to minimize risk and use hand sanitizer before trying any of the yummy foods!

Related Read: If you want to head to a Peruvian oasis, read about the town of Huacachina, Peru. This tiny village is surrounded by sand dunes and makes a great getaway!

4. Is a food tour in Lima suitable for children?

Bailey cooks on a cooking tour in Lima Peru
Using traditional methods to make chocolate!
Peruvian chocolate we tried on a tour in Lima, Peru
Yum!

While children are allowed on most food tours, I’m not sure kids would necessarily enjoy the tours. You’ll be trying some unique dishes that would entice a foodie but will likely be off-putting for kids. Many of these tours also include Pisco tastings, which children obviously can’t try. The prices of these tours don’t change much (or at all) for children, so you’d be spending more money than necessary.

However, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a tour that would work for kids! In fact, this Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour would be my top recommendation for those traveling with children. It offers more familiar dishes that kids would like, including lomo saltado, a dish that is based on french fries! It’s a 4-hour walking tour through Barranco, and you’ll get to see some cultural sights as you go.

It costs $89 USD for adults or kids, including all the food, drinks, and your friendly guide. If you’re traveling with family, we recommend booking the Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour in advance.

We realize not all kids are the same. If you have a child with adventurous taste buds, they’ll really enjoy a food tour in Lima!

5. Do you need to book a food tour in Lima in advance?

A selection of local cuisine as seen on a food tour in Lima, Peru that we got to try
So much to try on the gourmet food tours!

The first two tours mentioned should definitely be booked in advance. They are super popular and have limited spots per tour, so you’ll want to secure yours beforehand.

The first tour was this evening gourmet food experience, which takes you to a beachfront cocktail bar, a historic restaurant, and an evening stroll in the art district. The second option is this daytime tour which explores a traditional market and a coffee roaster and has you making your own ceviche and pisco sour.

The other tours on this list aren’t required to be booked far in advance. However, it always makes it easier for the tour operator as well as for planning your itinerary. 

One of the main reasons we love booking through Viator is because of their 24-hour cancellation policy. It allows you to book a tour and still gives you flexibility in case you need to change your plans!

6. Are there vegan and vegetarian options available?

Cooking a local dish on a food tour in Lima Peru
Mixing vegan ingredients!

There are vegan and vegetarian tours available! The first three tours listed can all provide vegan or vegetarian options, but you must give prior notice after booking.

Without notice, they won’t be able to accommodate this request. Both gourmet tours are the best option for this, and some of the foods you’ll be trying are already vegan! The tours want you to have a good time and enjoy your experience, so they will do whatever they can to accommodate your needs. 

As a shortcut, I’ve linked to each of the vegetarian and vegan-friendly tours below. Just make sure to shoot them a message with your dietary requests after booking!

This nighttime gourmet food tour takes you to a beachfront cocktail bar for pisco sours with a view. You’ll also get to eat tasty Peruvian cuisine at a historic restaurant overlooking ancient ruins. Then, you’ll head to the art district for a leisurely evening stroll.

This daytime tour is a more in-depth experience. You’ll explore a traditional market followed by a local coffee roaster, where you’ll learn all about local coffee production. And don’t worry – you’ll also try your hand at a pisco sour (before reaping the benefits of your labor).

Lastly, Lima’s Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour has nine different stops! You’ll get a solid overview of Lima’s food and drink scene. Plus, you’ll also visit some of the city’s historic and cultural sites.

7. Can you do a food cooking tour? 

Yes, there are some great cooking tours available. Lima is an excellent place to do a cooking class, as it takes this already impressive culinary scene to the next level! This way, you can take this knowledge home with you and relive your Peruvian food experience time and time again. Read on to learn about my top two cooking tours in Lima.

Peruvian Cooking Class Including Local Market Tour

A fruit stand at a market in Lima Peru on a cooking tour
There is so much fruit to try!
Plantains on a food tour in Lima, Peru
Cooking!

This first cooking tour seriously immerses you in Peruvian cuisine! The whole experience feels authentic, from buying the ingredients at a local market to savoring the meal you cooked. The guides do a great job of teaching you each recipe and making the whole experience super enjoyable.

