This post shows you: Sunny and Warm Destinations Near Lima by Bus
Favorite weekend getaway of Limeños-The beautiful desert of Paracas.
If you are looking for sunny and beautiful places to visit near Lima, I recommend taking the bus to Paracas.
It always has beautiful sunny weather, a fresh breeze, great Peruvian seafood, and it is a national reserve. This is a great stop also if you are on your way to see the Nazca lines.
Here is an itinerary for your trip to Paracas with a recommended tour operator to make your journey smooth!
Sunny and Warm Destinations Near Lima by Bus
About Paracas
Paracas is a sunny and warm destination near Lima in Peru, about 260km from Lima on the south, in Pisco province. Every year, Paracas records thousands of visitors visiting as tourists.
The National Reserve of Paracas houses quite a wide variety of sea lions, penguins, and birds.
Limeños, who lives in Lima, Peru’s capital, also loves this place because it is close to the capital, making it a great weekend hangout. Here is a list of the best things to do in Paracas.
1. Visit Julio C. Tello Museum
Julio C. Tello’s collection includes many archaeological utensils and pieces from different varieties of Paracas culture.
The Museum was demolished in 2007 by an earthquake and later reconstructed.
The Museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an entrance charge of 7.5 Peruvian soles.
For more accurate information, please visit the Museum’s website.
2. Ballestas Islands
One of the must-do things during your visit to Paracas is to take a boat ride alongside the beautiful Ballestas Islands.
The Humboldt Current, a cold water current from the Antarctic, enriches the marine ecosystem.
For quite some years, Guano has been a primary resource in Peru.
Guano is made from bird droppings and used to fertilize soils. It is also globally exported. Many guano birds live in this area.
The Humboldt Penguin also has its habitat on these islands and is among the many endangered species due to climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.
You will also get to see many sea lions; the younger sea lions are not afraid of the presence of humans and tend to be curious about the extent of coming close to motorboats.
Dolphins also live in this area, and the lucky ones will get to see them!
The tourist motor boats in this area have marked routes, and they strictly respect the animals’ habitat and space; passengers are also forbidden to leave the motor boats.
This island tour lasts about two hours and starts at 8 a.m. The cost per person is approximately forty Peruvian soles.
3. Touring The National Reserve in Paracas- Sunny and warm destinations near Lima
The cathedral
A beautiful place to visit within the National Reserve in Paracas is a rock formation resembling a cathedral dome. Unfortunately, the 2007 earthquake partly destroyed it.
A stunning rock formation resembling a cathedral dome is located in Paracas National Reserve. Unfortunately, the 2007 earthquake partly destroyed it.
The Candelabra Geoglyph – One of the Many Geoglyphs in Paracas
“The Candelabra” is a geoglyph that is over 2,500 years old and resembles the shape of a candelabra.
It measures approximately 170 meters in length and has a depth of 1.2 meters.
Have you heard about the famous Nazca lines? They are related to this geoglyph.
It is incredible how the lines have remained intact for so many years despite the strong winds in the region. They have a 170-meter extension and a depth of 1.2 meters.
Did you hear about the famous Nazca lines? It is related to it.
It is incredible how the lines remain intact after all those years with the region’s strong winds.
4. Dune buggy ride and sandboarding – Better than the busy Huacachina.
Experience the thrill of a desert tour!
Our knowledgeable drivers are well-acquainted with the unique shapes and sizes of the dunes.
Hop into one of our open dune buggies for an exhilarating ride that feels like a roller coaster!
After an exciting journey through the desert, the driver will stop for some sandboarding.
Sandboarding is easy to learn and incredibly fun, even for beginners.
This tour lasts approximately two hours, with the sunset and afternoon hours offering the most memorable views.
Preparing for your trip to Paracas
How to get there
By bus from Lima: It takes about three and a half hours. Cruz Sur features comfortable chairs, a personal screen for your desired movie selection, and lunch.
Cruzero is my best-preferred bus category. It leaves Javier Prado Avenue, which is easy to reach by taxi from San Isidro and Miraflores.
The cost is approximately $22. Visit Cruz del Sur’s website for exact prices and timetables.
By car from Lima: Take the Panamericana highway and drive up to “km 245,” then drive through Pisco city; from Pisco, follow the indications to Paracas. It will take about three and a half hours from Lima.
Always Beautiful Weather
Paracas boasts a sunny and pleasant climate year-round. However, due to occasional nighttime winds, a light sweater may come in handy.
That is why it is one of the favorite Sunny and warm destinations near Lima for the Limeños.
About the food
Ceviche is a delicious meal that you should not fail to savor. It is a typical Peruvian dish comprising fresh white fish pieces curated in lemon juice, mixed with Peruvian peppers and onion, and served with toasted large-kernel corn and sweet potato.
Carapulcra is another typical regional dish, comprising dry potatoes, pork meat, and peanut sauce. Everything tastes better with Pisco Sour, Peru’s national cocktail.
This fresh cocktail contains lime juice, egg white, Angostura bitters, ice, and Pisco Salud!
Where to stay in Paracas
I stayed at Hotel IntiMar, a lovely spot I chose for a more authentic and tranquil experience, away from the busier central area filled with bars and restaurants.
What made it special? The hotel is literally on the beach, with the sound of waves as your backdrop. Lunch was a highlight, especially the dishes featuring freshly caught scallops straight from the sea.
During my stay, I even spotted dolphins and seals near the shore. The beach itself is tucked into a small rocky bay, which makes it scenic, but keep in mind that, like much of the Pacific coast, the water is freezing.
If there’s one thing to improve, it would be the dinner menu. At least during my visit, the only option was a single type of pizza. Still, I recommend Hotel IntiMar for a peaceful stay right by the ocean.
How to Book Your Tours
Paola’s Tour from Paracas helped me organize this itinerary to visit Paracas, one of my favorite Sunny and warm destinations near Lima.
She is another good source for you to plan yours. She answered my emails quickly, was flexible, and was always on time.
Additional Articles on Traveling in Peru
Where to Stay in Lima – Best Districts for Travelers + Map of Lima
Things to Do in Barranco Lima – 14 Places You Can’t Miss
Sleeping in an Eco Lodge in the Tambopata Amazon Jungle
Lima Peru: A Walk Along The Fisherman’s Pier of Chorrillos
This post shows you Sunny and Warm Destinations Near Lima.
