Short routes

Discover all that Lima has to offer, hassle-free, thanks to this list of short routes a few hours from the Peruvian capital!

Short routes

Escaping the city to discover incredible natural landscapes, going trekking or surfing and enjoying fascinating country walks is easier and faster when the destinations are just a few hours away. Discover all that Lima has to offer, hassle-free, thanks to this list of short routes!

Huancaya

This is a landscape reserve formed by rivers, small waterfalls and emerald-green lagoons that run between stone steps and islets full of vegetation, where landscapes surrounded by nature invite you to take a walk while contemplating nature. The activities you can do here are: hiking, horseback riding along the river, bird watching, kayaking, camping and trout fishing. There are also lodgings and restaurants with traditional local cuisine, and if you want to book a tour, you can book one through various local travel agencies. The best time to visit is from May to September, with a minimum stay of two days. To get to Huancaya, take the bus to Cañete. The departure points can be found on the websites of local transport companies.

Address

  • 7 hours south of the city of Lima. Exactly at KM 174 of the Carretera al sur Cañete-Nor Yauyos.

Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacámac

Pachacámac is a ceremonial center on the Peruvian coast, consisting of palaces, squares and temples of adobe constructed in different periods of the Inca Empire. It has a modern museum that gives us an understanding of the importance of the archaeological site in pre-Hispanic history. From the top of Pachacámac, when the sky is clear, you can make out the mythical Cavillaca Island, whose legend tells of a princess and her son who were lost at sea. If you want to have a unique and unforgettable experience, we recommend that you enjoy lunch or dinner in a new restaurant service suspended 45 meters high, surrounded by dazzling landscapes. "Dinner in The Sky Peru" can offer you this innovative service, in a way that exceeds your expectations. You can find it at: Los Altos de Mamacona, Alameda Mamacona, Lurín.

Address

  • It is located 1 hour from the city of Lima, on the Antigua Carretera Panamericana Sur km. 31.5, approximately 45 minutes by car.

Website

Admission fee

  • S/. 15.00

Lomas de Lúcumo

This ecosystem boasts impressive vegetation from June to November, when the hills change from brown to bright green. Therefore, the best time to visit is during these months. On the diverse hiking trails, which last from 3 to 6 hours according to the chosen route, you will be able to see altars, holes, cave paintings, a variety of plant life and animals such as vizcachas, owls, foxes and vermillion flycatchers, all of which are local to the area. The eastern part of the hills is ideal for rappelling, climbing, mountain biking and rock climbing. Tours can be booked through various local travel agencies and it is recommended to visit it as a full day activity.

Address

  • It is located 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Lima. It is located in the rural community of Quebrada Verde, district of Pachacámac, province of Lima.

Website

Admission fee

  • Adult price (approx.): S/ 8.00
  • Child price (approx.): S/ 4.50

Marcahuasi

Marcahuasi is a plateau located in the Andes, whose main attraction is the mystery of its rock formations. You can go hiking, horseback riding and, above all, camping. Hence why it is recommended to take all the equipment to visit this area: coats, tents, food and thermal blankets, among other gear for camping in low temperature areas. If you do not have the above, on the way to Marcahuasi you can stop in San Pedro de Casta to buy the necessary equipment. You can also find accommodation and restaurants with traditional local food, and if you want to book tours, you can do so through local travel agencies.

Address

  • It is located 3 and a half hours east of Lima, in the province of Huarochirí.

Admission fee

  • Schoolchildren (approx.): S/. 5.00
  • Peruvian adults (approx.): S/. 10.00
  • Foreign visitors (approx.): S/. 20.00

Lachay National Reserve

A wonderful natural formation, characterized by the presence of thick clouds. These clouds give a mystical appearance to the reserve and allow for the growth of a wide diversity of flora, especially between June and October, when many species of animals also find shelter here. In it, you can follow trekking routes, the duration of which varies depending on the type of circuit chosen. You can also camp, observe the flora and fauna of the area, such as the Sechuran fox. Tours can be booked through a number of local travel agencies and it is recommended to visit it as a full day activity.

Address

  • It is located 2 and a half hours north of the city of Lima, in Huaura, the capital of the district of Huacho. At KM 105 of the Carretera Panamericana Norte.

Admission fee

  • Adults (approx.): S/. 10.00
  • Minors (from 5 to 16 years old): S/. 3.00

Antioquía

A picturesque town located three hours from the city of Lima, whose main attraction is its houses and government buildings which are painted white and decorated with multicolored drawings of angels, flowers, animals and borders, giving the town a unique, cheerful and friendly appearance. You will be able to walk and discover its streets, appreciating the paintwork, visit the fruit fields, the Cerrito de Amancaes viewpoint and the natural pools on the banks of the river Lurín. Moreover, you can do various activities in its surroundings, such as horseback riding or ATV rides, camping, visiting archaeological sites, nature tourism, visiting churches and enjoying swimming pools, to mention but a few. Tours can be booked through various local travel agencies and it is recommended to visit it as a full day activity.

