Just 18 miles (30 km) south of Lima lies Pachacamac, one of Peru’s most important pre-Columbian sites. Spread across a vast desert landscape overlooking the Pacific, this ceremonial center was sacred for centuries before the Inca, with temples dedicated to the creator god Pachacamac. The Incas later incorporated the site into their empire, adding their own Sun Temple.

Pachacamac is like uncovering another layer of Peru’s history that most travelers miss when they focus only on the Inca. The scale is impressive, with its massive adobe pyramids, plazas, and temples, and the onsite museum adds excellent context. From the Temple of the Sun, you get sweeping views of the ocean and valley.

Pro Tip: Go with a guide or join a tour. The site is huge, and having context makes the ruins much more meaningful. Combine it with lunch at a local cevichería nearby for a perfect half-day trip from Lima.