Lima Bike Tour: Explore the City Of Kings on Two Wheels
One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is by bike. You can cover a lot more ground on two wheels than on foot and discover countless hidden gems like back alleyways filled with gardens, off-the-beaten-path cafes, small neighborhood parks, fun art, and so much more. So when I was in Lima, Peru…
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One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is by bike. You can cover a lot more ground on two wheels than on foot and discover countless hidden gems like back alleyways filled with gardens, off-the-beaten-path cafes, small neighborhood parks, fun art, and so much more. So when I was in Lima, Peru before my mountain bike trip to the Andes, I signed up for a Lima bike tour with Bike Tours of Lima to get a taste of the massive city. And it did not disappoint!
We visited famous landmarks where I learned about Peru’s current events and past history, we pedaled along the stunning Miraflore’s Malecon, and we explored the quiet streets of Lima’s neighborhoods. It was – in my opinion – the best way to experience several different sides of Lima and learn about its history.
So if you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore the City of Kings, this guide details everything you need to know about my Lima biking experience and how to book yours.
Bike Tours Of Lima
There are only a few bike tour companies in Lima, but Bike Tours Of Lima is the most experienced and comprehensive. Before flying down to Peru, I emailed Franco to reserve a tour and he was very responsive and accommodating. Franco offers several different biking and walking tours around the city and is an exceptional and knowledgeable tour guide!
Depending on what your interests are, there is a tour for everyone:
Lima Bike Tour Options
1. Bohemian Tour
Tour duration: ~4 hours
The Bohemian Lima bike tour is centered around two of Lima’s main cultural neighborhoods: Miraflores and Barranco. Both areas are filled with interesting art, rich history, and diverse architecture. They’re the most ‘touristy’ neighborhoods, but also the most vibrant with street art, old mansions, a beautiful waterfront bike path, and tons of great restaurants and cafes.
Together, Miraflores and Barranco cover a large area, so a bike tour is a great way to fit in all the sights.
2. Urban Tour
Tour duration: ~3 hours
The Urban Lima bike tour covers two of Lima’s most significant neighborhoods: Miraflores and San Isidro. Learn about the history of each place and visit significant landmarks like the pre-Incan archeological site of Huaca Pucllana and see lots of preserved old colonial Spanish architecture.
3. Lima Side By Side
Tour duration: ~6-7 hours
If you want to see it all, the Lima Side By Side Tour is for you! This is the tour that I did, and I loved it. We covered over 20 miles and saw all the major landmarks of the city including the Government Plaza in downtown Lima, numerous parks and historic statues, old colonial architecture, and so much more.
A lot of this ride is on separated bike paths, however, you do need to be comfortable riding in busy traffic.
4. Lima From Coast To Coast
Tour duration: 5.5-6 hours
The Coast to Coast Tour is for those who want to escape the city and enjoy nature, views of the ocean, colonial architecture, and the stunning landscapes that surround Lima. Explore the artsy streets of the Barranco neighborhood then head to the Chorrillos area where you can experience the feel of an old fisherman village.
Much of this tour is on separated bike paths and quiet side streets.
Things to know before biking in Lima
Advanced reservations are required
Lima Bike Tours requires advanced bookings. You can request a tour online or by e-mailing [email protected]
You should be comfortable biking in city traffic
A lot of my Lima bike tour (the Side by Side tour) was on separated bike paths and quieter side roads, but some of the riding was also in busy traffic with cars and buses whizzing by. If you’re not super comfortable on a bike, especially in a city, you might want to choose one of the other tours that don’t go to the city center.
Try to book a tour on Sunday
One of the main arteries of Lima, Arequipa Avenue, is closed to traffic on Sundays, making Sundays are great day to explore by bike. And in general, the city is quieter on weekends, so if you can, try to book your tour then.
Lima Side By Side Bike Tour
I did the Lima Side By Side Tour because I wanted to see as much of the city as I could during my short visit. I would have loved to have done the Coast to Coast Tour as well if I had more time!
Tour Details
- Price: $55 per person
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Tour Includes: Bike tour leader, bicycle, helmet, locks, snack and water
- Not included: Lunch, tips for tour leader, entrance fees if you want to enter churches or museums
Tour Highlights
- Learn about Lima’s current events and past history spanning pre-Colombus times to today
- Visit downtown Lima and the historic Plaza de Gobierno
- See beautiful Spanish-era architecture, some with distinctive Moorish balconies
- Explore Lima’s numerous parks and green spaces
- Snap photos of some of Lima’s greatest landmarks such as the Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, the Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas, Miraflores waterfront, and more
- Pedal along the oceanfront Malecon in the Miraflores and San Isidro districts
My Bike Tour Route
Lima side by side bike tour photos
Here are a few highlights from my tour. Depending on which tour you choose, you may or may not visit these sites.
Would you consider doing a Lima bike tour? Which tour sounds the best to you? What questions do you still have? Let me know in the comments below!
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