From Lima to the Sands: Exploring Huacachina and Paracas
After a physically strenuous but very fulfilling adventurous trip to Cusco, I hopped on a short plane to Lima. I only took about four days here and frankly it was enough time to explore. Touching down in Lima, the City of Kings, feels like an invitation to explore a tapestry of ancient history and modern allure set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. I settled in a beautiful Airbnb in the Miraflores district. This is an area popular for tourists but also relatively safer than the city center. I used my first night to head to the nearby Panchita restaurant. I had heard that Lima has a world renowned cuisine. And this restaurant with traditional Peruvian food didn’t disappoint.
The following day I took the opportunity to check out the Kennedy Park and the neighboring Iglesia de Virgen Milagrosa. I rain into a picnic put on by the Ministry of Health and watched the street performers in delight. In the afternoon I headed to the Huaca Pucllana. This is a fascinating archaeological site, offering a glimpse into Peru’s ancient past. This pre-Incan adobe pyramid dates back to the Lima culture, which thrived between 200 and 700 AD. Built entirely from hand-shaped clay bricks, its seven staggered platforms once served as an important ceremonial and administrative center. Walking around the ruins I learned about the complex rituals and day to day routines of the builders.
From there I took an Uber to the coast of Miraflores. The vibrant colors of Parque del Amor and the sweeping views of the ocean create a sense of serene wonder. I walked over to the Larcomar shopping district for lunch at Mangos. I truly enjoyed the sweeping coastal views while snacking on some ceviche. In the evening I lost myself in the bohemian charm of Barranco, where cobblestone streets, art-filled alleys, and cozy cafés exude creativity and romance. There was a street art fair filled with local artisans from where I bought some pairs of earrings for my girlfriends as souvenirs.
It was time to return home as I had an 18 hour day trip planned the following day. The bus picked us up at 5 am. This daily trip started with a cruise on the coast of Paracas. As the boat glided across the waves, we passed the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, etched into the hillside, its origins and purpose still shrouded in mystery. Further out, the Ballestas Islands reveal themselves—a haven for wildlife. Here, sea lions basked on rocky shores, flocks of Humboldt penguins waddled along the cliffs, and thousands of seabirds soared overhead. The journey feels like a surreal immersion into nature’s grandeur, leaving me with a sense of awe at the unspoiled beauty of Peru’s coast.
From there we headed to Huacachina, a mesmerizing desert oasis nestled in the arid heart of Peru, near the city of Ica. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, this small village feels like a scene from a mirage, with its palm-fringed lagoon at the center exuding an almost magical tranquility. Legend has it that the lagoon was formed from the tears of a grieving princess, adding a touch of mystery to its allure.
We hopped for a ride on a dune buggy. What a heart-pounding way to explore the vast desert expanse! We were then provided with boards to go down the colossal dunes. And wow what an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. As the day winded down, watching the sun set over the undulating dunes is a spectacle of fiery hues, a moment that feels utterly timeless.
After a four hour bus ride back to Lima, my body was utterly exhausted, but my heart thrilled by the prospect to hop on another plane to visit the destination I had longed for over 20 years.
