10 Best Food Tours of Lima

The city of Lima is undoubtedly the epicenter of Peruvian gastronomy. Here are the best tours that you can take in the city.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

11 min read

10 Best Food Tours of Lima

Food in Lima | ©Tetsuo MIYAMA

Considered one of the culinary capitals of Latin America, Lima offers a wide variety of flavors and experiences that will delight your senses. From its famous fresh ceviche to delicious anticuchos and succulent fusion dishes, Peruvian gastronomy is as diverse as the country itself.

Among the best things to see and do in Lima, gastronomic tours are something I recommend you not to miss. You will be able to explore the vibrant local markets, where colors and aromas blend into a fascinating spectacle. In addition, you can visit renowned restaurants and taste exquisite dishes prepared by talented Peruvian chefs, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the ingredients and traditional techniques of Peruvian cuisine for a unique experience.

1. Tour the best of Peruvian cuisine

In a Cafeteria in Barranco| ©Jordan and Skyler McDon
In a Cafeteria in Barranco| ©Jordan and Skyler McDon

This tour will take you through the beautiful neighborhood of Barranco, one of the most interesting places in the city. You will have the opportunity to explore its artistic and bohemian atmosphere while enjoying more than 15 tastings of gastronomic delights of Peruvian cuisine.

The tour starts at the colonial plaza San Francisco de Barranco. From there, you will be taken to taste exquisite organic chocolates from different regions of Peru, while you put your taste buds to the test. Afterwards, you will go to a small café in the local market to enjoy a tasting of organic coffee and lucuma juice. You will see the wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices used in Peruvian cuisine.

The tour continues in the kitchen of Juanito Barranco, the most emblematic restaurant in the neighborhood. Here you will see how the famous Peruvian lomo saltado is prepared and, with the help of an expert local bartender, you will learn how to make the most famous Peruvian cocktail: the pisco sour. The tour ends at Plaza Barranco, where you can enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream made with classic fruits of the region.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 82 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will be taken aboard a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the tour has all meals and drinks included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for people with wheelchairs or reduced mobility.

Reserve your place on a gastronomic walking tour of Lima

2. Learn about the wine industry in Lima

Lima Wine| ©Steven Damron
Lima Wine| ©Steven Damron

This is a walking tour of Lima's oldest wine district, guided by a professional guide. You will discover the rich history of wine and pisco, while learning about the region's current wine industry and enjoying the best local wine varieties.

You will taste Peruvian wine, and enjoy a delicious pisco tasting. And not only will you enjoy an exceptional culinary and wine experience, but you will also be contributing to a noble cause, as the profits generated by this tour go to social projects to improve the quality of life of indigenous communities.

And if you are interested in exploring the surroundings of Lima, in search of other flavors, textures and colors, I recommend you sign up for one of the many day tours from Lima, you will be fascinated.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 35 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transportation: you will be taken aboard a private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: includes pick up and return to your place of accommodation.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the activity is limited for people with heart conditions or pregnant women.

Take a full day tour from Lima

3. Tour the marine colors and flavors of Lima

Tasting the food of Lima| ©www.thousandflavors.com
Tasting the food of Lima| ©www.thousandflavors.com

This fascinating 4-hour walking tour will take you through the beautiful and colorful mansions and churches of Barranco, while enjoying a pleasant stroll along the cliffs. During the tour, you will hear the fascinating history of Barranco and have the opportunity to sample some delicious snacks as you walk.

The adventure begins at "Agua Dulce" beach, one of the locals' favorite swimming spots. You can enjoy a refreshing dip at leisure, and admire the monuments that tell the history of the district and the city. You will then be driven to the artisanal fish market of Chorrillos, where you can sample the variety of local marine species. You will have the opportunity to walk along the pier, where you can enjoy breathtaking views.

You will also visit the colorful "Mercado Paradita", where you will delight your palate with the most exotic fruits from the different natural regions of Peru. It is an experience full of flavors and colors. At the local market in Jorge Chavez, you will savor authentic Peruvian street food from the Andean and Amazonian regions.

