Looking for the best things to do in Lima with teenagers? Well, look no further.
You might have heard that Lima is a city of amazing world-class museums and first-class food, which is good for some teenagers, but not all.
Cultural experiences are not all there is to Lima.
Lima is also a wonderful coastal city with tons of active experiences that are perfect for teenagers. From paragliding to bike riding to street food tours, there are so many things for your teen to love in Lima.
We should know. We have traveled extensively with our own teenager, including a three-week trip to Peru that included Peru’s capital city of Lima.
So let us help you find the best things in Lima, Peru. Our focus is always on what is best for teenagers because as a small family of 3, we choose experiences with and for our own teenager.
We realized that many larger families are traveling with teenagers and smaller children so we also suggest kid-friendly things to do in Lima, Peru.No kids? Don’t leave! Our list focuses on adventurous and active things to do in the city. So if that sounds like you, read on. No awkward high school memories here, just pure fun.
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Our Top Two Things to Do in Lima with Teens
Book our favorite thing to do in Lima, a bike tour along the Pacific coast.
Your teen not the bike-riding type? Spend the day swimming with sea lions.
1. Take a Bike Tour
If you follow us, you know whenever we can, we explore a new city by bike. Lima was no exception.
Take a bike tour of the city and experience Lima’s vibrant neighborhoods up close. This is a great way to explore the city while getting some exercise.
You can rent a bike or take one of Lima’s best bike tours that takes you through various neighborhoods in Lima.
Our favorite bike tour has you cycling the coasts of Lima. The tour will take you through the neighborhood of Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos before a beautiful ride along the Pacific coast.
2. Visit the Sea Lions on Palomino Island
Take a boat tour of the Islas Palomino and see the adorable sea lions up close. These small islands off the coast of Lima are home to a large population of sea lions and other marine animals.
This tour literally has you swimming with the sea lions. The tour picks you up in the city and then transports you by speed boat to the island of Islas Guaneras. The island is teeming with wildlife including Humboldt penguins and, you guessed it, sea lions. Lots of sea lions.
After you are suited up in your loaner wetsuit, you can swim with your newfound friends, the sea lions. The animals are naturally curious and just as interested in you as you are in them. One might even tickle your toes.
There is no minimum age so this unique Lima experience to get up close to these playful creatures is for the entire family.
3. Go Paragliding
Does your teen want to feel the wind on their face while soaring in the sky? Well, now’s their chance!
One of our expert tips for traveling with teens is to add some adventure to your vacations and this is a can’t miss opportunity.
This tour allows you to hop on a Paratrike with an instructor and experience the thrill of flying.
A Paratrike is a light structure with 3 wheels and a motor, perfect for taking off with a paraglider.
You’ll take off from the beach and fly over some amazing spots, like the districts of Magdalena, San Isidro, and Miraflores on the Costa Verde. If you or your teenager has a Go-Pro, now is the time to get it out. You’ll love the breathtaking views!
The flight lasts around 10-12 minutes, and you’ll be flying at a height of 80-300m.
Oh, and don’t worry about your weight- as long as you’re under 240lb, you’re good to go!
And the best part? The minimum age is just 7 years old, so it’s perfect for the whole family.
4. Learn to Surf
If your teenager hasn’t tried surfing, Lima is a great place to learn. The nearby waves are becoming one of the hottest spots for water sports, so you won’t wanna miss out!
And don’t worry if you or your teenager is a beginner, Surf Peru has expert instructors to teach you everything you need to know. The lesson is divided into three parts, starting with some stretching to get you all warmed up. Then, they’ll cover the basics, like popping up, paddling, and finding your balance.
Finally, it will be time to hit the waves and show off what you’ve learned! But don’t worry the instructor will be there by your side.
The tour will provide all the gear you need, like wetsuits, wax, and surfboards, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. And since the tour likes to keep groups small, you’ll get personalized attention from your instructor.
The class is also open to kids starting at age 5 so for an active, adventurous family this can be a great experience.
Your teenager will be pretty proud that they caught their first wave on the Pacific Ocean in Lima!
