If you’re looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of Lima city and explore the raw beauty of nature, this guide has got you covered. Lima is home to some of the most breathtaking day trips that will leave you spellbound.
Looking for day trips from Lima?
Check out the best day trips for great outdoors experiences and adventures outside of the city.
Best day trips from Lima:
1. Marcahuasi: trek to the mystical plateau
2. Swimming with sea lions at Palomino islands
3. Ballestas island + dune buggy and sandboarding Huacachina
4. Sandboarding in Punta Hermosa
5. Lomas de Lachay hike
As a Peruvian and avid traveler, I have always been drawn to exploring the natural beauty of my country, including the often overlooked outdoor experiences in and around Lima.
Despite the misconception that the Lima lacks access to nature, I know firsthand that there are incredible day trips just waiting to be discovered. However, getting there can be a challenge without proper planning and transportation. That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best tours that allow you to easily explore the breathtaking landscapes and adventures waiting just outside the city.
Here are some of my top recommended day trips from Lima.
1. Marcahuasi: A Day Trip to the Mystical Plateau
Marcahuasi, is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been to Peru. If you’re looking for an outdoor, off-the-beaten-path day trip from Lima, this is the best choice.
First, I should warn you, getting to Marcahuasi is no walk in the park. At 4000 meters (~13000 feet) altitude, you will probably feel the effects of the altitude. Make sure bring an altitude sickness pill with you, just in case. Once you arrive at the town at the bottom of the mountain, you’ll need to hike your way up to the top. But trust me, it’s worth every step.
The views from Marcahuasi are simply otherworldly. Standing at the top of the mountain, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. You will be surrounded by clouds and mountains as far as the eye can see.
But what makes this destination truly special are the mysterious carvings and statues scattered throughout the plateau. Many believe that these carvings were created by an ancient civilization that once inhabited the area, while others claim they are the work of extraterrestrial beings.
So go ahead, put on your hiking shoes, pack some snacks and water, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. And remember that you will be at a high altitude, so dress in layers.
As someone who has experienced the beauty of Marcahuasi firsthand twice, I can’t recommend this day trip enough. It’s the kind of experience that will stick with you for a lifetime, and the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Lima for a day.
How to get to Marcahuasi
To get to Marcahuasi you first have to get to San Pedro de Casta, which is a 3-hour drive away from Lima center.
If you just want to go for a day trip from Lima, the best is to take a tour to Marcahuasi. It’s the easiest and most straightforward way, with a lot of trek involved and enough time to appreciate the nature.
Going by public transport is possible, though it’s not easy. Still, some people will choose to go camping, so if this is what you want this will be your only option. First you need take a bus to Chosica. You can take one at Javier Prado Ave. Then, ask for the stop (paradero) of the micro (van) that goes to San Pedro de Casta. You will need to wait until that micro gets full, so the whole journey can take you more than 4 hours. If you go camping, take A LOT of layers. It’s extremely cold at night. I love Marcahuasi but it’s so cold at night that I would not go camping again.
Book a tour to Marcahuasi here.
2. Swimming with sea lions at the Palomino islands
Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Imagine swimming in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounded by playful and curious sea lions.
This dream can become a reality with a tour to Islas Palomino, just off the coast of Lima. It’s one of Lima’s bucket list items for people that are looking for something fun and slightly off the beaten track.
To way to experience this is to book a tour to the Palomino islands. The tour departs from El Callao, from where you will board a speedboat to the islands.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of seabirds such as the Peruvian booby, the Guanay cormorant, and the Inca tern. You may even be lucky enough to see dolphins.
But the highlight will be the sea lions. As you approach, the curious creatures will come out to greet you and may even swim alongside you! Don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer, you will be wearing a life vest.
If you don’t feel comfortable in the water, you can still enjoy the experience from the boat. From the boat, you can watch the sea lions sunbathe on the rocks, play in the water, and swim alongside the boat.
Keep in mind that the sea lions are wild animals, so it’s important to follow the rules and guidelines set by the tour guides to ensure both your safety and the safety of the sea lions. It’s also important to respect their space and not disturb their natural behavior.
The best time to visit Lima and swim with the sea lions is during the summer (mid December to mid March), as the water will be a little bit warmer. But it’s possible to enjoy this experience any time of the year.
Don’t miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with these playful creatures at Islas Palomino! It’s one of the best day trips from Lima and one of the highlights of many travelers in their trip to Peru.
Book a tour to the Palomino islands here.
3. Ballestas Islands and Huacachina: An Adventure Packed Itinerary
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed day trip from Lima, then look no further. This tour to Ballestas and Huacachina takes you on a journey to experience some of Peru’s most beautiful natural wonders, and a thrilling sandboarding experience.
First on the itinerary is a visit to the Ballestas Islands, known as “mini Galapagos” due to its rich wildlife.
