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The Best Excursions along the Peruvian Coast
The Peruvian Coast is sometimes a forgotten part of any trip to Peru. But there are some fascinating sites and places to experience along the coast of Peru, here we will give you some of the most interesting places to explore.
1.- Paracas, Huacachina Oasis and the Ballestas Islands
South of Lima a few hours down the Pan Americana Sur you will arrive at the seaside town of Paracas. Here you can tour the Ballestas Islands have a wonderful seafood lunch before traveling further south to the desert oasis of Huacachina. All can be done on a day tour from Lima or stay overnight at one of the luxury resorts in Paracas.
1.1 Boat Tours and Wildlife Spotting
From Lima travel down the coast to the town of Paracas where you can take a boat tour out to the naturally fabulous Ballestas Islands. The Islands are famous for the variety of birds that frequent. There are also colonies of sea lions basking in the sun, great for photography.
1.2 Paracas National Reserve
Close to the town of Paracas is the Paracas National Reserve. Explore the dramatic coastline, see hundreds of species of birds. Drive throughout a lifeless desert till we reach an area where once stood a great natural rock formation known as the Cathedral. Unfortunately, this old formation did not withstand the 2007 earthquake.
1.3 Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs
The Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs are an archaeological mystery that has baffled experts and visitors for centuries. These enormous figures and lines etched into the Nazca Desert are a testament to the skill and creativity of ancient Peruvian civilizations. These mysterious figures can be observed from the air or by climbing up to the viewing platforms that are about 13 meters high.
1.3 Wine and Pisco Tasting
While in Ica it is a great idea to take a tour of the wineries. Taste the Pisco which is famous in this area. Pisco is what the national drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour, is made. The area is also famous for some great local wines.
2.2 Sandboarding and Buggy Rides
In Huacachina you can hire sandboards and walk up the sand dunes and have fun sliding down the dunes. Also, at Huacachina you can take a tour on the Dune Buggy, driving through the dunes at lightning speed. Great time is had by all.
2. Trujillo
Travel North of Lima and you will arrive at Trujillo, one of the biggest cities in Peru. This colonial gem is steeped in ancient culture and serves as the gateway to some of the country’s most incredible pre-Inca archaeological sites, including Chan Chan in the Moche Valley and the 5,000-year-old El Brujo Archaeological Complex.
2.1 Chan Chan Archaeological Complex
Chan Chan, in northern Peru, was the largest city in the Americas and the largest adobe city on earth. Ten thousand structures, some with walls 30 feet high, were woven amid a maze of passageways and streets. Palaces and temples were decorated with elaborate friezes, some of which were hundreds of feet long. Chan Chan was fabulously wealthy, although it perennially lacked one precious resource: water.
2.2 Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
Huaca de la Luna, or Temple of the Moon, was part of the ancient Moche capital. It was constructed in northern Peru between the first and eighth centuries, using millions of adobe blocks.
2.3 Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is one of the most important museums in Peru and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lambayeque region. This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and treasures belonging to the Moche culture, a pre-Incan civilization that flourished on the northern coast of Peru between the 1st and 7th centuries AD.
The museum’s main attraction is the tombs of the Lord of Sipán and other figures of the Moche elite, which were discovered in 1987 by Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva at the Huaca Rajada archaeological complex. The museum’s exhibits include a wide variety of gold, silver and copper objects, as well as finely crafted ceramics, textiles and jewelry, which make for a fascinating spectacle.
3. Piura – Máncora , Punta Sal
This area is considered the Mediterranean equivalent of Peru, a holiday resort and secondary residence for the higher classes of Lima, where you will find many hotels of different categories. The best-known beaches are Mancora and Punta Sal. Mancora is a livelier village with more going on, especially for surfers, whereas Punta Sal is more exclusive.
3.1 Water Sports
Being a coastal towns both include various water sports to enjoy. For the adventurous you can surf, swim, scuba dive, windsurf among other sports featured in the area.
3.2 Beaches and Relaxation
The beaches of Northern Peru are some of the best in South America. Mancora and Punta Sal are great places to the end your Peruvian vacation. Spend a few days relaxing on the beach enjoying the best seafood the area has to offer.
4 Tumbes and the Mangrove National Sanctuary
Tumbes is the last city in Peru before you reach the boarder with Ecuador. The city is known as the city of Eternal Summer, it is warm all year around. Not far from Tumbes is the Mangrove Nation Sanctuary. This beautiful place preserves a pure and varied ecosystem where you can be in contact with nature. The best months to visit are in the dry season.
4.1 Boat Rides and Biodiversity
In the Tumbes Mangroves, you can take a boat tour through ecosystems formed by islets of mangrove roots, combined with sandbanks and estuaries. On this journey, you must not miss visiting the Islands of Puerto Pizarro (Isla Hueso de Ballena, Isla del Amor, Isla de los pájaros, and the Crocodile Breeding Center).
5 Lima and the Magic Water Circuit
You simply must spend time in the Peruvian capital of Lima. There is so much to see and do. From the center of Lima with its ancient history to the modern seaside towns, Lima will never disappoint. While in Lima you should also visit the Magic Water Circuit. If you don’t know this a park you can visit, better at night, that features water shows with lights. Said to be one of the largest set in a park in the world, this spectacular is a hit with children and adults alike.
