The year-end festivities are just around the corner, and if you haven’t decided where to travel to welcome 2025 with the best vibes and renewed energy, consider these favorite destinations by Peruvian travelers.
These incredible places, some located close to Lima, offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delight.
Apart from enjoying scenic landscapes, these destinations also promise the pleasure of diverse gastronomy and adventure sports—ideal for a quick getaway with family, friends, or your significant other.
The road network leading to these destinations is in excellent condition, making them easily accessible by land. Visitors are rewarded with stunning landscapes, a pleasant climate, and the warm hospitality of locals.
Let’s see the most iconic tourist routes near Lima, perfect for celebrating the year-end festivities and starting the New Year on a high note.
Northern coastal tourist circuit
This circuit encompasses the provinces of Huaura, Huaral, and Barranca, each one offering an array of attractions that combine nature, history, and gastronomy.
Huaura
Those who wish to enjoy an environment full of natural beauty can visit the Lachay National Reserve, a protected natural area that is a small paradise located 105 kilometers north of Lima, in the province of Huaura, and occupies an area of 5,070 hectares in the middle of the coastal desert strip. The hills are a refuge for the varied fauna of the Peruvian coast and a representative sample of the exuberant vegetation of the coastal hills.
Huaral
The Chancay Museum
Inaugurated on July 23, 1991, is a cultural gem that showcases the rich history of the Chancay culture. It exhibits a range from ancient textiles to displays of agriculture and fishing, reflecting the daily life of the Chancay civilization. Visitors can also explore artifacts related to the Covadonga, a Chilean ship sunk during the War of the Pacific. The museum provides a deep dive into the cultural, historical, and religious significance of the region, ensuring an enriching experience for every visitor.
Chancay Castle
One of the most notable attractions in the province is the iconic Chancay Castle. Located in the coastal district of Chancay on Primero de Mayo Street, this majestic structure was built during the 1920s atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The castle is often described as a “multicultural theme park” and houses several unique features, including the Chancay Culture Museum, home to the most important private collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts from the Chancay civilization.
Also the Natural History Museum featuring an impressive collection of taxidermy specimens, showcasing diverse animals preserved using advanced techniques and the Hall of Memories, a tribute to the castle’s founding family, showcasing antique furniture and heirlooms designed by its founder, Doña Consuelo Amat y León.
Over its 30 years of operation, Chancay Castle has gained numerous accolades, including recognition as a Cultural Center and Tourist Resource of Peru (2002) by Mincetur and an Ambassador of the Marca Perú by Promperú (2012).
The Eco Truly Park
Situated along the 19.5 km mark of the Pasamayo serpent highway in the district of Aucallama, the Eco Truly Park is an ecological community that offers a tranquil and spiritual escape.
This self-sustaining community features unique, cone-shaped adobe constructions inspired by Oriental culture. These structures blend seamlessly into the coastal environment, offering visitors an authentic connection to nature.
The park hosts a variety of activities, such as organic farming; eco-construction workshops; sustainable tourism programs; yoga and meditation retreats; and artistic and cultural exchanges
Eco Truly Park attracts visitors from all over the world, making it an excellent destination for forming meaningful connections while exploring eco-friendly lifestyles.
Rúpac Archaeological Complex: “The Machu Picchu of Lima”
Nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 3,580 meters above sea level, Rúpac is a pre-Inca archaeological site that is often referred to as “The Machu Picchu of Lima” or the “City Among the Clouds.”
This complex, located in the district of Atavillos Bajo, features stone structures that reach up to 10 meters in height. These structures were built by the Atavillos, a pre-Inca culture that thrived between 1200 and 1600 AD. Rúpac served as a religious and military center, as evidenced by its cemeteries, temples, and strategic location offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Rúpac was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 1999 and a priority national tourist site by the Peruvian Congress in 2017. To visit, travelers must first reach the province of Huaral, then take a 75 km detour to the village of Pampas, where the trek to the archaeological site begins.
Huaral’s gastronomy
This province is a culinary haven, offering visitors a chance to indulge in some of Peru’s most flavorful dishes. Among its specialties are Chancho al palo, a crispy and juicy roasted pork dish that has become synonymous with Huaral.
