Top 9 Day Trips from Lima

With its renowned restaurants and prominent cultural museums, you may find it hard to leave the vibrant life of Lima behind.

However, if you venture beyond Peru's capital for a day, you'll discover a wealth of sights, from stunning rapids to historic archaeological landmarks. Here are the top day trips from Lima.

1. Discover the Lomas de Lucumo

Located just 34km from the capital, the expansive Lomas de Lucumo (Hills of Lucumo) offer a stark contrast to Lima's manicured parks. Here, ocean mist envelops the gentle hills, nurturing lush green foliage during the typically overcast winter months (June-October).

Depending on your pace and chosen path, a winding journey through the vibrant greenery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours.

Guides can be hired at the base of the Lomas to highlight the area's caves and wildlife. For those wishing to explore independently, simply pass by the grazing cows and start your ascent.

Getting to Lomas de Lucumo: It's about a 70-minute drive by private car. Travel south on the Panamericana Sur, exit toward Lurin, and continue toward Pachacamac village. Look for the Quebrada Verde bridge where signs will direct you to the site. If you take a taxi, ask the driver to wait for you, as catching a ride back can be challenging.

2. Explore the archaeological marvels of Caral

Constructed around the same time as the Egyptian pyramids, the vast Norte Chico civilization site of Caral, located 186 km from Lima, predates the Incas by approximately 4000 years.

Guided tours of this once-flourishing city reveal its plazas, temples, residential zones, and amphitheater, which lay hidden under desert sands until archaeologist Paul Kosok discovered it in 1948.

Excavations are ongoing at the site known as the 'Cradle of Civilization,' revealing many musical instruments but no evidence of conflict.

Despite its importance, few people make the journey to Caral, likely due to its remote setting. However, this UNESCO World Heritage site is definitely worth an early morning drive.

Getting to Caral: It takes approximately 3 hours to reach this site. Take an early bus with a company like Movil Bus that provides direct service. If driving, follow the Panamericana Norte for 184 km until you reach Supe, and then it's just 3 km to Caral.

3. Reach New Heights at Marcahuasi

Marcahuasi is a high Andean plateau located 80 km east of Lima, renowned for its mystical stone forest filled with ancient rock sculptures representing human and animal forms. Discovered in the mid-20th century, further excavation is still needed here.

Most travelers come for the challenging 4 km trail, which can take up to three hours to conquer. The views from the summit extend across mountain ranges and the Colchón de Nubes (Mattress of Clouds) hovering at eye level. Don’t forget a warm jacket and coca leaves to help with altitude adjustment.

If you have an extra day, the plateau’s Amphitheater campsite is perfect for stargazing.

Getting to Marcahuasi: If you're going for just one day, it's best to take a taxi or rent a car, as the journey can take 3-4 hours due to winding, steep roads. Travel east to Chosica, then follow dirt roads to San Pedro de Casta, where the trailhead is located.

4. Escape to the Cieneguilla Countryside

Nestled among arid desert hills, Cieneguilla is a serene countryside retreat favored by residents of Lima. The local restaurants serve delicious barbecued or roasted meats alongside the sweet and sticky picarones, a traditional pastry unique to the region.

In addition to spacious green areas (including soccer fields and playgrounds), outdoor dining, and swimming pools, Cieneguilla is perfect for picnics and sunbathing. If time permits, visit the Huaycan de Cieneguilla, an ancient administrative site linked to the Qhapaq Ñan trail.

Getting to Cieneguilla: Direct buses to Cieneguilla depart from Av. Javier Prado. It's a 90-minute drive (or taxi ride). Follow Av. Javier Prado towards Ate, then turn onto Golf los Incas at Ovalo Monitor. Continue on Avenida La Molina until you can turn right onto Nuevo Toledo.

5. Experience the Thrill in Huacachina

Close to the city of Ica, where many of Peru's finest piscos are produced, towering sand dunes surround a magical desert lagoon, providing the perfect backdrop for adventure activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides.

