Skip to content

Top Picks for Day and Weekend Getaways from Lima

Discovering the Heart of Peru: Lima serves as an ideal launching pad for adventures! Day excursions from Lima are perfect for escaping the urban hustle for a day or even a weekend getaway...

Top Picks for Day and Weekend Excursions from Lima
Top Picks for Day and Weekend Excursions from Lima

Top Picks for Day and Weekend Getaways from Lima

Exploring Beyond the Common Path: Unveiling Hidden Gems Around Lima, Peru

Lima, a vibrant and varied city located on the western coast of Peru, is not only known for its bustling streets and culinary delights but also serves as a gateway to numerous exciting destinations. Here are some lesser-known day trips and weekend excursions that offer a unique Peruvian experience.

Marcahuasi Plateau

Just a 3-4 hour drive from Lima, the surreal Marcahuasi Plateau, nestled in the Andes, presents an opportunity for hiking, camping, and marveling at its unique rock formations. Camping overnight enhances the experience, providing access to extraordinary landscapes and rock sculptures said to hold mystical significance.

Sandboarding Near Lima

For those who prefer a more active day-trip with less travel time, sandboarding is available on dunes outside the city. This offers a thrilling alternative to the full Huacachina excursion.

Paragliding over Costa Verde

For aerial views of Lima’s coastline, paragliding flights are available, providing a unique perspective over the Pacific Ocean and the city. These short flights last approximately 12 minutes.

Colca Canyon and Arequipa

Around a 15-hour bus trip or short flight, the “White City” of Arequipa and the dramatic Andean Condors at Colca Canyon are well worth a weekend. They offer hiking, cultural experiences, and thermal baths.

Huaraz and Cordillera Blanca

For trekking and mountain adventures, Huaraz is a hub for exploring Peru’s highest peaks and glacial lakes. This region requires more time but can be a rewarding weekend trip for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Titicaca (Puno)

This destination is farther afield but offers an unforgettable cultural experience with visits to the floating reed islands and traditional communities. It is generally better for a longer trip but can be planned over a weekend with careful planning.

Additional Highlights

  • The desert city of Ica, located 5 hours by bus from Lima, is a great place to explore. Its surrounding areas offer a chance to visit the Ballestas Islands, home to over 4,000 sea lions and various sea birds, and the archaeological site of Pachacamac, featuring at least 17 pyramids and other buildings and temples.
  • The sleepy town of Churin in Oyon Province, reachable by a 6-hour bus ride from Lima, offers waterfalls, thermal spas, lovely hikes, and a 12km biking route between Chiuchin and Huancasi. The sub-tropical forestation during the bus ride can be a sight for sore eyes after all that time in the desert.

Table of Contents

| Trip Option | Distance/Duration from Lima | Highlights | Notes | |-----------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Marcahuasi Plateau | ~3-4 hours drive | Hiking, rock formations, camping | Surreal rock environments | | Sandboarding nearby | <1-2 hours drive | Dune sandboarding | Closer alternative to Huacachina | | Paragliding Costa Verde| In Lima | Coastal aerial views | Short flights (~12 min) | | Colca Canyon & Arequipa| Flight or 15-hour bus | Deep canyon, condors, culture | Weekend trip recommended | | Huaraz, Cordillera Blanca | Flight + driving | Trekking, mountains, lakes | Best for adventure travelers | | Lake Titicaca (Puno) | Flight + multi-hour drive | Floating islands, indigenous culture| Requires several days |

These options add variety beyond the commonly recommended trips like Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina. Marcahuasi and sandboarding near Lima are especially interesting if you want shorter, less touristy excursions.

  1. The Marcahuasi Plateau, a surreal destination only a few hours from Lima, offers an exceptional opportunity to explore unique rock formations, go hiking, and even camp overnight, providing access to extraordinary landscapes and rock sculptures said to hold mystical significance.
  2. For those seeking a more active, less touristy day trip close to Lima, sandboarding on nearby dunes offers a thrilling alternative to the full Huacachina excursion.

Read also:

    Latest