Area
Lima and the Desert Coast
Type
Food & Drink
Difficulty
Leisurely
Few travellers realise that a great desert dominates Peru's coast, and nowhere shows it better than the dunes of Paracas, where the high Andes, the cold Humboldt Current and the prevailing winds combine to keep almost every raindrop away. Ride the roller-coaster crests and drops of the sand, surging up each ridge, pausing at the top and sliding down the far side across seemingly endless dunes toward the horizon. Stop on the highest point just before sunset, step out and take your time over the panorama as the dunes turn to chiaroscuro in the evening light, bright ridges set against deepening shadow. Afterwards, a luxurious picnic waits as the last light fades, while candles and lanterns light the table and night settles over the desert. The Paracas desert adds a new perspective on the remarkable diversity of Peru, from Andean peaks to Pacific sand. Among the most surprising things to do in Peru, this sunset adventure reveals a side of the country that many travellers never realise exists.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationHotel B
Hotel B is a restored 1914 Belle-Époque mansion turned art-filled boutique hotel in Lima’s bohemian Barranco — where intimate design, contemporary Latin-American art, Peruvian-Mediterranean cuisine and oceanside sunsets combine into a stylish, soulful sta
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View AccommodationAtemporal
Atemporal is a serene 1940s townhouse-turned-boutique hotel in Lima’s leafy Miraflores. Just six exquisitely styled rooms, art-filled common spaces, curated service, and a home-away-from-home feel for travellers seeking calm and true local character
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View AccommodationVilla Barranco
Villa Barranco is a restored 1920s mansion in Lima’s bohemian Barranco district — under 20 bespoke rooms, vintage architecture, rooftop terrace with Pacific-view cocktails, and easy access to galleries, seaside strolls and slow-city charm.
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View AccommodationHotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Resort
A serene desert-meets-sea retreat, Hotel Paracas blends refined beachfront luxury with access to the wild beauty of the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands. A tranquil gateway to adventure, wellness and effortless elegance.
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View AccommodationMiraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
Belmond Miraflores Park delivers coastal-city sophistication — 89 sea-view suites, a rooftop infinity pool over the Pacific, refined dining, luxe spa and easy access to Lima’s art, culture and salted-air promenade for an elegant urban escape.
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View AccommodationFausto
Fausto is a five-room boutique guesthouse in Lima’s Miraflores — a restored 1920s neoclassical home offering contemporary style, a rooftop terrace, open pantry of snacks and drinks, and personalised service for an intimate, soulful urban stay.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceDiscover Lima & the Larco Museum
Soak up the local ambience on this half day city tour of Lima, where you will visit elegant neighbourhoods and cities main attractions, followed by a visit to the Larco Museum to take in Peru’s finest private collection of artefacts.
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View ExperienceBarranco and its huariques
Discover Barranco on foot through its food, from traditional huariques to contemporary Peruvian cuisine. This immersive walking experience reveals the district’s culinary soul, ending with slow coffee and artisanal desserts.
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View ExperienceSurf Lesson in Miraflores
Embrace Lima’s coastal energy with a surf lesson on the Pacific, combining land-based technique training and wave simulation with personalised in-water coaching for a rewarding experience at any level.
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View ExperienceVisit to the Amano Textile Museum
An after-hours private visit to Lima's Amano Textile Museum, with rare vault access to pre-Columbian textiles reserved for researchers - guided by the curator, and ending with crafted cocktails.
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View ExperienceMonumental Callao with Graffiti Lesson
Explore Callao’s creative revival, where bold street art and murals have transformed a historic port district. Inspired by the Fugaz project, the experience ends with a hands-on graffiti session rooted in local culture.
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