Lima Excursions by Distance and Time
A useful way to choose a day out of Lima is by how long you will spend on the road. This page runs from the shortest outing to the longest. Prices are in soles (S/).
Under one hour: Pachacamac
The sanctuary sits at Km 31.5 of the old Panamericana Sur in Lurin, a 45 to 60 minute ride. Expect half a day. The site holds mudbrick temples from several cultures and a site museum, and its fragile adobe must not be climbed, biked or driven over. The Ministry of Culture posts hours and announcements on its museum page . Entry costs a few soles, so confirm the exact fee at the gate.
Half a day: Islas Palomino
From Callao, boats take 3 to 4 hours for the round trip to a rocky island group about 10 km offshore. More than 8,000 sea lions live there, along with Humboldt penguins and seabirds, inside a national reserve. Operators quote a SERNANP fee of around S/ 11.
If you swim, follow the guides:
- Wear the wetsuit and life jacket provided, since the water is cold.
- Keep still and let the animals approach.
- Never touch, feed, chase or crowd them.
- Stay with the group for the 20 to 30 minutes in the water.
If you would rather stay dry, the boat-only ride is the lower-impact option.
About three hours away: Lunahuana
The Canete valley is known for rivers and vineyards. Season matters for water sports, so check conditions before choosing a date.
About 3.5 to 4 hours away: Caral
Caral in the Supe valley, around 180 km north, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the oldest city sites in the Americas, from about 3000 BC. A press report from 2020 gave hours of 10:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Saturday. Confirm the hours with the site.
The longest: Paracas and the Ballestas
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 250 to 300 km south |
| Road time | 3 to 4 hours each way by coach |
| Boat from | El Chaco pier, Paracas |
| Usual sailings | 8:00 and 10:00, plus noon in January to March and on holidays |
| Duration | About 2 hours |
| Cost | About S/ 40 (S/ 60 on holidays) plus about S/ 16 in pier fees |
You pass the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph and watch sea lions, penguins and seabirds from the boat. Landing on the islands is banned, and sea swell can cancel departures. A single day from Lima means leaving before dawn, so an overnight stay is easier.
Too far for a day
Huacachina, Nazca and Cusco belong on longer trips.
Before you leave
Choose licensed drivers and read the UK travel advice , which warns that protests can close roads. For packaged tours, browse Lima day trips on GetYourGuide .
Read more: multi-day trips from Lima and the 4 day Lima itinerary .