Regardless of whether you’re planning to stay a while or are just passing through, if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys adventure, you probably want to know what sort of activities you can do to keep you active while in the big city. With that in mind, we brainstormed the six best activities for the adventure-lover in Lima.
- Swim or kayak with sea lions on Islas Palomino – For those who love wildlife, a trip to Lima will not be complete without a boat trip to Islas Palomino in Callao. There are two companies with daily departures to the islands from Callao. If you want to swim with the sea lions, book your tour through Ecocruceros and enjoy a boat ride in a yacht to the islands and the chance to get directly in the water. If you’d rather kayak, take a tour with Mar Adentro Excursiones and paddle around while the sea lions playfully follow you.
-
Paragliding over Miraflores, Peru. ©FLOYD Parapente – Perhaps one of the most popular adrenaline-packed activities in Lima is to parapente in Miraflores. Next to Larcomar shopping center and Parque Amor, you can parapente off the ocean cliffs and see breathtaking views of the ocean and Lima cityscape accompanied by an experienced parapente pilot. After the experience, you’ll be given electronic copies of photos and video so you can continue to relive the experience. Check out autana.org to learn more about parapente in Miraflores.
-
Surf schools at Makaha beach in Lima, Peru. ©saddlesaw2. Surfing – Despite the cold waters from the Humbolt current that runs along the coast of Peru, Lima is actually a great place for surfing fanatics and those who are just catching on to the sport. There are lots of companies along Playa Makaha that offer surf lessons in Miraflores, such as Pukana Surf. But if you’re already familiar with the sport, there is always the option of renting a board and getting in the water by yourself.
- Biking – If you’re crunched for time, one great way to see the city is to rent a bike or hop on a bike tour. Bike Tours of Lima is an excellent company based out of Miraflores that offers individual bike rentals, as well as public and private tours around different parts of the city. Their “Bohemian Tour” will take you around Barranco and Miraflores, the “Urban Tour” goes through Miraflores and San Isidro, while the “Lima Side by Side Tour” is a full day of biking from Miraflores into the city center, through many different districts and finally returning to Miraflores via the Malecon and ocean cliffs.
-
The Hills of Lucumo. Pachacamac, Peru. ©Ibrehaut. Lomas de Lúcumo – Located in Pachacámac, Lomas de Lúcumo is a must-see day excursion from the city of Lima that is geared toward the nature lover and ecotourist. The best time to visit is between June and November, when as a result of the fog, the hills become covered in vegetation, creating a green oasis in Peru’s desert capitol. This is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to get in touch with nature while visiting Lima.
- Salsa Dancing – While in Lima, you may want to learn a new skill, so why not try salsa dancing? Every Saturday evening there is Salsa Al Parque in Parque Mariscal Castilla in Lince. Beginner classes from 5:00-6:00 PM, intermediate classes from 6:00-7:00 PM, and advanced classes from 7:00-8:00 PM. However, you may already know how to dance and want to experience the Lima nightlife. For the experience dancer, don’t miss out on a chance to visit La Casa de La Salsa in the district of La Victoria. This venue often has live music, and being off the beaten tourist track, it is where Lima’s best dancers will go for a night out. However, it is best to exercise caution in La Victoria, especially at night.
We’d like to hear from you. Have you tried any of these activities? Let us know about your experiences in our forum topic: Adventure Tourism in Peru.