5.1 Lima Gastronomy
Lima is considered one of the top food destinations in the world. There are Mitchelin Star restaurants to try and enjoy, but be warned there are waiting lists so you will need to book in advance. You will need to try the Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and the Pollo de la Brasa, which most Peruvians enjoy regularly. Being on the coast seafood is very popular.
5.1.1 Cerviche
On any trip to Peru, you simply must try the Cerviche. It is especially true in Lima. The city if full of fabulous restaurants that specialize in Cerviche. For those not in the know, Cerviche is a Peruvian specialty featuring raw fish that is soaked in lemon with onion, chili, toasted corn and sweet potato. Best on the coast and best in Lima.
5.1.2 Causa Limena
Causa is like a potato cake with filling. The recipe is made with yellow potatoes (though you can also use other types of potatoes) a touch of yellow chili, and lemon or olives, among other ingredients. The filling is very versatile, as it can consist of chicken, tuna, prawns, spider crab or octopus. Causa also includes avocado, since Peru is one of the major producers of this fruit, and a touch of mayonnaise.
5.1.3 Aji de Gallina
There is nothing more Lima than Aji de Gallina, this dish is part of what the Peruvians call Comida Criolla, with roots to northern Peru. This dish is made from shredded chicken, cooked in a yellow chili, peanut and cheese sauce. Served with rice, boiled egg, potato on a bed of lettuce. Really delicious.
5.1.4 Papa de la Huancaina
This dish is a classic recipe of Peruvian cuisine that is a perfect combination of many of the country’s typical ingredients: the yellow chili pepper, garlic and fresh cheese, mix all these ingredients to make the sauce. Almost everyone that tries this cold starter is won over by its creamy texture and its spicy touch. This classic is served with sliced potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and black olives covered in the spicy cheese sauce.
5.1.5 Papa Rellena
Papa Rellena is a classic found all over Peru, and a family favorite. The dish once again features potatoes. A mash of potatoes is used to form an outer shell and stuffed with mince, peas, carrots, olives and egg. All this is fried till golden brown and is a delicious appetizer. You will find this dish on the menu at most restaurants in Lima.
5.1.6 Chica Morada
What is Chica Morada you may ask, this a typical Peruvian drink made from purple corn. Peru is famous for its many types of corn and corn is eaten in most parts of Peru. Chica Morada is boiled purple corn, boiled with cinnamon, pineapple and sugar. This refreshing drink can be found on the menu at most restaurants.
5.2 Punta Hermosa and the Beaches South of Lima
There are some stunning beaches to visit in the area of Punta Hermosa. The most popular ones are Playa Negra and Playa Blanca. Whatever the season, you can see many people surfing off the shore of Playa Negra. These are particular popular in the summer months when Limeños rent a beach house or apartment for the season.
5.3 Surfing and Water Sports
On most of the beaches south of Lima you will find plenty of watersports to occupy your time. Surfing is the most popular and on most of the beaches you will find people surfing all year round.
5.4 The Beach Circuits of the Costa Verde
Although there are over 20 beaches on the Costa Verde here, we will only give a few of the most famous. Agua Dulce: this is one of the best-known beaches in the city of Lima and is located in the district of Chorrillos. Los Delfines: This beautiful beach is located in the Miraflores district. Instead of sand, you will find stones. Barranquito: As its name indicates, it is located in the district of Barranco. The beach is usually occupied by experienced surfers due to the waves it presents. There are many more beaches to discover along the Costa Verde and it is suggested to take a walk along the many different pathways.
5.5 Barranco
The Barrio of Barranco in Lima is known as the bohemian district of Lima. Located on the coast the town is filled with art galleries, restaurants and bars. The main square is surrounded by a mix of old and new architecture. Be sure to take a walk across the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge was built in 1876, in order to join the ends of the gorge. The bridge remains a favorite place for couples visiting the area and inspiration for artists, composers and writers.
6 Plan your perfect trip
When planning a trip to the Coastal areas of Peru, you will need to take into consideration many different factors. The length of your vacation will determine how much of the coast you will see. How to get around is another factor, do you want to travel by bus or do you want a private car, what will the cost of these be. Do you want to contact a tour operator to help you with the tour or do you want to do it individually? What interests you, do you want to see ancient sites or are you interested in natural beauty. All this you will need to determine to plan your perfect trip.
6.1 Tips for planning your route
Do your research, what parts of the coast of Peru interest you. Decide how long you will want to stay in each location. For example, Lima you should give a minimum of 2 day as there is much to see. Also, if you want to visit Nazca and see the Nazca Lines you may either fly over the lines from Pisco, or you can take the bus from Lima to Nazca and stay overnight and do the Nazca lines the next days. Planning is key, the more you plan, the more your trip will be a success.
6.2 Lodging and Gastronomy Options
Lima and the coast of Peru have many different accommodation options. Depending on your budget you may choose from 3 Star, 4 Star or 5 Star hotels. Peru is known for its wonderful food so you will not be short of places to eat also from budget to 5 star dining options.
6.3 Climate and best time to visit.
Lima and the coast of Peru have a winter season which covers the area in a grey fog for the months of May to October. The months of November to April have clear blue skies and are warm, it is best to visit in these months to take advantage of the best climate.
As you can see the coast of Peru offer many different attractions. SAM Travel Peru can help you with all the Peruvian Coastal excursions. Please contact one of our tour specialist for more details. What are you waiting for?
