What are the highlights of the central coast?

Lima's clifftop paragliding and food scene, the Huacachina dune oasis, the Nazca Lines from the air, and the Paracas marine reserve and Ballestas Islands.

When is the best time to visit?

December to March for warm, sunny coast weather; the rest of the year is cooler and often overcast in Lima (the garúa sea mist), though the desert south stays dry year-round.

Is it suitable for beginners and families?

Very — tandem paragliding , dune buggies, boat trips and the Nazca flights suit all ages, with equipment and guiding provided.

Lima has Peru's main international airport, and Ica, Paracas and Nazca are three to five hours south by road or bus. Operators arrange transfers and day trips.

Things to do in Lima & the Central Coast

Peru's central coast is where most journeys begin — the capital Lima perched on Pacific cliffs, and a ribbon of desert running south past the Paracas peninsula to the Nazca Lines and the palm-ringed oasis of Huacachina. It is a region of sea and sand rather than high mountains, and the launch pad for the Andes and the Amazon beyond.

City, cliffs and coast

In Lima, tandem paragliding launches straight off the Miraflores cliffs above the ocean, with boat trips to the sea-lion islands and one of the world's great food scenes at street level.

Desert, dunes and mystery

South in Ica, the Huacachina dunes are made for sandboarding and buggy rides, the Nazca Lines are best seen from a light aircraft, and the Paracas reserve and Ballestas Islands teem with sea lions and seabirds. Open the Book here tab to see what is running.

City, cliffs and coast

In Lima, tandem paragliding launches straight off the Miraflores cliffs above the ocean, with boat trips to the sea-lion islands and one of the world's great food scenes at street level.