Lima: Activities

• cycling

  Popular excursions from Lima include the 31km/19mi ride to Pachacamac, where there are several good local circuits open between April and December. Experts can also inquire about the circuit from Olleros to San Bartolo south of Lima. Dozens of bike shops are listed in Lima's yellow pages under 'Bicicletas'.

• gliding

  For paragliding off the clifftops of Lima contact Peru Fly (www.perufly.com). Tandem flights take off from the clifftop Parque Raimondi close to the company's office in Miraflores. Alternatively, intensive six-day courses are offered. Be sure to wave at the bemused coffee drinkers in the cliffside LarcoMar shopping mall as you glide past.

• swimming

  Despite plenty of newspaper warnings about pollution and health hazards, Limeños (Lima locals) hit the beaches in droves during the summer months of January, February and March. If you decide to join them, be aware of local thieves and don't leave anything unattended for a second.

• 10-pin bowling

  You can go tenpin bowling at Cosmic Bowling in the LarcoMar shopping mall - at night, the lanes are illuminated by 'cosmic' lighting. There's also tenpin bowling and pool at the more run-down, but equally riveting, Brunswick Bowl.

• surfing

  Playa Costa Verde in Miraflores is a favorite of local surfers and has good breaks year-round. Barranco's beaches have waves that are better for long boards. There are seven other beaches in Miraflores and four more in Barranco. Serious surfers can also try Playa la Herradura in Chorrillos, which has waves up to 5m/16ft high.

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