Top 5 Lima Day Trips: Explore Peru’s Treasures
Lima, a sprawling place, it’s the Peruvian capital, is often that very starting point for people going on South American trips. You know, people might pass through it, not really realizing it’s also close to some neat spots that you could see in just one day. Instead of, you know, just sticking around Miraflores or Barranco, think about checking out some ancient ruins, seeing marine animals, or sliding down big sand dunes. So, come on, let’s see some awesome day trips from Lima that will show you way more of what Peru’s all about.
1. Pachacamac: Exploring Ancient Ruins so Close to Lima
Pachacamac, located roughly about an hour south of Lima, is that huge archaeological site just full of temples, pyramids, plus other old buildings from way back when, before the Incas. This was, seemingly, a really significant spot for many cultures for a good few centuries. As I was saying, you can go walk around these, kind of, desert ruins plus learn about people that used to be here. It has also got this great museum that has, like, a model of a very big site plus gives really awesome explanations, seemingly. It’s also, definitely, a cool place if you are interested in the pre-Columbian period and also want a taste of Peru’s very old times, that’s for sure. Read our full review: Pachacamac Ruins Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Pachacamac Ruins Tour)
2. Paracas and Islas Ballestas: Coastal Wonders with Wildlife
Paracas, approximately a three-hour drive south of Lima, that’s a charming coastal city and really close by, actually, are these Islas Ballestas, more or less. They, quite frankly, are called the “poor man’s Galapagos.” I mean, I tell you, there are heaps of marine life around these islands, really. Like, I mean, imagine boat trips where, actually, you just see lots of sea lions, those humboldt penguins, also, heaps of different kinds of birds just living on these rocky cliffs, that would be amazing. As I was saying, Paracas National Reserve also offers up awesome desert landscapes that end right by this water’s edge. Also, just seeing where these desert dunes join the Pacific, very beautiful and amazing, too. It’s almost a day packed with great landscape, wildlife, also that Pacific breeze! Read our full review: Paracas & Islas Ballestas Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Paracas & Islas Ballestas Tour)
3. Huacachina: Oasis Fun and Sand Dune Adventures, Sort Of
Huacachina, just beyond Paracas, maybe another hour’s drive, is basically like finding a desert oasis that feels surreal. That has that small lagoon, everything bordered by tall sand dunes, seemingly. You know, this place is really popular for sandboarding, so actually you could go zooming down those dunes on this board or jump inside a dune buggy for really bumpy but really fun rides. So, I would guess the contrast between like this water spot right in those massive dunes does make, actually, for something super memorable also those sunset views there? I think stunning doesn’t even begin to say what they really are. Read our full review: Huacachina Oasis Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Huacachina Oasis Tour)
4. Marcahuasi: A Mystical Stone Forest in the Andes Mountains
Marcahuasi, quite a bit further out (so more of an adventure!), just this spot high in these Andes is also known for big, very weird rock formations, maybe? It actually means going on hikes high in these mountains to get here. So, I have got to say that what’s cool actually about it is those unusual stones that almost, as a matter of fact, appear human-shaped or like animals but seemingly due to really ancient wind plus, like, this erosion. So you also hear a lot of stories and even myths around it, a little, making this hiking really very interesting. That also makes this journey feel mysterious because you get killer views that will knock off anyone’s socks on a clear day! Read our full review: Marcahuasi Stone Forest Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Marcahuasi Stone Forest Tour)
5. Lunahuaná: River Rafting and Wine Tasting Fun
Lunahuaná, at nearly about three hours southeast from Lima, it actually rests in this spot along these Cañete River; super fun to see, sort of. People actually head out to go river rafting with that landscape of valleys all around! That area happens to be recognized for its wineries producing pisco (this local brandy) plus actually all kinds of wines. Very, very cool because there, after this wild day on that water, one can kick back just by actually tasting locally grown stuff which happens quite differently from ruins! Read our full review: Lunahuana Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lunahuana Tour)
