Every trip to Lima can become even more memorable with a few unforgettable excursions just outside the city.
Lykkers looking for diverse experiences—between ancient sites, desert oases, and mist-covered valleys—will find excellent options that blend adventure, heritage, and natural beauty.
Here's a practical and well-organized guide to four recommended day trips, complete with what to expect, how to get there, opening times, and ticket prices.
Pachacamac Archaeological Site
This ancient complex offers a journey through time. Built by several civilizations such as the Lima, Wari, and Inca, Pachacamac was a sacred city devoted to the creator deity of the same name. The site features temples, step pyramids, and ceremonial structures.
Location:
Situated about 40 km south of Lima, along the central coast of Peru.
How to Get There:
Public buses depart from the Javier Prado terminal towards Lurín (approx. 5 PEN / €1.30). Travel time is 1 to 1.5 hours. Taxis or private transfers are faster (about 45 minutes), costing around 50–70 PEN (€13–18).
What to See and Do:
Explore the remains of the Temple of the Sun and other monumental structures. Some tours include a show with Peruvian Paso horses, adding a unique cultural flair.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00).
Tickets:
Entry costs around 15 PEN (€3.80). Tours with hotel pickup start at 200 PEN (€50). Early morning visits are ideal to avoid the stronger midday heat.
Lachay National Reserve & Caral Ruins
Lachay is a green oasis that appears during the misty season (June to October). It's ideal for nature walks, wildlife spotting, and relaxing in a lush landscape surrounded by desert. Close by are the ruins of Caral—an ancient urban center dating back 5000 years.
Location:
Located about 105 km north of Lima, near the towns of Huacho and Chancay.
How to Get There:
Take a bus from Lima to Huacho or Chancay, then a taxi to reach the sites. Alternatively, full-day tours are available with pickup and guide services included.
What to See and Do:
Enjoy eco-trails in Lachay's fog forest, then visit the step pyramids and ceremonial spaces of Caral—considered among the oldest cities in the Americas.
Opening Hours:
- Lachay Reserve: 8:00 to 17:00
- Caral Ruins: Daily from 9:00 to 16:00
Tickets:
Entry to Caral is approximately 11 PEN (€2.80). Guided day trips from Lima cost around 600 PEN (€150).
Huacachina Oasis and Ica Dunes
Huacachina is a stunning desert lagoon surrounded by massive sand dunes. It's famous for high-energy adventures like sandboarding and dune buggy rides, but also offers a peaceful setting for scenic walks and desert photography.
Location:
Approximately 300 km south of Lima, near the city of Ica.
How to Get There:
Take a bus from Lima to Ica (4–5 hours, 60–80 PEN / €15–20). From Ica, a short 10-minute taxi ride (10–15 PEN / €2.50–4.00) leads to Huacachina.
What to See and Do:
Ride a dune buggy at high speeds or glide down slopes on a sandboard. Spend some time walking along the oasis or shopping for local crafts.
Opening Hours:
Tours typically start at 12:00 from Ica and last about 3.5 hours.
Tickets:
Excursion prices begin at 85 PEN (€20) per person.
Nasca Lines Scenic Flight
The Nasca Lines are a mysterious series of giant geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Shapes like a spider, monkey, and hummingbird are best viewed from the sky during a 30-minute scenic flight.
Location:
Found about 450 km southeast of Lima, in the desert region near the town of Nasca.
How to Get There:
Overnight buses leave from Lima's Javier Prado terminal (7–8 hours, 90–120 PEN / €23–31).
What to See and Do:
Take a small aircraft ride to witness the precision and vastness of these mysterious figures, known for their historical significance.
Opening Hours:
Flights run daily from 7:00 to 16:00. Booking ahead is strongly recommended for optimal weather windows. A valid ID is required.
Tickets:
Flight packages start at €120 per person.
Final Thoughts
From sacred ruins to natural wonders and desert thrills, the surroundings of Lima offer a variety of captivating experiences for every kind of traveler. Lykkers in search of adventure, heritage, or nature will find something exciting just a few hours away. Each excursion offers a new perspective on Peru's rich landscape—ready to discover and enjoy.