Finally, you will arrive in the cultural and bohemian district of Barranco, where you can appreciate its art scene. Walk along the famous "Bajada de los Baños" and cross the romantic "Puente de los suspiros" (Bridge of Sighs). The art galleries throughout the neighborhood make Barranco a unique place. This is also a perfect place to have a delicious Pisco Sour and end the tour with a party.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 54 euros per participant.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transportation: you will be driven aboard a private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: it is done in small groups.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not available in the afternoon.

4. Taste Peruvian street food

Ceviche| ©Kevin Tocas
Ceviche| ©Kevin Tocas

This gastronomic itinerary will immerse you in the vibrant local market scene, where you can explore the wide variety of fresh ingredients and authentic flavors that Peru has to offer, feeling like a local.

Upon arrival at each market, you will be greeted by the bustle and energy of the vendors, who will guide you through their street stalls filled with delicacies. You will sample a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, ranging from fresh ceviche to deliciously marinated anticuchos.

The tour is designed so that you can try a little bit of everything, making sure to satisfy your appetite and discover new flavors at each location. From spicy to sweet flavors, this culinary tour will take you on a sensory journey through Peruvian cuisine on the streets of Lima.

This is an experience that you can also do on your own by joining activities such as Lima's best hop on-hop off tour buses, as they give you the opportunity to tour the city at your own pace and sample different gastronomic options while exploring the most iconic monuments of Peru's capital.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 50 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in total.
  • Means of transportation: You will be driven in a private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: includes pick up and return to your accommodation.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for people with wheelchairs or reduced mobility.

Tour Lima in a tourist bus with free stops

5. Peruvian cooking class and pisco sour

Pisco Sour| ©Suedehead
Pisco Sour| ©Suedehead

This tour begins by exploring a typical Lima market. There you will marvel at the abundance of fresh and colorful products that Peru has to offer. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover the diversity of ingredients and learn some interesting facts about them.

You will then be taken to a restaurant, where you will witness an exciting live cooking demonstration. You will learn how to prepare one of Peru's most emblematic dishes: ceviche, and the national drink: Pisco Sour. Following the chef's instructions, you will immerse yourself in the art of creating a fresh and balanced ceviche, combining lemon, chili, onion and cilantro with marinated fish.

After the class, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy an authentic Peruvian lunch. In addition to ceviche, you will be able to taste a wide variety of traditional dishes that represent the diversity and identity of Peruvian cuisine. From the tasty aji de gallina to the comforting lomo saltado, every bite will transport you to a world of unique flavors.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 124 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transportation: you will be taken aboard a private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: offers pick-up at selected hotels.
  • Disadvantages of this option: if you want additional food or drinks you pay extra, and there are no vegetarian options.

6. Live a gourmet experience in Lima

Huaca Pucllana Restaurant| ©Steven Damron
Huaca Pucllana Restaurant| ©Steven Damron

This gourmet tour of Lima will take you to discover the best of the city at night. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that includes cocktails at an elegant waterfront bar, a gourmet dinner at a restaurant located in a 2500 year old archaeological complex, and a charming stroll through the bohemian district of Barranco.

The first stop is at a restaurant and lounge located on the waterfront. Here, an expert bartender will share with you the secrets to prepare the perfect pisco sour. After enjoying an hour with the best views of the sea, you will be driven to Huaca Pucllana, a prestigious restaurant located in the archaeological complex of the same name, which dates back to 500 A.D.

Then you will visit the vibrant neighborhood of Barranco. In a colorful local house, you will learn about Peruvian cuisine from an expert chef, ending with a delicious dessert tasting. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant stroll through Barranco, visiting emblematic places such as the Bridge of Sighs and the main square, while the moonlight illuminates the way.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 145 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 5 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will be driven in a private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: all expenses are included, no exceptions.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is only done in the afternoon, there are no other schedule options.

7. Chocolate workshop at the Miraflores ChocoMuseum

Chocolates from the Museum| ©roland luistro
Chocolates from the Museum| ©roland luistro

This is a delicious and educational experience at Lima's iconic ChocoMuseo, where you can immerse yourself in Peru's thriving cocoa industry. During this 2-hour workshop, you will discover every step of the process of making this ancient delicacy.

