A Layover in Lima: Nazca Lines, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina Oasis

Planning a bucket list trip in Perú to visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, or the Amazon Rainforest? Chances are you will fly through Lima on the way. A question most travelers ask themselves is whether or not to spend time exploring the coastal capital. Its reputation as one of the top foodie destinations in South America is often a persuasive deciding factor, but what if you need a more appetizing reason?

Brad and I stayed about a week in Lima to relax between our busy Peruvian adventures. One of our highlights was a two-day excursion via Peru Hop to marvel at the ancient Nazca Lines, observe wildlife on the Ballestas Islands, and ride a dune buggy around the Huacachina Oasis. Below I share our tour experience along with a one-day Lima itinerary full of popular attractions and tasty restaurant recommendations.

Lima

Kick off your morning in the Miraflores neighborhood with a hot chocolate and plate of crunchy churros at Manolo. The warm and fluffy fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar is a decadent way to wake up. Afterward, walk over to the Malecón to watch agile surfers and daring paragliders. The vantage point along the cliffs offers a stunning view of the misty Pacific Ocean.

Love is in the air at Parque del Amor! Whimsical walls of colorful mosaics with romantic quotes surround the embracing lovers of Victor Delfín's El Beso sculpture. Couples often commemorate their relationships by attaching padlocks along the railings. Vendors sell trinkets and snacks throughout the park which overflows with trees, flowers, and gravel paths.

Take an Uber over to the best museum in Lima to learn about the beautiful art history of Perú. The Museo Larco has exhibits full of Pre-Colombian artifacts paired with informative bilingual placards. Textiles with geometric designs, erotic ceramics, inlay jewelry, and ornate gold headdresses dazzle visitors. The adjacent courtyard is full of pink bougainvilleas and hummingbirds. Opening hours are every day, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, and tickets cost $14 USD per person.

Crank up the spice by sharing a hearty lunch at Mantra Indian Cuisine. The tender chicken tikka masala and chewy garlic naan were cooked to perfection. Combat the heat with a creamy glass of mango lassi (drink made with yogurt, fresh fruit, and cardamom). Walk off your meal by admiring the architecture in the Centro Histórico, specifically Plaza Mayor. Keep an eye out for eclectic street murals and vintage cars!

Exquisite hand-painted azulejo tiles, gilded altars, and spooky catacombs await at the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco. Completed in 1672, the extensive Catholic complex features pale yellow façades with Neoclassical and Baroque architectural styles. Guided tours in English or Spanish are mandatory to explore the interior which has a wooden Mudéjar dome, antique library, and fifteen religious paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán. Opening hours are every day, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, and tickets cost $5.50 USD per person.

Wrap up the day with a fusion of flavors at Matsuei. The elegant restaurant is known for its Nekkei cuisine, which blends Japanese cooking techniques with Peruvian ingredients. Our sushi rolls were full of different textures, unique sauces, and fresh seafood. The Okinawa Tiradito with thin sheets of white fish, citrus, basil oil, and crispy nori was a knockout! Sip a creative cocktail at one of the bars in the bohemian Barranco neighborhood if you want a nightcap.

Peru Hop Tour

The easiest way to squeeze in a few more attractions is by booking a round-trip tour with Peru Hop. Our two-day excursion to see the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and Nazca Lines was a fantastic addition to our stay in Lima. Reservations are easy to make online and tickets cost $271 USD per person via credit card. The friendly tour guides, comfortable buses with bathrooms, and organized schedule helped us enjoy three epic Peruvian landscapes in a stress-free way!

Islas Ballestas

Embark on a leisurely morning cruise around the Ballestas Islands near the town of Paracas. The rocky haven is home to lazy sea lions, Peruvian Boobies, vibrant crabs, endangered Humboldt Penguins, and dolphins. Picturesque arches and caves are the perfect backdrop to admire wildlife. You'll also see El Candelabro, a mysterious trident-like geoglyph dating back to 200 BC. Stay comfortable during the voyage with a rain jacket, hat, and sunscreen.

Oasis de Huacachina

Buckle up and hang on because you're in for a wild dune buggy ride around a magical desert! Brad and I had a blast as our driver expertly traversed soft mountains of windswept sand. To keep the adrenaline pumping, we slid down several slopes with waxed sandboards. The extreme afternoon was capped off with a golden sunset nearby the Huacachina Oasis. Wear sunglasses and a bandana/neck gaiter to protect your face against the coarse sand.

Líneas de Nazca

There was absolutely no way I was leaving Perú without seeing the Nazca Lines, a group of over 700 geoglyphs depicting spirals, animals, humanoids, flora, and insects! Well-preserved designs include the spider, heron, monkey, and astronaut. Created between 500 BC-500 AD, these gigantic depressions are best seen via a 30-minute airplane ride above the plateau. Eat a small breakfast, wear light clothing, take motion sickness pills, and try to focus periodically on the horizon to reduce nausea symptoms.

Final Thoughts

So is Lima worth visiting? Honestly, I wouldn't prioritize the city unless you're skipping Cusco or planning to combine it with a tour to see the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and Nazca Lines. The city can be frustrating to navigate because of the traffic congestion and pockets of noisy construction projects. Besides the aforementioned attractions, there isn't much for tourists to do in Lima. Safety can also be a concern with protests, violent crime, and scams in certain areas.

If you're passing through Lima on a layover, by all means check it out! However, you're likely to be far more impressed with the other historical cities in Perú. Ultimately, the capital is famous for its culinary prestige and innovative chefs, not its scenery. Experiencing a new city is never regrettable, especially if it offers tantalizing bites for your taste buds!