Address

  • It is approximately 3 hours from the city of Lima. 43 miles southeast of Lima, district of Antioquia in the province of Huarochirí.
Travel this route in 1 day.

Azpitia

Be sure to visit Azpitia, a rural area surrounded by fruit fields: apple, lucuma and pacay (ice-cream bean) trees. It also boasts a magnificent view of the Mala river valley. That's why it's known as "The Balcony of Heaven". A wonder.

By land

  • Take the Carretera Panamericana Sur to access Pachacamác (50 min) and Chilca (1 h).
  • Azpitia: Access via the León Dormido exit (1 h 30 min).

Events and Celebrations

  • March - April: National Peruvian Paso Horse Contest.

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Barranca

Spend some amazing days on its tranquil beaches with good food. And don't forget to visit Supe Puerto and Pativilca, two places full of tradition and culture.

By land

  • Barranca: KM 196 of the Panamericana Norte.
  • Ancón: 27 miles north of Lima.

Events and Celebrations

  • February - March: Barranca Tourist Week.
  • May: Anniversary of the Caral civilization.
  • June: St. Peter's Day and St. Paul's Day.

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Cajatambo

Enjoy Cajatambo, a typical village in the Lima mountains, with narrow cobblestone streets. It is also known for its magnificent dairy produce, which is produced in a traditional way. Don't forget to visit the Tumac hot springs, an ideal destination to relax.

By land

  • Cajatambo: 210 miles north of Lima.

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Cañete

In Cañete you will be able to see the extraordinary Lomas de Asia, the historic San Vicente de Cañete, the adventurous Lunahuaná and the beautiful Viñac. A dream trip in Lima.

By land

  • Lima - Lunahuaná: 112 miles (3 h).
  • Lunahuaná - Viñac: 48 miles (2 h).

Events and Celebrations

  • June: Amancaes Flower Festival.

Activities

Travel this route in 1 day.

Canta

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city in Canta, where its rural landscapes are perfect for family fun. A horseback ride or camping by the river awaits you.

By land

  • Canta: 63 miles from Lima following Av Túpac Amaru.
  • Santa Rosa de Quives: Travel along Av. Túpac Amaru until the Canta exit (1 h 30 min) and continue along the road.

Events and Celebrations

  • February - March: Carnivals.
  • August: Santa Rosa de Lima.

Activities

Travel this route in 3 days.

Chancay

Visit this ancestral land of the outstanding Chancay culture. You can also stop by Huaral and Rúpac, two incredible destinations in Lima.

By land

  • Lima - Huaral: 46.7 miles.
  • Huaral - Pampas: 50 miles.
  • Pampas - Rúpac: 4 miles.

Events and Celebrations

  • October: Chancho al Palo Festival.

Activities

Travel this route in 1 day.

Churín

Churín is a valley with a fiery heart from which flow warm torrents of medicinal water that are ideal for relieving certain conditions. You can also take a walk around the surrounding area to take in the beauty of the place. Remember – you will also be able to appreciate the historic district of Sayán.

By land

  • Sayán: 94 miles from Lima following the Panamericana Norte.
  • Churín: 129 miles from Lima on the Sayán-Churín road.

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Huacho

Known as "Norte Chico", Huacho will captivate you with its variety of tourist attractions, from its relaxing countryside to its famous cuisine and architectural icons. Take a look around – you won't regret it.

By land

  • Lima - Huacho: 92 miles (2 h 30 min).

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Matucana

Matucana is ideal for trekking or camping. A natural paradise just a few hours from Lima.

By land

  • Songos Waterfall: At KM 63.5 on the Carretera Central.
  • Matucana: From Huariquiña, at KM 70 on the Carretera Central, 40 minutes approx. Walking.

Events and Celebrations

  • April: Chirimoya Festival.

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Beaches of Áncash

Enjoy the sun on the beaches of Ánchash, Huarmey and Casma, two resorts that will stun you with their beauty. Don't forget to taste its cuisine, one of the best in the north of Peru.

By land

  • Drive from Lima along the Panamericana Norte for 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach the beaches of Huarmey. With an extra hour, you get to the beaches of Casma.

Events and Celebrations

  • June: St. Peter's Day and St. Paul's Day.

Activities

Travel this route in 2 days.

Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve

Visit historical Laraos, incredible and natural Huancaya and imposing Vilca, three beautiful destinations in Nor Yauyos Cochas. Perfect for adventure lovers.

By land

  • Huancaya: Head northwest of Lima for 197 miles (6 h).

Activities