5. Visit the Magic Water Circuit in the Parque de las Reserve
Your teenager will be amazed at the 13 interactive fountains that feature lights, music, and water shows at the Circuito Magico Del Agua. The water fountains are illuminated with colorful lights, creating an impressive visual display.
Many of the fountains are interactive. Teenagers, or anyone who wants to feel young again, can run and play through the water jets, making for a fun and refreshing experience.
Got a social media fan? The parque also has several water tunnels where visitors can walk and take amazing photos.
You can absolutely make this outing on your own without a tour. In fact, we took a public bus from our apartment in Miraflores using the directions on the website. The trip was easy.
If you prefer a tour, this option includes a full city tour with a professional guide, dinner at a local restaurant, and time at the park. The tour offers you hotel pick-up so you can just relax and enjoy.
Regardless of how you get to the Circuito Magico Del Agua, this is a wonderful experience with teens and one of the best kid-friendly experiences in Lima for larger families.
6. Go Sandboarding
Ready to feel the rush of adrenaline while sandboarding in Lima? In the nearby neighborhood of Punta Hermosa, your teenager can go sandboarding right by the Pacific Island.
After gearing up with boots, bindings, and a helmet, your teen will be all set to slide down the sand dunes for a few hours of pure fun. They can start small and then work their way up to the big ones!
While boarding, you and your teen can take a break to check out the stunning views of the dunes and the ocean. Plus, your guide will take pics and videos of you shredding so you can show off later.
And the best part? You can pick either a morning or afternoon tour that suits your schedule. Tour groups are kept small, allowing your guide to give you more personal attention.
The minimum age for this experience is 8 years-old so this is a great experience for teenagers, tweens, and upper elementary-aged kids.
7. Learn to Cook Peruvian Dishes
Is your teenager a budding chef?
If you want to treat your teenagers to a unique and educational experience, then you should definitely book this culinary adventure!
Led by a professional chef, your teenagers will learn how to make classic Peruvian dishes, such as lomo saltado with French fries, causa limeña, a cold-layered dish of seasoned mashed potato and other fillings, and chicha morada, a corn-based non-alcoholic beverage.
To add to the educational experience, your teen will learn to use traditional pots and techniques.
The best part is they’ll get to enjoy the lunch or dinner they helped create!
With a maximum of 8 people, your teens will get personalized attention and learn as they go. Plus, they’ll get to take home the recipes and show off their newfound culinary skills to their friends and family. Oh, and don’t forget about the opportunity to take unique photos and videos!
8. Catch Some Peruvian Fútbol
Is your teenager a sports fan? Take them to a soccer game at the iconic Estadio Nacional and experience the passion of Peruvian football.
This stadium has a capacity of over 40,000 people and is home to the Peru national football team. You can experience the excitement of a live match and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture.
9. Explore the Barranco
Barranco is a must-visit neighborhood in Lima, Peru, that offers a unique and trendy atmosphere that is perfect for teenagers.
This bohemian neighborhood is known for its colorful streets, eclectic art scene, and vibrant nightlife. It is an ideal place to explore and discover the local culture and history of Peru.
The streets of Barranco are lined with vibrant murals, art galleries, and trendy cafes, making it an ideal spot to take in the local art scene. The area also boasts some of the best restaurants in Lima, serving up delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Barranco is also home to the famous Bridge of Sighs, a popular tourist attraction, and the Pedro de Osma Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Peruvian art from the colonial and republican periods.
The neighborhood comes alive at night, with plenty of restaurants and live music venues for teens to enjoy.
The Barranco is a perfect place for a day of exploration, fun, and culture that your teenager will love.
10. Explore the Temple of Pachacamac
If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience to share with your teenager while in Lima, you definitely don’t want to miss the Temple of Pachacamac tour!
This half-day tour tops the list of things to do near Lima. The tour takes you on a journey through the ancient history of the Inca and pre-Inca people, exploring the remarkable religious compound of the Pachacamac Temple with a knowledgeable guide.
On this comprehensive guided tour, you’ll discover the intriguing history and origin of the temple, admire the architectural precision of the buildings, and gaze at the majestic pyramids dedicated to the sun and the moon.
