As Peru’s capital city, Lima is also known as the largest city in the country, filled with the scenic beauty of the Chillón valleys. The city itself offers a variety of cultures, from its civilisation that went back millennia, museums that recorded their history, galleries and theatres. Lima is also famous for its culinary scene, as it’s widely known as the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas–the culinary culture there is a mix of African, European, Chinese, and Japanese. It also wouldn’t disappoint in terms of accommodations. From hotels to Airbnb vacation rentals, the options here are aplenty. But before you decide where to stay, know that the surrounding cities near Lima are also equally impressive and contribute to the excitement of your travels to Peru. Now, it’s time to sit back and be inspired by the best day trips from Lima, Peru.
1. Ica
The city that was greatly affected by an 8.0 magnitude earthquake in 2007 has now recovered and returning with exciting attractions and appearance for its visitors. Ica is surrounded by the desert that provides unique appeal, such as the Huacachina oasis that’s located in the middle of dunes and famous as a place to do sand sports, like sandboarding and sand buggy rides. There’s also a winery that you can visit near Ica, and see the process of creating wines and piscos at the warehouse, then have a little taste of their marvellous products.
Book Tours : From Lima: Full Day Ica & Huacachina
2. Caral
Visit the hidden Caral Pyramids at the Caral Supe, where you can see and learn more about one of the oldest civilisations in America, that even predates the ones in Egypt, China, and Mexico. Although it was once one of the least explored archaeological sites due to the difficulties to get there, the Caral Pyramids can now conveniently be visited by tourists. You can take a guided tour to this site and receive much information from the guide, who will be gladly sharing knowledge with you about their culture and history. It could be one of the most exciting trips that you can take during your travel to Lima, Peru.
Book Tours : Full-Day Private Caral Trip from Lima
3. Huanano Falls (Huarochiri)
Get your adventurous side going with a short trip to the Huanano Falls, or as the locals know it, Huarochiri. Located near Sierra de Lima, at the Rímac Valley, you will see the magnificent nature blending in several waterfalls into a powerful water area. If you feel exhausted and hot during the trek to this place, you can ease yourself at the shallow and quiet area of the waterfall, swimming or simply just playing around in the waters. There’s also a rappelling activity that you can do at the site if you’re interested to try.
4. Paracas
Paracas is a small coast town perfect for short getaways near Lima, Peru, as it is just around a three to four-hour drive away. Due to its location, Paracas has many beautiful beaches that you can visit and enjoy some good times under the sun. The town is home to the site of Ballestas Island, that’s also known as the Peruvian Galapagos. You can admire the diversity of biological entities there and also its beautiful scenery.
Drop by the Paracas National Reserve for another scenic view of the Paracas landscape, the contrast of the beach’s red sands and blue water is such a sight for sore eyes. Don’t forget to stop by Chincha, where you can visit a traditional vineyard and taste the best local wines of Peru.
Book Tours : Full Day Group Tour Paracas and Ica from Lima
5. Palomino Islands
Get closer to nature during your weekend trip from Lima, Peru, by going to the Palomino Islands which are located on the coast of Callao, Peru. Here you can swim and play around with the adorable and friendly sea lions, who will be very curious about the human guests who swim around the area near their watery playground.
Palomino Islands is an archipelago that consists of four small islands where you can find shipwrecks near the shallow water at “El Camotal” and also remains of an Alcatraz-like prison underwater.
6. Barranco and Chorrillos
Located near the Pachacamac Valley, Barranco and Chorrillos are two tourist districts that people can visit to relax after a long day exploring the archaeological site. Barranco is also known as the bohemian area of Peru with its range of restaurants, cafes, and lounges available for people to sit and unwind while enjoying local foods, accompanied by local wines. Whereas Chorrillos is a fisherman village around 15-minutes’ drive from Barranco, that has an interesting history and beautiful architecture around the area. Take a walking tour around the town and stop by to enjoy their local fish cuisines that are so fresh, you will ask for more.
7. Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands, located off the coast of Peru, is a beautiful natural paradise that promises an extraordinary experience for travelers. Often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” these islands are teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Embark on a boat tour and be amazed as you encounter abundant marine life, including playful sea lions, adorable penguins, and various seabirds like pelicans and cormorants. Marvel at the dramatic rock formations and arches that rise from the ocean, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The Ballestas Islands also have a rich ecosystem with vibrant flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for dolphins gracefully swimming alongside the boat.
8. Huacachina
Huacachina is a magical oasis that beckons travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity. Surrounded by towering dunes, this picturesque village offers great romantic trips from Lima and unique experiences in the heart of the arid landscape. The highlight of Huacachina is its stunning lagoon, a serene oasis amidst the vast desert. Take a peaceful boat ride or relax by the water, soaking in the breathtaking views.
For thrill-seekers, sandboarding and dune buggy rides are a must. Glide down the towering dunes, feeling the adrenaline rush as you conquer the slopes. Witness the mesmerizing sunset over the desert, painting the sky in many colours. Huacachina also offers a vibrant nightlife with lively bars and restaurants where you can indulge in local cuisine and sip on refreshing pisco sour.
9. Pachacamac Valley
If you’re a fan of the Tintin comic books, then the name of Pachacamac might sound familiar to you from one of the stories, where Tintin and his friends are visiting South America. As shown in the comic books, the name Pachacamac actually comes from the entity that was considered as the creator by the Peruvian people, before Inca’s civilisation. As the archaeologists discovered and explored the site, several buildings and burial sites were found. Nowadays the Pachacamac Valley is famous for cycling tours from Peru, with its stunning landscape panorama and old roads along farmlands, rivers, and other natural areas. There’s also a museum nearby where you can see many artefacts and items being exhibited.
10. Lunahuana
Peru is famous for its landscape that’s bicycle-friendly, and many tourists visit Lima and its surrounding cities to do a bike tour, including one to Lunahuana. Many of them experience exciting encounters with the locals when they cycle around Lunahuana. Moreover, they can also stop for a minute or two (or even more) to enjoy the sceneries. Of course, if you’re lucky you can visit some restaurants that serve local foods or even a local winery that provides fine Peruvian wine.
Book Tours : Lunahuana Full Day Bike Tour
11. Nazca Lines
Experience a once in a lifetime aerial tour to see the Nazca Lines in Nazca Desert, Peru. These are several “line drawings” that were etched on the sand dunes and can only be seen from a certain height. For the past 80 years, many archaeologists have visited the site to study these lines. However, until today these geoglyphs, that have been noted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still remain a mystery to many. There are three kinds of Nazca Lines; they are geometric designs, straight lines, and pictorial representations. The last one was probably the most popular among tourists and explorers since it represented a number of animals and plants species that people are familiar with, for example, monkey, llama, flower, and cactus. There’s also another form that’s quite recognisable for us: a human-like figure with a rounded head that goes with the nickname of “The Astronaut”.
Take a day trip around Lima and return with exciting memories to share
Many of the best day tours from Lima, Peru, are convenient to do, both as a travelling group or with family. You will absorb the culture that has been around for many centuries. You will also be in awe at how their heritage has mixed really well with the modern tradition of the locals.
Frequently asked questions about the best day trips from Lima, Peru
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