Escape the city and dive into Peru’s most surreal landscapes on this unforgettable 2-day journey! From colonial tunnels and Afro-Peruvian history to wild sea lions, golden dunes, and a desert oasis, this adventure from Lima is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Day 1: Lima - Paracas
Start your morning with a hotel pickup in Lima and head south along the scenic Pan-American Highway. Your first stop? A real-deal Peruvian breakfast at Mirasur, where you’ll enjoy freshly baked bread straight from traditional clay ovens - warm, rustic, and unforgettable.
Next, step back in time at Hacienda San José, a stunning colonial estate turned luxury hotel. Beneath its manicured grounds lies a haunting network of underground slave tunnels, used to smuggle enslaved Africans during the Spanish conquest. You'll explore this 17-km maze while learning about the powerful legacy that shaped Afro-Peruvian music, dance, and culture.
By early afternoon, arrive in Paracas, a breezy beach town known for its laid-back vibe and seafood delights. You’ll have free time to relax by the water, sample ceviche, stroll the marina, or unwind at your accommodation. Recharge - because Day 2 is action-packed!
Day 2: Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Huacachina - Lima
Rise early for a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed “the poor man’s Galápagos.” Glide past massive sea lion colonies, catch penguins waddling on rocky outcrops, and marvel at thousands of seabirds - and maybe even spot dolphins! Don't miss the Candelabra geoglyph, etched mysteriously into a nearby hillside.
Back on land, you’ll explore the stark beauty of Paracas National Reserve, where desert cliffs plunge dramatically into the Pacific. Snap breathtaking photos of red sand beaches and turquoise bays in one of South America’s most unique ecosystems.
Then it's off to Huacachina - a true desert oasis, complete with palm trees, emerald lagoon, and monster dunes. Strap in for a wild dune buggy ride and try your hand at sandboarding - surfing the desert, Peruvian style.
Finally, sit back and relax on the return journey to Lima, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or original departure point in the evening - tired, dusty, and exhilarated.