Your expert guide will also share fascinating insights into the customs and beliefs of the prehistoric Inca civilization, making for an unforgettable learning experience.
All admission fees and roundtrip hotel transportation are included, so you can sit back, relax, and fully immerse yourself in this captivating adventure!
11. Explore Lima Catacombs by Night
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating experience to share with your teenagers in Lima, try the Lima by Night & Catacombs tour.
This tour offers a great mix of learning about the local culture and history of the city, while still being fun and exciting. Plus, the historic center has been listed by UNESCO, so you know it’s a must-see destination.
But that’s not all – you’ll also get to visit the mysterious catacombs located underneath the San Francisco Church. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting impression on you and your teenagers.
The tour offers pickup from your hotel and your expert guide will make sure you have a ride back safely.
So, are you ready to discover the secrets of Lima by night and explore the fascinating catacombs? Book now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
12. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is a must-visit destination in Lima that offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient Peruvian history with your teenager.
These ancient ruins predate Machu Picchu and are so convenient to access.
Located in the heart of the Miraflores district, this 1500-year-old adobe and clay pyramid was built by the pre-Inca civilization known as the Lima culture.
Your teenager will be fascinated by the history and architecture of this ancient structure, which was used as a ceremonial center and administrative hub.
At the site, you can get a guided tour of Huaca Pucllana, which provides in-depth insight into the culture, lifestyle, and religious beliefs of the Lima people. You can also explore the site on your own.
Regardless of how you experience the site, you and your teenager will be able to witness the ongoing excavation process and learn about the various artifacts that have been uncovered.
The site is especially breathtaking during sunset, with the light casting a warm glow on the ancient ruins.
Taking your teenager to Huaca Pucllana is an excellent way to connect with Peruvian history and culture while making unforgettable memories together.
13. Take the Lima City Tour
You can experience #12 and so many of the other must see stops by taking the Lima City Tour.
Lima City Tour is the best reviewed hop on/hop off bus in all of Lima. So if you are looking to give you and your teens feet a break while still seeing the city, then this is an excellent tour.
The bright yellow double decker bus has commentary in both English and Spainish so you can learn about the history as your travel the city.
We know that some people shy away from these Hop on and Hop off busesbecause they are so obviously touristy. We don’t. We say if the “shoe fits” then ride it all around to the must-see stops in Lima.
FAQ: Things to Do in Lima With Teenagers
What is Lima, Peru best known for?
Lima is known as the gastronomy capital of South America.
But Lima is much more than just great food. The city is rich with cultural sites like Huaca Pucllana and the beautiful Plaza de Armas.
As a coastal city, there are also lots of active things to do like surf, paraglide, and bike along the coast.
Is there more to do in Lima or Cusco?
Lima has much more to do in terms of cultural sites and museums, number of restaurants, and active experiences.
Cusco, on the other hand, is thought to be the home of Incan civilization. The route to Machu Picchu starts in Cusco.
What month is the best time to visit Lima?
The high season is May-September in Lima. So the best time to come is the shoulder season of mid-September-November and April-early May to get the best of the weather and the least of the crowds.
Where do most tourists stay in Lima?
Most tourists choose Miraflores as the best place to stay in Lima. If you are looking for a more lively neighborhood with great nightlife and cafes, choose Barranco. For those most interested in sightseeing, stay in the historic center.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Lima With Teenagers
Lima has a lot to offer for teenagers beyond just museums and food.
The city is an ideal destination for adventurous and active experiences, ranging from paragliding to street food tours.
With our extensive travel experience with teenagers, we have put Peru as our favorite South American country to experience with teens.
We hope we helped you figure out the best things to do in Lima with teens. If you are still debating, our favorites are definitely exploring Lima by bike and swimming with sea lions.
Even if you are not traveling with teenagers, our list caters to those looking for exciting and memorable experiences in the city. Our focus is on providing the best recommendations that will make your trip to Lima unforgettable.
Lima has something for everyone, and we can’t wait to help you discover the best of it!