You start by heading to a market in Surquillo to collect all the necessary ingredients. The market itself was fascinating as it’s just so different from what we’re used to back home. We wandered from stand to stand, learning all about the various Peruvian products they sold.

Then, your guide and personal chef will take you to the kitchen to prepare your choice of fish, beef, or vegetarian dishes. When we went, ceviche and lomo saltado were on the menu (and they were equally delicious).

I also love how the chef instructs you the entire time so you never feel lost in the cooking process! This tour has a maximum of 8 people, so it is easy to get one-on-one time with the chef. The chefs are so fun and love sharing their craft with travelers, making this a super memorable experience. Overall, it was a relaxed and fun way of learning to cook a traditional Peruvian meal!

This 4-hour experience costs $65 USD. It includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel, all necessary cooking equipment (including ingredients bought at the market), snacks while you cook, and the meal you prepare, of course! Tours are available daily at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. Reserve this tour online, and you’ll be whipping up Peruvian meals in no time!

Peru’s Most Popular Dishes Cooking Class

This second tour is great for those wanting to learn traditional Peruvian dishes. You won’t have to go to the market, simply show up to the kitchen and start cooking!

The chef will teach you to prepare lomo saltado – one of my faves! It’s a simple but flavorful dish of sauteed beef and vegetables on rice with french fries. You’ll also make causa limeña, a mashed potato dish stuffed with eggs, olives, avocados, and other things. You can wash it all down with chicha morada (a corn-based beverage).

This tour has a max of 8 people, so you can have a more personalized experience with your chef! They have such an easygoing vibe, which really makes you feel confident in the kitchen too! Plus, they teach you how to use traditional cookware as well as local cooking techniques. I won’t give too much away but trust me – you’ll want to take some photos of the process!

Tours are offered daily at 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 6:30 pm. The $47 USD price includes all ingredients and equipment for cooking, as well as your wonderful chef! You get to eat the food you’ve prepared and have snacks throughout. Hotel pick-up is offered, but the tour doesn’t provide return transportation from the kitchen in Miraflores.

For a truly hands-on experience, book this Peruvian cooking class right here!

8. Is a food tour in Lima worth it?

mixing plantains on a food tour in Lima, Peru
Yep!
A bar tender shakes up a pisco sour in Lima Peru on a food tour
I’m making pisco sours at home now!

Yes, a food tour in Lima is absolutely worth it! It is the number one thing to do in Lima, in my opinion. Lima’s so well known for its amazing culinary scene. As such, this is the ideal place to take a food tour in South America.

I love food tours because they immerse you in the culture and help you experience a city in a completely new way. It’s also a great way to learn where the best restaurants and markets are. I highly recommend taking a tour on your first few days so you can get your bearings!

Honestly, you can’t go wrong booking a food tour in Lima! And the ones I mentioned are the best I’ve come across in the whole city. 

Related Read: For another worthwhile experience, visit Puerto Maldonado, Peru. This city is the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon and one of the prettiest places we’ve been!

Other Activities to do While You’re in Lima

A few people swimming with sea lions in Lima, Peru
We loved this experience and never expected it in Lima!

Taking a food tour is one of the best things to do in Lima – but it’s not the only fun activity! There’s plenty more to keep you occupied. Here are a few more ideas for you:

  • Swim with sea lions – This isn’t the first thing you think of when visiting Lima, but it’s one of my favorite experiences in Peru! Sea lions are such playful creatures and are happy to swim right up alongside you. On this tour, you’ll hop aboard a boat to a sea lion hot spot! You’ll also see penguins and loads of other sea birds.
  • Go paragliding – Lima is actually well-known for paragliding. I mean, what better way to see the city?! This tour company offers tandem paragliding right on the Malecon in Miraflores. On a seated paraglider, you’ll take off from the beach and fly high over Lima’s beautiful coastline.
  • Hang out with cats in Kennedy Park – Cat lovers, this one is for you! Kennedy Park in the Miraflores neighborhood is home to dozens of stray cats. People come here just to chill and visit these friendly fur babies. The park is also a pretty place to walk around and explore, with many shops and restaurants nearby.
  • Visit ancient ruins – Huaca Pucllana is a 1,500-year-old archeological site located right in Lima! It’s one of several stops on this guided bike tour. If you prefer a day trip from Lima, check out the Pachacamac Ruins, an enormous Incan settlement with pyramids, temples, and buildings. To make it easy, this tour of Pachacamac provides roundtrip transport plus a knowledgeable guide.

