It’s no secret that Peru is an adventurer traveler’s dream, but even the most ambitious itineraries focus on Andean excursions or Amazonian experiences. Which means they ignore the country’s coastline- all 3,080 kilometers of it. This is a shame, because when you visit Peru, you’ll almost certainly be on the coast (specifically in Lima) to leave or enter the country. And while Lima is popular for very real and remarkable reasons, outdoor sports is not one of them.
But that’s not entirely fair. You can definitely have a memorable time outdoors in this city. It may be on a fantastically long surf break, at a pyramid built around the same time as those in Egypt, or in a unique ecosystem that feels worlds away from the desert. So here is the list of the best outdoor activities in Lima!
Outdoor Activities in Lima
Surf
Lima is one of the best places to learn to surf. That’s because the waves are long and easy to manage. If you already know how to surf, you can score a surfboard for S/ 25-35 an hour (roughly $7-10 USD). Just walk down from the malecón to the shore in Miraflores if you’re interested. You can ask for lessons there, too.
You’ll want a wetsuit. The Pacific is cold!
Bike
It’s easier and safer than ever to bike in Lima. You can rent a quality bicycle at Larcomar in Miraflores by the hour. In that time you can take the bike lanes towards the San Miguel neighborhood. This is an enjoyable, easy ride through parks and around tennis courts and soccer fields, with the ocean at your side the whole time.
There are also bike tours that include stops at local markets. You can book those at your hotel or online.
Short Hike- Lomas de Lachay & Lúcumo
The Lomas is a special ecosystem that is home to endemic vegetation and animals, and it’s made possible by the winter fog of Lima. With Lima being the 2nd-largest desert city on Earth, the Lomas are kind of an oasis.
The ones most developed for tourists (aka safest) are Lachay and Lúcumo. These are just outside of town, so plan a good half day around your visit. Lúcumo is closer, but Lachay is much bigger.
Paraglide
This is the most obvious outdoor activity, because the second you stroll around Miraflores you’ll spot paragliders taking off and swooping around the malecón like the condors in Colca. Gliders fly with a pilot, and it cost S/ 60 the last time I checked. You can literally walk up and glide, or reserve a spot for another day.
Archaeological Adventures!
The plethora of Peruvian archaeological sites tingles the imagination. You’ll see foreigners talking about local history and culture with the excited energy of an Indiana Jones (but with a guide and a smartphone). Even Lima has its pre-Incan pyramids, usually called Huacas.
Huaca Pucllana is popular and right in Miraflores. It’s also in the photo above! Other Huacas are less developed for tourists, and outside of touristy areas, possibly unsafe for visitors. Further out of town is the pre-Incan complex of Pachacamac, an ancient pilgrimage site.
Conclusion
Ok, I have to be honest. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of visiting Lima isn’t the outdoor activities, but the fabulous food scene. The ceviches, comida criolla, and fantastic fusion of gastronomies are tops. And in 2023, the city has the number 1 ranked restaurant in the world!
But if you explore Lima, you’ll find plenty of outdoor fun to be had. After all, the weather is nice year-round. There’s no rainy season, and the temperature is consistently between 60 and 80 F (or in Celsius, 16 and 26). So you can enjoy any of these activities at any time of the year.
Have you done any of these activities in Lima? If so, mention below! Otherwise, hope you make it there soon!
Brad, I enjoy going to Parque de las Leyendas. It’s an archeological site with a number of pre-Inca structures, but it’s also a botanical garden, zoo, and amusement park. Both interesting and fun. Saludos, Michael
That’s a good one, too! Thanks for mentioning it, Michael!