Lima: Barranco Food Tour with Ceviche Demo & 14 Tastings

Summary

Peruvian flavors, Barranco art, ceviche making and street strolls

You’ll wander Barranco’s colorful streets with a local guide, tasting up to 14 Peruvian dishes and drinks—from fresh ceviche to homemade ice cream. Watch classic recipes come together in live demos, chat with friendly hosts, and soak up Lima’s creative energy as you go. It’s lively and relaxed all at once—you might find yourself wishing you could stay longer.

What’s the experience like?

We met right by the Mirador Saénz Peña—there was this old man selling tiny bags of cancha on the corner, and our guide Lucía waved at him like they’d known each other forever. She handed us each a little snack before we even started. That set the tone: nothing rushed, just people who actually live here showing you what they love. The air smelled faintly salty from the sea, but then someone nearby was frying something garlicky and I got distracted—already hungry.

I lost count of how many things we tasted (the tour says up to 14, and I believe it), but the ceviche demo stuck with me most. The chef squeezed limes with these quick flicks of his wrist—he said if you let it sit too long it “cooks” too much. I tried repeating his Spanish (“el secreto está en el limón”) but probably butchered it; Lucía laughed and corrected me gently. There was this moment when the chili hit my tongue—not burn-your-mouth hot, just enough to wake you up—and I realized I’d never had anything quite like it.

Barranco itself is a whole mood—murals everywhere, stray dogs napping under bougainvillea, couples taking selfies on Puente de los Suspiros. We ducked into a tiny gallery for five minutes (I could’ve stayed longer honestly) and then ended up at an ice cream shop where the flavors were all fruits I’d never heard of before. Lucía insisted we try lucuma—I still can’t describe that taste exactly, but sometimes I think about it when I’m back home staring at my boring grocery store freezer section.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Barranco food and cultural tour

• Meet at Mirador Saénz Peña
• Visit restaurants for Peruvian flavors
• Watch ceviche and lomo saltado demos
• See pisco sour preparation
• Walk around Barranco sights
• Stop at local artist’s gallery
• Enjoy artisanal Peruvian fruit ice cream

Top questions

How long is the Lima Barranco food tour?

The food tour lasts about 4 hours in total.

Where does the Lima food tour start?

The meeting point is in front of Mirador Saénz Peña near Casa República hotel in Barranco.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Vegetarian and vegan options are limited; Peru doesn’t widely use tofu or lentils in traditional dishes.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, pickup isn’t included for group tours. Private tours with transportation can be arranged via Exquisito Perú’s website.

How many tastings are included on the tour?

You’ll sample up to 14 different Peruvian dishes, fruits, or drinks during the walk.

Does the tour include alcoholic beverages?

Yes, alcoholic beverages like pisco sour are included in the tastings.

Is this Lima food tour suitable for kids?

Yes; infants can join in a stroller or pram and must sit on an adult’s lap if needed.

If I have nut allergies can I join?

No; due to possible cross-contamination with nuts in some foods, those with severe nut allergies should not book this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings (up to 14!), live cooking demonstrations for ceviche and lomo saltado, pisco sour preparation, snacks along the way plus brunch or lunch depending on timing—and a sweet finish with artisanal Peruvian fruit ice cream. Alcoholic beverages are also part of the experience; just meet your guide at Mirador Saénz Peña to start exploring Barranco on foot together.