One of Peru's most distinctive destinations, it's common to encounter more tourists than locals in the quaint village of Huacachina. Here, restaurants and hostels nestle under the shade of palm trees lining the oasis's lush waters.

Catch the earliest bus available and travel southwest from Peru's capital for a day filled with adrenaline and desert sunshine. To enhance your visit, consider a wine tasting at a local vineyard in Ica or a trip to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas (just an hour by car).

Getting to Huacachina: One of the most straightforward options is to take PeruHop, which provides transport from Lima right to Huacachina's entrance. The journey takes about four hours by bus or car.

6. Embark on a pilgrimage to Pachacamac

A sacred site for numerous ancient Peruvian cultures, Pachacamac is an expansive pre-Columbian ruin that dates back to 200 AD. Nestled in the coastal desert of the Lurin Valley, this archaeological landmark derives its name from the creator deity, Pacha Kamaq.

Long before its rediscovery in the late 19th century, the site endured extensive destruction and looting. However, archaeologists continue to uncover secrets of the past hidden within the temples, plazas, and pyramids. A guided tour offers insight into the site's historical evolution and transformations.

Getting to Pachacamac: Just over an hour's drive down the Panamericana Sur, take the exit at Lurin. Look for signs leading to the archaeological site on the Antigua Panamericana Sur.

7. Set sail for Callao & La Punta

There was an old joke that the only reason to visit Callao was to reach Jorge Chavez International Airport in Peru. However, this seaside neighbor of Lima is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

After exploring the art galleries and murals at Monumental Callao, head across the street to the port. Here, you can check out Peru's Naval Museum, the most extensive military museum in the country, or take a boat ride to Las Palominas Islands.

You can even swim with sea lions here, making it a fantastic alternative to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas.

How to reach Callao and La Punta: Located just 10 km from Lima, Callao is easily accessible by taxi, taking about 45 minutes. Buses depart from Av. Javier Prado. For La Punta, take a bus from Av. Javier Prado and check if it goes to 'todo La Marina'. Get off at Real Plaza San Miguel and transfer to another bus heading to Callao/La Punta, which will take you to Fortaleza Real Felipe, a few blocks from the Callao docks. The total bus ride lasts around an hour.

8. Discover family-friendly Chancay

About 75 km north of Lima lies Chancay, the center of a pre-Hispanic civilization that thrived from approximately 1000 to 1500 AD. This delightful coastal town features the cliffside Castillo de Chancay, built in the 1920s by the daughter of a national viceroy.

While renovations in recent decades have given the medieval-style castle a somewhat kitschy vibe, the onsite museum showcases intriguing Chancay artifacts. Families will also enjoy the large public pool that overlooks the ocean.

If time permits, take a 20-minute trip north to Lomas de Lachay, where trails lead you away from the hustle and bustle and into the realm of local wildlife.

How to reach Chancay: To get to Chancay by car, take the Panamericana Norte, located just under 80 km north of Lima; the drive takes around 90 minutes. Alternatively, catch a bus heading to Huacho from the Plaza Norte bus terminal in Lima, as it passes through Chancay.

9. Embrace adventure in Santa Eulalia

Nestled in the Huarochirí district, Santa Eulalia is a scenic valley perfect for nature enthusiasts. However, don’t be deceived by its gentle hills and serene streams—Santa Eulalia is a haven for adventure sports.

The surrounding mountains and cliffs are perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, and bungee jumping.

In addition, a network of trails suitable for all skill levels leads to stunning viewpoints over the Santa Eulalia River (keep an eye out for the majestic Andean condors), archaeological sites, and the base of the Autisha waterfall.

How to reach Santa Eulalia: The journey takes about two hours by car. Follow the Carretera Central towards Chosica, and at 38 km, a left turn will take you to the town's central plaza shortly. For public transport, take a taxi to Ovalo Santa Anita to catch a bus to Chosica. Disembark at Parque Echenique, then take a taxi or moto-taxi to Santa Eulalia.