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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…

Want to explore Lima, Peru on two wheels? Check out my Lima bike tour experience including sites we visited, what to expect, and more.

There’s a good chance that affiliate links are scattered throughout this post. If you click on one I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you and I’ll definitely be using it to buy bike gear.

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.

Lima Bike Tour guide riding down bike lane in the city of Lima Peru

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 Bike Tour Map // Want to explore Lima, Peru on two wheels? Check out my Lima bike tour experience including sites we visited, what to expect, and more.
This is the route that I did on my Side By Side tour. Your route may differ depending on time and interests

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.

The Museo Covento San Francisco in Lima, Peru
Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbasyou can visit the catacombs underneath the church
The Plaza de Armas main square in downtown Lima Peru
Plaza de Armas – the main square in downtown Lima
Colonial and Moorish-style architecture on a yelow building in Peru
Colonial and Moorish-style architecture
View of Lima's waterfront cliffs with highway and skyscrapers
Views of Lima
Olive trees planted by the Spanish in Lima Peru several hundred years ago
Olive trees planted and left by the Spanish several hundred years ago
Lima Bike Tour guide riding bicycle down street lined with colorful buildings and old VW bug in Lima Peru
Colonial-style architecture in Barranco
Empty pedestrian walkway between old colonial buildings in Lima Peru
Palacio de Gobierno on the right (Government Palace aka the Presidents house)
Miraflores Malecon // Want to explore Lima, Peru on two wheels? Check out my Lima bike tour experience including sites we visited, what to expect, and more.
The Miraflores Malecon

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!

Want to explore Lima, Peru on two wheels? Check out my Lima bike tour experience including sites we visited, what to expect, and more.
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