Another dishes are pato al ají (duck cooked in a flavorful chili sauce), chicharrón de conejo (crunchy rabbit cracklings), and trucha frita (fried trout served with native potatoes and salad).
These gastronomic delights make Huaral a destination worth visiting repeatedly, as the food alone is a reason to return.
Huaura
Lachay National Reserve
Located 105 km north of Lima, Lachay National Reserve is a natural wonder spread over 5,070 hectares in the desert coastal strip. This protected area is home to lush lomas (hills) and diverse fauna, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
The reserve offers facilities for day trips and overnight stays, including picnic tables, barbecue areas, restrooms, and parking. It’s an ideal spot for eco-tourism and relaxation.
Santa María District
This place is a verdant oasis known for its microclimate and fertile lands irrigated by the Huaura River. It’s a peaceful retreat with lush forests, wetlands, and a rich culinary tradition. Highlights include ceviche de pato (duck stew), sopa huachana (a traditional soup from Huaura) and salchicha huachana (local sausage made from pork, seasoned with orange juice and spices).
The district also boasts colonial-style houses made of adobe and reeds, adding a touch of history to its serene landscapes.
Barranca
The Sacred City of Caral
Located 206 kilometers northwest of Lima, the Sacred City of Caral is the oldest city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Dating back over 5,000 years, Caral stands alongside other ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt.
The site features impressive structures, including six pyramids and circular plazas. Archaeological findings reveal that the Caral people relied on fishing and agriculture as their primary livelihoods.
Fortress of Paramonga
This adobe fortress, attributed to the Chimu culture and later occupied by the Incas, is perched on a rocky promontory. Its four platforms and summit rooms showcase the architectural and strategic ingenuity of its builders.
Christ the Redeemer Statue
A modern landmark, this 20-meter-tall white concrete statue stands atop Cerro Colorado. The surrounding observation deck provides stunning panoramic views of Barranca's coastline.
Plaza de Armas of Barranca
The main square honors the Sacred City of Caral, with its neocolonial architecture, the San Ildefonso Parish, and vibrant surroundings offering an ideal space for leisurely visits.
Casa de las Brujas
A unique historical landmark, the House of Witches (Casa de las Brujas) was built in 1920 in Paramonga. Originally owned by the Canaval family, it later served as a guesthouse for the Hacienda Paramonga’s officials under the Grace consortium in 1923. Its European architectural style, featuring quincha and wood construction, includes four floors, a grand entrance, and intricately designed interiors.
Barranca’s beaches
Known for its extensive coastline, Barranca offers beaches like Chorrillos, Miraflores, and Puerto Chico to the north, and El Colorado, Bandurria, and Atarraya to the south.
La Isla Beach, also known as the “Pharaoh’s Island,” is a standout, featuring calm waters and a pyramid-shaped sand hill dividing the beach into two distinct sections, perfect for families and adventurers alike.
Behind the island, natural erosion has created small seawater pools. La Isla is located approximately 10 minutes from Supe Puerto.
Barranca’s gastronomy
The culinary scene of this province delights visitors with a wide variety of dishes crafted from ingredients sourced from its fertile valley and abundant coastline. These ingredients, rich in marine life, are transformed by chefs who inherit a millennia-old culinary tradition enriched by Afro-Peruvian, European, and Asian influences.
One of Barranca’s emblematic dishes is tacu tacu, born from the harmonious blend of rice brought by Asian immigrants and native Peruvian beans. Although the dish can be enjoyed on its own, culinary tradition has paired it with various accompaniments, from simple fried eggs to seafood sauces, fried fish, steak, lomo saltado, among other creative additions by Peruvian chefs.
Another culinary offerings also feature dishes based on duck, pork, and guinea pig, along with a variety of fish and seafood prepared as ceviches, sudados (steamed), fried dishes, stews, soups, or stuffed preparations.
Notable dishes include meneado de pavo, a stew made from turkey (or chicken or duck), seasoned with ají panca (local chili) and ground white corn, and cooked with pork lard. It is served with boiled cassava. Its name, which translates to “stirred turkey,” comes from the constant stirring required to achieve its flavor, color, aroma, and consistency.
