| Pachacamac
Archaeological site located at km 31 of the South Pan-American
Highway, about 25 minutes drive from Lima. It was the
main ceremonial center in the Peruvian coastline. Its
influence declined starting from the fifteenth century
when it was conquered by Inca Túpac Yupanqui. The
main buildings include the Temple of the Sun and the Acllahuasi,
both built during the Inca domination. The principal material
used in the buildings, as well as in the entire Peruvian
coastline, was mud. The Inca section is the best-preserved
part of the archaeological complex (1 440 - 1 533). The
archaeological site includes palaces, plazas and temples
that have been painstakingly restored and even includes
an on-site Museum that houses and interesting collection
of Pre-Inca relics.
Lúcumo
Hillocks
Located 34 km south of Lima, access is through the town
of Pachacámac by a gravel-surfaced road up to the
town of Quebrada Verde. This is one of the last ecosystems
of hillocks that still survive in the coastal strip.
Pantanos
de Villa (Wetlands)
This marshy area features a sprawling Reserved Zone of
totora reed-lined pools that are one of the main havens
on the coast for more than 150 bird classes, including
30 migratory species that fly here from all over the continent.
Lima's last remaining natural reserve spreads across 396
hectares which are an obligatory stopping-point for ornithologists
and nature lovers from all over the world. The most important
birds can be spotted during a three-hour stroll down signposted
trails and strategically-located look-out towers. The
Villa Wetlands are located 19 km south of Lima. Access
is through Huaylas Ave.
Cajamarquilla
Archaeological complex, one of the most important in the
Peruvian pre-Hispanic central coastline, it is located
15 km up east of Lima. Access is through the Central Highway,
after crossing a gravel-surfaced road that departs from
Huachipa towards the Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery. The
complex was entirely built from adobe mud brick and comprises
a number of palaces protected by surrounding walls.
Chosica
and Santa Eulalia
Located in the Lima highlands, 1 h drive east of the city
through the Central Highway. Here, visitors can find many
recreation centers, clubs and country restaurants, in
addition to its dry climate and the always-present sun
at the foot of the hills. This is also the starting point
for trips to the Peruvian central highlands.
Paramonga
Fortress
Located 4 km from the city of Pativilca, almost on the
Ancash borderline at km 209 of the North Pan-American
Highway. This is a Chimu building surrounded by arable
land and fertile valleys.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF CAJATAMBO
Small town located near Raura and Huayhuash mountain ranges.
Its main attractions include:
Chiraumarca Ruins
Located 3,5 km from the town.
Viconga Lagoon
Formed by the thawing of Araraj and Cóndor Mounts,
about 6 hours' horseback ride from Cajatambo.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF CALLAO
Located in the central western part of the Department
of Lima. Its main attractions include:
Real
Felipe Fortress
Plaza Independencia, Saenz Peña
Phone: (511) 429-0532
Visits: Monday to Sunday 09:00-14:00.
Fortress dating from 1 747, the year in which its construction
began with the main purpose of guarding the coast of Callao
against the attacks of pirates and corsairs.
Naval
Museum.
Av. Jorge Chávez 1243.
Phone: (511) 429-7278 extension 184 / 185 / 194.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9:00-16:00.
The main cultural department of the Peruvian War Navy,
it was officially established as museum in 1 958 and plays
host to an important collection of oil paintings, photographs,
jewels, navigation instruments and weapons that had a
major role in Peru's maritime history.
There are also important archaeological zones such as:
Oquendo, Huaca Cerro Culebras and Huaca Pampa de los Perros.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF CANTA
Checta Petroglyphs
Located in the district of Santa Rosa de Quives, halfway
between Lima and Canta. It features approximately 450
stone-carved figures dating back to 1 500 years ago. There
are representations of animals, astral maps, flora species
and fantastic beings.
City
of Canta
Located 104 km east of Lima, up to the valley of the Chillón
river (2 800 masl), this city is surrounded by fields
of crops and green hills, which make it ideal for camping.
Famous for its breathtaking scenery and dairy products.
Near Canta, between the Yanacocha gorge and the town of
Huaros, grow two groves of the Puya Raimondi (a cactus-like
plant that grows more than 10 m high and produces around
17 thousand flowers, a world record. It flowers just one
in its 100-year lifetime, before releasing its seeds and
dying).
Obrajillo
Located 3 km from Canta, is smaller and more quiet, and
is popular with campers for its peaceful countryside by
the banks of the river; an area carpeted with wildflowers.
Its main square features superb colonial houses linked
by winding alleys and featuring ancient wooden balconies.
The
Citadel of Cantamarca
Located 15 km from Canta, this archaeological site (3
500 masl), belongs to the Atavillos Culture. The site
features an aqueduct, a large number of chullpas or kullpis
with their almost intact structures and other buildings;
here locals celebrate the Feast of the Crosses (May 1-3
).
