Lima Day Trips: Pachacamac to Ballestas

November 5, 2026

Lima works well as a base for day trips, but the distances differ a lot. Pachacamac is a short ride, the sea lions at Callao are a half day, and Paracas and Caral are long days on the road. Prices are in soles (S/).

Pachacamac, about 45 to 60 minutes south

The Santuario Arqueologico de Pachacamac in Lurin is a very large pre-Inca sacred centre that the Inca later used. The site address is Km 31.5 of the old Panamericana Sur. The visit takes half a day with the site museum. It is a protected, fragile adobe site, so stay on the paths and never take bikes or vehicles onto the ruins. The Ministry of Culture runs the Pachacamac museum site . Fees are a few soles and opening days should be checked before you go.

Islas Palomino, a half day from Callao

The Palomino Islands lie about 10 km west of Callao and hold a colony reported at more than 8,000 sea lions, along with Humboldt penguins and seabirds. They are part of a national reserve. Boats leave from Callao and the trip takes 3 to 4 hours. Operator listings quote a SERNANP entry fee of about S/ 11 on top of the boat price.

Some operators offer a swim among the sea lions, with a wetsuit and life jacket supplied. These are wild animals. Use only an operator authorised by SERNANP, never touch, feed, chase or crowd them, stay in the group and let the animals come to you. A swim lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, and the water is cold. A boat-only trip is the quieter choice. Landing on the islands is not part of the trip.

Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, a very long day

Paracas is roughly 250 to 300 km south, about 3 to 4 hours each way by coach. Boat tours to the Ballestas leave from El Chaco pier, usually at 8:00 and 10:00, with a noon departure in January to March and on holidays, and they last about 2 hours. Plan on about S/ 40 for the tour plus about S/ 16 in fees paid at the pier (S/ 11 for the SERNANP entry and about S/ 5 for boarding), and a higher tour price of about S/ 60 on holidays. You see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds from the boat, and the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph on the way. Landing is not allowed, and rough seas can cancel boats. A day tour from Lima starts very early, so many travellers sleep in Paracas.

Caral, about 3.5 to 4 hours north

Caral in the Supe valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest urban centres in the Americas, dating from about 3000 BC. It is around 180 km from Lima. A 2020 press report gave opening hours of Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:00. Check hours and fees with the site before you set out.

Lunahuana, about 3 hours away

The Canete valley around Lunahuana is known for river sports and vineyards. Check the season and any operator before you plan a trip.

Not day trips

Huacachina and Nazca are too far for a comfortable day from Lima, and Cusco and Machu Picchu are separate trips by air.

Before you go

Carry water and sun protection. Use a licensed driver or tour for long road trips, and read the UK travel advice for Peru for the latest on road disruption and protests. Compare Lima day trips if you prefer to book a full tour.