As a coastal province, Barranca also offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes such as ceviches, escabeches, parihuelas, and fried or steamed fish and shellfish.
The gastronomic journey concludes with desserts that captivate even the most discerning palates, such as alfeñiques (also known as melcocha), a traditional candy made from sugarcane syrup mixed with orange and lemon juice and finished with crushed peanuts.
Other sweet treats include buñuelos, alfajores, turrones, and stuffed figs.
These culinary delights are complemented by traditional beverages such as corn-based chicha in various forms, as well as wines and Peru’s iconic pisco.
Southern Coastal Circuit
This circuit features the province of Cañete, a destination with numerous tourist attractions that captivate visitors.
Cañete
A jewel of the southern coastal circuit, Cañete is a land of adventure, culture, and extraordinary gastronomy.
San Vicente de Azpitia
Nicknamed “The Balcony of the Sky,” this serene town in Santa Cruz de Flores offers breathtaking views of the Mala River Valley. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding and cycling while sampling local fruits such as apples, avocados, and lucumas.
To reach Santa Cruz de Flores and Azpitia, travelers must take the Panamericana Sur highway to kilometer 80, near the León Dormido beach.
From there, a detour under the tunnel leads to the town of San Antonio. A left turn continues to Santa Cruz de Flores, followed by a dirt road to San Vicente de Azpitia.
Lunahuaná
For adventure tourism enthusiasts, Lunahuaná is the quintessential destination in Cañete.
Popular activities include whitewater rafting and canopy ziplining. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, biking, and ATV rides around the area.
Lunahuaná is also known for its rich and diverse cuisine, featuring dishes such as carapulcra, sopa seca, and various shrimp-based specialties
Northern highlands circuit
The provinces of Cajatambo and Oyón form an enchanting circuit in the northern highlands of the Lima region, where visitors can admire the majestic beauty of the central Andes, captivating lagoons, and picturesque valleys.
Cajatambo
Located northeast of Lima at the foothills of the Cordillera Blanca, the province of Cajatambo offers opportunities to explore breathtaking sites such as the Yerupajá Glacier, the Viconga Lagoon, the Shirishanca Glacier, the Chiraumarca Archaeological Site, and the protected area in the Huayhuash Mountain Range.
Visitors to this province can savor traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as pari or stone soup, huatia de calabaza (a baked pumpkin dish), picante de cuy (spicy guinea pig), and pachamanca (a traditional Andean meal cooked underground).
Oyón
The stunning province of Oyón is home to several tourist attractions, including the Santa Rosa Glacier, part of the Raura Mountain Range and located north of Oyón. This glacier stands at an impressive 5,150 meters above sea level. The Surasaca Lagoon, a highlight of various trekking circuits across the Raura Range, is another must-see.
The Yarosh Archaeological Complex, a pre-Inca citadel, features a prominent main plaza spanning nearly four kilometers.
Oyón is also renowned for its thermal springs, particularly those in Churín, located in the district of Pachangara. Notable baths include the “Fountain of Youth,” “Couples’ Bath,” “Lord of Miracles,” “Mama Warmi,” and “Santa Rosa,” among others. These thermal waters are known for their therapeutic properties, offering relief from skin, liver, respiratory, nervous system, kidney, and rheumatic conditions.
The Tingo Hot Springs, located in the district of Andajes, are another attraction, with waters ranging between 32°C and 36°C.
Additional points of interest in Oyón include the Inca Trail and archaeological complexes such as Quillawaca, Marca Marca, and Gallán, offering visitors a deep dive into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Central highlands tourist circuit
This tourist circuit in the Lima region is represented by the province of Huarochirí, offering majestic waterfalls, natural slides, and vibrant towns rich in culture and traditional cuisine.
Huarochirí
Located in the central and eastern part of Lima, Huarochirí is a destination characterized by its diverse microclimates, which vary with altitude. The province is home to stunning waterfalls such as Palakala and Antakallo, which are must-see attractions for nature lovers.
