Top Recommended Escapes from Lima: Day excursions and Weekend Getaways
Lima, Peru's vibrant and varied city, serves as an excellent base for exploring central Peru at a leisurely pace, thanks to numerous day trips available from the city. Here, we delve into some unique and less-explored options beyond the common coastal escapes often highlighted in Lima guides.
One such hidden gem is the Caral Archaeological Site, a UNESCO-listed ruin believed to be the oldest civilization in the Americas. This full-day tour includes a guided visit to the pyramids and sunken amphitheaters, spectacular views over the Supe Valley, and lunch at a local restaurant. The tour typically includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco.
Another intriguing destination is the Marcahuasi Stone Forest, an off-road adventure from Lima that offers an exploration of mysterious stone formations. This tour can be customized to visitor interests and often includes breakfast and transportation.
For those seeking a blend of wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences, consider a day trip that combines the Ballestas Islands, known for their sea lions and birds, with sandboarding in the nearby desert of Huacachina. Huacachina, a tiny oasis town located near Ica, offers activities such as rollercoaster dune buggy rides, sandboarding, and visits to pisco vineyards.
Nature lovers can embark on a full-day trip exploring the stunning lake regions near Marcapomacocha. This trip offers scenic beauty beyond the usual coastal trips, providing a refreshing change of pace.
Pachacamac, an archaeological site 40km from Lima, features pre-Incan ruins, including at least 17 pyramids and other buildings and temples. Built for the god Pacha Kamaq, considered the creator god by the people who lived in this part of Peru before the Inca conquest, Pachacamac is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The Paracas National Reserve, located 3 hours by bus from Lima, is known for its incredible natural beauty. A boat ride around the Ballestas Islands, located near Paracas, offers a close experience with the wildlife.
We invite our readers to suggest day trips from Lima that are not mentioned in this list, as we continue to uncover the hidden gems of central Peru. Please note that some posts on this site contain affiliate links, and earnings are made through these links at no extra cost to the reader. For more information about our privacy policy, please visit our author's website.
[1] Caral Archaeological Site Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/lima-l15/caral-archaeological-site-tour-from-lima-l533/ [2] Marcahuasi Stone Forest Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Lima/Marcahuasi-Stone-Forest-Tour-from-Lima/d693-3770P1 [4] Day Trips from Lima: https://www.peru.travel/en/destinations/lima/day-trips-from-lima/
- Beyond the Caral Archaeological Site tour, another unique day trip from Lima is the exploration of the Marcahuasi Stone Forest, an off-road adventure that showcases mysterious stone formations and landscapes, often customized to visitor interests with breakfast and transportation included.
- For those passionate about both wildlife and culture, a suggested day trip from Lima is a combination of the Ballestas Islands, where one can see sea lions and birds, and sandboarding in the desert oasis of Huacachina, offering thrilling dune buggy rides, sandboarding, and visits to pisco vineyards.