The
Fortress of Sinchipampa
Fortified settlement, its buildings include towers, watchtowers
and defensive enclosures.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF CAÑETE
Lunahuaná
Locate 180 km, about 3 h drive from Lima. At km 140 of
the South Pan-American Highway, the road branches off
towards the left to lead us to this town. The road running
up along the Cañete river shows us pre-Hispanic
archaeological remains surrounded by impressive mountains
and lush vegetation. The colonial church of Lunahuaná
that dates back to 1690 is also noteworthy. This is an
excellent area for adventure sports such as canoeing,
Kayaking, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting, paragliding
and mountain-biking.
Cerro
Azul
Traditional resort located at km 132 of the South Pan-American
Highway (1 ½ h drive from Lima), one of the favorite
spots of surfboard lovers. The beach offers restaurants
and hostels. In the hillsides of Cerro Centinela, overlooking
the southern part of the beach, there are pre-Hispanic
constructions painted in bluish green (which explains
the origin of its name).
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF HUARAL
Lachay National Reserve
At km 105 of the North Pan-American Highway and about
1 h 45 minutes drive from Lima, the highway branches off
to the right towards a 4 km-long road. A very interesting
foothill microclimate with abundant vegetation and wild
animals as well as archaeological sites from pre-Hispanic
cultures. The ideal time to visit this reserve is from
July through November.
Castle
of Chancay
Located 87 km north of Lima, this rare castle spreading
over an area of 10 000 m2 keeps an interesting showcase
of mummies, textiles and huacos from the extraordinary
Chancay culture.
Rupac
Archaeological Remains
Located 65 km from Huaral at 3 400 masl, this is a citadel
featuring sturdy vaulted ceilings, also known as "Lima's
Machu Picchu". Some buildings located on the edge
of the abyss are as tall as 10 m high.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF HUAROCHIRI
Marcahuasi
Located 3 km east of San Pedro de Casta in the Lima highlands
(3 180 masl). A 3 h horseback journey or 6 h hike leads
to Marcahuasi which spreads across 4 km2 of high plateau
featuring colossal rock formations up to 26 m high, eroded
by the action of climate, many of which have the shape
of animals. It is necessary to carry camping equipment.
Forests
of Zárate
At km 56 of the Central Highway lies the town of San Bartolomé.
From here, a 7 h hike leads to the Forests of Zárate
(3 100 masl), a highland grazing area. The trail is narrow
and zigzagging, but crosses through several picturesque
villages until it reaches this balmy forest teeming with
wildlife. The area has given life to native tree species
including the San Pedro cactus, used for its hallucinogenic
effects. The ideal time to visit the forest is from April
through June.
Palakala
Waterfall in the Lima highlands. The departing point is
the town of Surco located at km. 67 of the Central Highway.
After 2 h drive along the river formed by the gorge of
Matala, visitors reach the hamlet of Huaquicha a popular
spot for camping.
Tres Ventanas (Three Windows)
Caves that were occupied by men who have left samples
of stone work.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF HUAURA
Albufera Medio Mundo
Although its name seems to indicate otherwise, it is in
fact near Lima: at km 175 of the North Pan-American Highway.
It is an extensive lagoon (7 km long) created 25 years
ago by the filtration produced as a result of the irrigation
of San Felipe river. This huge mass of fresh water is
surrounded by rush and reed.
Several cabins have been built in the middle of the lagoon.
Boats, kayaks and catamarans are available for rental
so that visitors interested in getting a closer look at
birds can approach Gilligan's island and, particularly,
Love Island. The number of gray herons that nest and flutter
on the totora reeds is amazing. Here, reddish patos colombianos
(Colombian ducks), coots, cormorants and lake ducks are
at ease and miss no food because the lagoon is home to
five fish species: mullets, carps, morwongs, ides and
mojarras.
ATTRACTIONS
IN THE PROVINCE OF OYON
Located in the northeastern part of the department, its
rough topography results from the narrowness of the main
valley with very few flat areas. Most of the territory
is located at altitudes above 3 000 masl and is occupied
by hillsides and ravines which, in turn, form huge mountains.
Churín
Located 210 km northeast of Lima, driving through the
North Pan-American Highway and taking the gravel-surfaced
road to the east, Churín is a picturesque inter-Andean
town famous for its hot springs. Hundreds of visitors
come every week-end to enjoy the town's pure air, the
spectacular landscape of the highlands and the medicinal
benefits of its celebrated hot water pools. From Churín,
the highway goes up the Andes to an endless number of
traditional towns, notably Andajes, famous for its manjarblanco
(milk jam), and the archaeological sites of Ninash, Kukun,
Antasway and Kuray. It is worth mentioning that in Huacho
sin Pescado (3 200 masl), facing the impressive Yarahuayna
Mount, the pre-Inca remains of Antamarca and Chaulín,
are in excellent conservation condition. Sports fishing
lovers can visit the Wayo lagoon (trouts) and mountain
climbers can climb the impressive summits of the Raura
Mountain Range (more than 5 700 masl).
Huancahuasi
Hot springs located 20 km and about 1 h drive from Churín
on a gravel-surfaced road. Here, water reaches a temperature
of 70º C which makes it adequate to fight diseases
such as rheumatism, arthritis and certain bronchial afflictions.
Huacho
sin pescado
Located 150 km northeast of Lima, its actual name is San
Francisco de Huacho. The Ruins of Antamarca and Chauli
are near this community. |
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