Another highlight is the natural slides of Songos, located in the town of the same name along the route to the district of Surco, near kilometer 63 of the Central Highway. These natural rock formations create slides through which water from the Linday Lagoon flows, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
Visitors can also explore the charming town of Antioquia, renowned for its white walls adorned with mythological and folkloric figures, giving the village a fairytale-like appearance.
Additionally, Huarochirí is known for its agricultural and gastronomic offerings, including the Fuerte avocados from Santa Eulalia and the cherimoyas from Callahuanca and Cumbe.
Other attractions include the district of San Mateo de Otao, an ideal family destination with beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and adventure tourism options. Highlights include the extreme bridge and bicycle ride, where visitors can cross at heights of over 80 meters with all safety measures in place.
San Mateo de Otao also features a unique cable car system, a "huaro" or metal basket suspended by steel cables, allowing up to four people to travel between mountains at heights of over 100 meters. This thrilling journey provides breathtaking views of the inter-Andean valley.
Another standout attraction is a viewpoint shaped like an open hand, where visitors can stand in the palm to capture memorable photos with a stunning backdrop of the San Mateo de Otao Valley.
The experience in Huarochirí is completed with its delicious local cuisine, featuring dishes like pachamanca, trout- and guinea pig-based dishes, chancho al palo, and chancho a la caja china. Visitors can also enjoy the province's emblematic fruits, such as cherimoyas and avocados, making their visit even more delightful.
Southern highlands circuit
The southern highlands find a prominent representative in the province of Yauyos, offering a mosaic of stunning natural beauty, remarkable biodiversity, and a rich cultural heritage expressed through the artisanal craftsmanship of its communities.
Yauyos
Located in the southeastern part of the Lima region, the province of Yauyos is best known for the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. This natural sanctuary features a breathtaking tapestry of rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, canyons, and snow-capped peaks.
Visitors can also admire the abundant variety of wild flora and fauna that adorn the northern and northeastern areas of the province.
Key attractions in Yauyos include the terraces of Laraos, the "Forest of Love" in Vilca, the Cochacocha and Piquecocha lagoons, the Huallugina viewpoint, and the Vilca Centennial Bridge, among others.
Gastronomy lovers will be well rewarded with iconic dishes such as churpucuy (fried guinea pig served with corn and broad beans), trout soup (chilcano), pachamanca, alpaca steak, and fresh cheese with potatoes, to name a few.
Dream beaches
Beaches are the ideal setting to celebrate the end-of-year festivities, and Peru’s coastline, stretching over 3000 kilometers, boast paradisiacal resorts where visitors can fully enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
These destinations offer the perfect environment for relaxation, recreation, and water sports, ensuring an unforgettable summer experience. While the northern beaches are favorites due to their warm waters, year-round sunshine, and picturesque landscapes, the central and southern coasts also feature stunning seaside resorts.
These areas are known for their scenic beauty, excellent waves for water sports, diverse wildlife, and exquisite cuisine, making them compelling destinations to create cherished memories.
Below, we highlight some of the most remarkable beaches along the Peruvian coastline, ideal for celebrating the end-of-year holidays in the northern region:
Far distant places from Lima:
Northern Coast
Máncora
Known for its warm waters, abundant sunshine, and perfect waves for surfing, Máncora is a favorite destination for water sports enthusiasts and those seeking restful relaxation.
This beach is located in the district of Máncora, within the province of Talara, Piura, approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Piura city. Accessible via the Panamericana Norte Highway, visitors can reach Máncora by bus, car, or through the airports of Piura and Tumbes.
Its growing reputation as a paradisiacal destination earned Máncora the title of "Best Beach Destination in South America" at the prestigious 2016 World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Tourism.”
Vichayito
Located 13.6 kilometers south of Máncora, in the province of Talara, Vichayito is another beautiful beach in the Piura region.
With warm waters, excellent waves, and significant hotel investments in the area, Vichayito has become a favorite destination for surfers, divers, and those seeking a cozy retreat to recharge.
Colán
Situated in the district of Colán, in the province of Paita, Colán stands out as one of the most popular beaches in the region. It enjoys intense sunshine year-round and features clear waters with sandy bottoms, along with modern accommodations offering top-notch services to visitors.