Where to Stay in Lima, Peru

view from above of the outside of the JW Marriott Hotel Lima
Photo Credit: JW Marriott Hotel Lima

If you’ve already chosen a food tour in Lima, you’ll need a place to stay! Lima is a big city with many accommodation options. However, I definitely have my favorite spots and am happy to share those with you. Keep reading for my top hostels and hotels for each budget range.

Luxury – $$$

JW Marriott Hotel Lima is located in the Miraflores district right behind the Larcomar shopping center, with amazing views of the ocean. The location is perfect! The rooms are luxurious and have everything you’d expect from a Marriott Hotel, including a fitness center, pool, restaurant, and super helpful staff. Guests also rave about the hotel’s breakfast!

Rooms start at around $200 USD, but you can find the best rates on Booking.com.

Mid-range -$$

Larq’a Park Rooms is a beautiful hotel with amazing reviews. The hotel is in a heritage building right next to Parque Kenedy, and the rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable. They have a nice common area where you can enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast. Although we’ve included it as mid-range, it could easily be considered a budget option because rooms start as low as $36 USD. Click here to snag this awesome deal!

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro is my top pick in Miraflores, Lima. The hotel has a 9.2 on Booking.com, and it’s no wonder since the staff are so attentive and sweet! It’s perfectly located in a quiet and safe area within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes, and shops. Rooms are super clean and come with either a king bed or two singles. Stays here include breakfast and cost only $70 USD per night. You can book your stay at Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro online here.

Budget – $

Selina Miraflores is part of the well-established Selina chain. They have hostels all over Latin America, and I’ve personally stayed in lots of them. The Selina in Miraflores is a beautiful hostel with a modern, colorful aesthetic and super clean rooms and bathrooms. The whole place has a nice, easygoing vibe that makes it easy to meet people. It’s also in a great location, with prices starting at $10 USD for a bunk and $45 USD for a private room. You can book the Selina on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Pariwana Hostel is the most popular and famous party hostel in Miraflores. It’s the perfect hostel to let loose and meet other travelers. Plus, prices are super reasonable, with dorms costing less than $20 USD and private rooms less than $70 USD. If you want to party and have fun in Lima, you can book Puriwasi Hostel on Hostelworld.

Don’t get Caught without Travel Insurance!

We never travel without travel insurance! We’ve had a few instances during our travels when one of us has ended up in the hospital, and travel insurance has saved us thousands of dollars over the years!

SafetyWing is our go-to insurance, we both have policies with them whenever we travel.

They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!)The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.  

We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!) While most travel insurance companies left people stranded, SafetyWing fully reimbursed us for our last-minute, pricey flights!

Also, because it is so affordable, there really is no excuse not to take out a policy. Check prices and get a quote online here with SafetyWing (you can even take out a policy if you’re already traveling!)

Thanks for reading!

Bailey and Daniel take a selfie while swimming with sea lions in Lima
Thanks for reading!

Peru is a foodie’s paradise, and Lima is the capital of it all! I think the best way to delve into the culinary scene here is on a guided tour. There are so many awesome eateries all over the city, and the tours we mentioned take you to some of our favorite spots. Ultimately, we hope you find a tour you like, and you enjoy Peruvian food as much as we did!

If you found this guide useful, read our other blogs about Peru here. We’ve also written about several other destinations in South America. To help you out, I’ve linked to some related articles below.

18 BEST Things to do in the Sacred Valley, Peru

13 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Rainbow Mountain, Peru

13 Absolute BEST Places to Visit in Bolivia