You will be greeted by expert chocolatiers, who will guide you through the fascinating stages of chocolate creation, including roasting the beans, shelling, grinding and refining in the mixer. You will learn a lot of information about cocoa, its different varieties and its importance in creating unique flavors.

Once you have acquired knowledge about the process, the most exciting moment will come: creating your own chocolate. You will have at your disposal a variety of ingredients to choose from and customize your delicious homemade dessert. You will be able to experiment with different flavors and textures, producing a unique chocolate that reflects your preferences and creativity.

During the workshop, you will also have the opportunity to taste a selection of chocolate drinks, to further expand your sensory experience and appreciate the versatility of this wonderful product. Thanks to the short duration of the workshop, this activity is perfect if you are in Lima for 2 days, and yet you want to live a local gastronomic experience.

Details of interest

  • Price: from $25 per person.
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours in total.
  • Means of transportation: not included in the tour, but the site is accessible by public transportation.
  • Advantages of this option: you can freely taste and eat the chocolate you prepare.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this experience is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

8. Museum night and dinner

Larco Museum| ©David Stanley
Larco Museum| ©David Stanley

This is a unique cultural experience, which includes a 3-hour night tour of the impressive Larco Museum, where you can explore the fascinating collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and enjoy a delicious dinner.

On the guided tour of the museum you will have the opportunity to admire a variety of artifacts from ancient Peruvian cultures, such as the Chimu, Chancay and Nazca. Your expert guide will take you through the different rooms, sharing knowledge and revealing some secrets, allowing you to better understand the history and art of Peru.

After the tour, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at the museum's restaurant, overlooking its beautiful gardens. Here you will savor an authentic Peruvian culinary experience, with dishes inspired by regional specialties. You will be treated to a glass of pisco sour, the traditional drink of Peruvian culture.

This experience at the Larco Museum is perfect for those who wish to combine cultural knowledge with a delicious dinner in a unique setting. This activity can be done all year round, but it is truly one of the things to do in Lima in summer, as the warm weather makes the setting of the museum's restaurant even more enchanting.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 120 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transportation: you will be driven aboard a comfortable private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: includes pick up and return to your place of accommodation.
  • Disadvantages of this option: a limited amount of drinks is included.

9. Tour Lima's Vegan Options

Vegan Ceviche| ©The Foodies' Kitchen
Vegan Ceviche| ©The Foodies' Kitchen

If you are a vegan food lover and are looking to explore Lima's gastronomy, this tour is ideal for you. Proving that veganism doesn't have to exclude the country's popular flavors and dishes, this tour will take you to eight restaurants, where you can sample a total of 14 authentic Peruvian-vegan dishes.

For half a day, you will live a vegan culinary adventure. From fishless ceviche to quinoa dishes and more, each stop will surprise you with delicious vegan options that will delight your palate. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and places of interest along the way. Your guide will provide you with interesting information about the local community and culture, offering you a complete and enriching experience.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 109 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will be driven in a comfortable private minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: suitable for all kinds of people without restrictions.
  • Disadvantages of this option: does not include pick up and return to the place of accommodation.

10. Take a Peruvian cooking class with a visit to the local market

Peruvian Market| ©Art
Peruvian Market| ©Art

During this tour, you will be taken by a professional chef and tour guide to the local market, located in the Surquillo district. There, you will learn about the various Peruvian products, such as spices and local vegetables. The exciting thing is that you will also have the opportunity to buy the necessary ingredients for the Peruvian dishes you will cook later on.

Then, you will go to a kitchen located in the vicinity of the market. There you will learn all the secrets of Peruvian cuisine, and you will start preparing all the fresh ingredients to make the traditional dishes, under the expert guidance of the chef.

You will use ceramic pots, following the ancestral tradition of the country, to maintain the natural flavor of the dishes. During the experience, you will enjoy a variety of culinary delights, including appetizers, a fruit festival, a starter and a main course. This is a unique opportunity to learn about Peruvian cuisine, taste fresh and authentic ingredients, and discover the secrets of the most native flavors.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 59 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will be driven in a private vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: the experience is done in small groups, so it is almost private.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the menu is not adapted to people with vegan, vegetarian or celiac diets.