From Lima, you’ll head to Paracas, a 3-hour drive away. Paracas is a small coastal town where you’ll board a speedboat and head to the islands. On the way to the islands, you will also see a centuries-old large and mysterious geoglyph in the form of a chandelier etched into the sand dunes.
At the islands, from the boat, you’ll see a variety of seabirds such as pelicans, boobies, and cormorants, as well as the famous Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and maybe even dolphins.
After the island tour, you’ll continue on to discover Huacachina, a small oasis located in the middle of the desert. Here, you’ll hop on a dune buggy and speed through the vast desert landscape, with the driver expertly navigating up and down the sand dunes. It’s a thrilling experience which feels like being on a rollercoaster. After the buggy ride, it’s time to try sandboarding down the dunes. It’s an adrenaline-pumping activity that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
The tour departs early in the morning and returns to Lima around midnight. If you have enough time and would like to split this tour over two days, take a 2-day tour to Ballestas and Huacachina.
For sure, this is one of the best day trips from Lima and it’s probably the most popular choice of travelers looking for a day way from the city.
Book a tour to Ballestas and Huacachina here.
4. Sandboarding at Punta Hermosa
While Huacachina might be the most popular destination for sandboarding in Peru, Punta Hermosa offers an an equally great alternative. It’s a much shorter journey to get there! For the best experience, I recommend booking this sandboarding in Punta Hermosa tour. It’s highly-rated and it’s the perfect choice if you don’t have much time since it’s just a half-day trip.
Located just 45 minutes south of Lima, Punta Hermosa is a popular beach town known for its world-class surfing waves. But it’s also home to massive sand dunes that offer a thrilling sandboarding experience.
You’ll start your journey in Lima, and after a short ride, you’ll arrive in Punta Hermosa. From there, you’ll head to the sand dunes with your instructor and receive all the necessary equipment. This includes boots, bindings and a helmet, which not all tours offer.
The sandboarding experience in Punta Hermosa is suitable for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced boarder, you’ll have a great time.
For four hours you will be going up and down the dunes, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the sandboarding and the beautiful scenery. You’ll start by sandboarding the smaller duner and then work your way up to the bigger ones. While you are having fun, your guide will be taking pictures and videos of you to share with you later.
Si if you’re looking for an adventure-packed day trip from Lima, I highly recommend sandboarding in Punta Hermosa. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of Peru’s coastal landscapes, and it’s an activity that you won’t soon forget.
Book a sandboarding in Punta Hermosa tour here.
5. Lomas de Lachay hike
Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind natural experience? Look no further than Lomas de Lachay, a unique ecological reserve a 3-hour drive from Lima city.
As you might have noticed, Lima is built on a desert. The city is known for its dry and arid climate, with very little rainfall throughout the year.
During a big part of the year Lomas de Lachay isjust a desert as well. But then, magic happens during the months of June to October. At that time, the desert blooms with wildflowers of all colors, making Lomas de Lachay a sight to behold.
This is because the lomas are a unique ecosystem that relies on a specific combination of fog and coastal winds to create the perfect conditions for plant life.
In early the morning, the fog covers the reserve. It creates an ethereal atmosphere, and walking around it feels like a magical experience. As you walk, you can hear the sound of small animals rustling in the bushes and the distant calls of birds as they start their day.
One of the best things about the Lomas de Lachay is that you can easily explore it on foot. There are a number of different trails throughout the reserve that vary in length and difficulty. You can choose the one that best suits your interests and fitness level.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the unique animal species, like owls and falcons that call this reserve home. You might also be able to spot the Andean fox or the Peruvian thick-knee bird.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or just in need of a break from Lima, Lomas de Lachay is the perfect day trip destination.
How to get to Lomas de Lachay
Getting to Lomas de Lachay is possible but not easy by public transport. You would need to get Plaza Norte bus station and from there take a bus going to Huaral or Huacho. Ask to be dropped off at the Lomas. From the highway to the real entrance of the lomas, it’s a very long walk (probably around 1 hour). So just to get to the entrance, from Lima, it can take you 4-5 hours. To get back, walk to the opposite side of the highway where you were dropped and catch a bus back to Lima.
The best way is to take a tour to Lomas de Lachay, which picks you up from your hotel and takes you directly there.
Book a tour to Lomas de Lachay here.
Final thoughts
Exploring the outdoor wonders near Lima is a great way to get a taste of the natural beauty that Peru has to offer. If you are into adventure trips, you will have a great time. In case you are wondering how many days to spend in Lima to explore not just the city but also the nearby areas, I recommend at least 4-5 days.
From sandboarding in the desert to swimming with sea lions and hiking in the mountains, there is something for everyone. These day trips from Lima provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Leave me a comment below if you want any other tips!