Colán is also known as "The Emerald" due to the slight greenish hue of its waters, which enhances the picturesque landscape and contrasts beautifully with its light-colored sands. The beach is perfect for water sports like windsurfing, which attracts international visitors throughout the year, as well as surfing, thanks to its long waves.
Cabo Blanco
Located at kilometer 1137 of the Panamericana Norte Highway in the Piura region, Cabo Blanco is known for its fine sandy beaches and a sea teeming with marine life, making it ideal for fishing.
The beach gained fame after inspiring Ernest Hemingway's renowned novel The Old Man and the Sea. Its large, tubular waves are perfect for experienced surfers and serve as a departure point for whale-watching tours, a major attraction in northern Peru.
Los Órganos
Found at kilometer 1153 of the Panamericana Norte Highway, Los Órganos offers a tropical climate and warm weather year-round.
It features an artisanal pier with white-sailed rafts and a scenic promontory called "Veleros," offering breathtaking ocean views. Los Órganos is also known for its significant population of sea turtles, which have become a focal point for ecotourism. With average temperatures around 29°C (reaching up to 35°C in summer), this beach is a paradise for nature lovers.
Huanchaco
Just over 20 minutes from the city of Trujillo, the Huanchaco resort, located in the district of the same name, is a haven for surf enthusiasts and seafood lovers.
Huanchaco is famous for its iconic caballitos de totora, traditional reed boats crafted from totora plants, a legacy of the Mochica civilization (2nd to 5th centuries AD). These vessels have been used since ancient times for fishing and remain a symbol of the region's rich maritime culture.
Pacasmayo
A 90-minute drive from Trujillo, Pacasmayo is known for its majestic beaches with multicolored sunsets, a refurbished boardwalk, colonial-style houses, and delectable seafood cuisine, making it a favorite for couples and families.
One of its standout beaches, El Faro, boasts the world's longest surfable wave, attracting water sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Puerto Malabrigo
Located in the district of Rázuri, Ascope province, 70 kilometers north of Trujillo, Puerto Malabrigo is a world-class surfing destination.
It is home to the world’s longest perfect left-hand waves, stretching up to 1.5 kilometers in length and reaching heights of 2.5 meters on favorable days, making it a surfing paradise for professionals.
Pimentel
As the most popular beach in the province of Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Pimentel is famous for its waves, perfect for surfing, and its variety of activities.
Visitors can board different types of boats from its pier to explore the waters, while the revamped boardwalk offers pleasant areas for strolling and local crafts shopping. Nearby restaurants serve the best of Lambayeque’s renowned cuisine, completing the experience.
Central coast
Along the central coast, particularly in the Áncash region, visitors can enjoy the charming beaches of Tortugas, located in the province of Casma, as well as Vesique, El Dorado, El Enrocado, and Los Chimús, all in the province of Santa. According to the regional health authority, these beaches meet sanitary standards and are ready to welcome swimmers this summer.
In Metropolitan Lima, beachgoers can visit the shores of Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos, which are in suitable condition for visitors. Further south, the beach districts of Punta Hermosa and Punta Negra stand out, along with the emblematic Cerro Azul resort in the province of Cañete.
Southern coast
In the southern coast, the Ica region offers stunning beaches within the Paracas National Reserve, such as Yumaque and La Mina. These beaches feature fine sand and gentle waves, perfect for relaxation.
In Arequipa, notable beaches include La Punta, Mejía, and Catarindo in the province of Islay, and the Jihuay resort in the province of Caravelí, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the San José cove in Camaná province is renowned for its calm waters and spectacular sunsets.
The Moquegua region, specifically its coastal province of Ilo, is home to breathtaking beaches like Gentilares, La Glorieta, Tres Hermanas, Peña Blanca, Pozo de Lizas, and Puerto Inglés.
Finally, in Tacna, Peru’s southernmost region, visitors will find a collection of scenic beaches with calm waters, such as Boca del Río, Los Palos, La Lancha, Pozo Redondo, Cánepa, Vila Vila, Tres Cruces, Punta Colorada, Las Gaviotas, Tomoyo, and Los Hornos.
More in Andina:
(END) LZD/ JMP / MDV
Published: 12/26/2024