How to Spend 24 Hours in Pucusana, Peru
For those looking for an escape from Lima’s grey skies or maybe just a weekend at the beach, Pucusana is your place. The sleepy fishing town is around 60 km (37 miles) south of Lima and offers respite from the ails of city life. From eat fresh fish to jet skiing, here’s how to do Pucusana in one day.
Take a boat tour
Pucusana is a picturesque cove sounded by the blue Pacific Ocean. The natural beauty is stunning and the area is small enough that you can enjoy the entire area in no more than an hour. You can explore all the beaches – even get dropped off at some – and catch a glimpse of the islands just off shore, where you’ll most likely find some sea lions. At low tide, you can even wade through the water to the island to get a better look. The boat tours are best done in the morning when the waters are calm and there is no wind.
Enjoy some beach time
After getting your tour, take the time to decide on a beach and post up. It’s best to pick one with beach-side service for some afternoon beers. The most popular beach is Playa de las Ninfas, where you’ll find plenty of services and people selling all kinds of different goods. The water is cold, but bright blue and clear. Many vendors on the beach rent beach chairs so you won’t need to bring one. You can also rent umbrellas too, which are essential for that harsh sun.
Eat fresh fish
There’s really only one main thing you need to do whenever in a fishing village, and that’s eat some fish. Pucusana supplies Lima with a lot of its fish, so there’s plenty of it to go around in town. The locals love to eat jalea (deep fried fish) on the beach as well as, of course, ceviche. You won’t go far in town without finding a seafood restaurant – they even serve you right on the beach. Portions are very large and not very expensive.
Take a ride on a jet ski
A local favorite activity is to go jet skiing. You’ll find plenty of vendors along the beach offering 30 minutes to an hour on a jet ski. You can even get pulled on an inner-tube or giant hotdog shaped inflatable raft towed by a jet ski. Another great option is to rent a jet ski to go explore the island and more remote coves along the coast, evening stopping to take a dip and snorkel in the less crowded waters.
Marvel at the sunset
Beach sunsets are the best, and Pucusana is no exception. Grab a char and some beer, and watch the sun descend over the fishing boats and the Pacific Ocean.
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