There are plenty of options for daytrips to different sights just outside of Lima, whether for tourism, camping, or just a day at the beach.

Pachacámac

Pachacámac is an archaeological site in the valley of Lurin, 19.26 miles (31 km) south of Lima. Researchers estimate that it was inhabited by Pre-Inca and Inca peoples from the year 200 CE until 1533 CE. Among the pre-Incan structures are the Templo Pintado, or colored temple, and the Templo Viejo, or old temple, as well as ramped pyramids. Next to these structures is the Incan Templo de Inti, or temple of the sun, which has a terrace overlooking the ocean.
Open daily from 9am-5pm. s./5 entrance.

Puruchuco

Another Incan archaeological site, located 4.66 miles (7.5 km) east of Lima. In Quechua, the language of the Incas, its name means ‘hat of feathers’, and the site consists of a well restored political palace used by the Incas in their domain over the Rimac valley.
Open Tues- Sun from 9am-5pm. Tel. 494-2641

Southern Beaches

In the summer time, Limeños head down to the southern beaches to relax and take in the sun, or stay out all night in one of the many clubs near or on the beach. There are many delicious seafood restaurants to be found, as well as excellent waves for surfing. Popular beaches are Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra, San Bartolo and El Silencio, located between 36 and 52 kilometers south along the Pan Americana highway.
Farther south are the beaches of Asia in the district of Cañete about 100 km south of Lima. This area has been in development since the 1970s and has various hotels, restaurants, movie theaters and nightclubs, as well as beaches for sunbathing and surfing and a golf course coming soon.

Marcahuasi

Marcahuasi is a location outside of Chosica, in the Lurigancho district of Lima which is excellent for hiking and camping. After a bus ride around precarious cliffs, visitors arrive in the small village of San Pedro. From this point visitors begin a challenging up-hill, high altitude hike (mules are also available for rent from locals) to the top of the Marcahuasi plateau, located at 3,657 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. On top of the plateau is an area for camping and plenty of routes to explore the “rock forest” full of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures naturally appearing in the giant rocks, as well as several lagoons and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.