The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve, located 105 kilometers north of Lima, in the province of Huaura, is an excellent destination to enjoy impressive landscapes, go trekking and camp in the middle of nature. If you don't have plans for this weekend, what are you waiting for to visit this charm located a stone's throw from Lima?
The two hours that separate it from Lima, place the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve as an attraction that is not to be missed if you want to enjoy outdoor activities. In the reserve you can see rock formations, green areas and a large number of birds. In addition, you do not need a large budget to meet her.
Discover the five reasons why you should visit the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Go?
Location
The Lachay National Reserve is a protected area in Peru, located in the District of Huacho, at Km. 105 of the Panamericana Norte, in the province of Huaura, near the districts of Chancay and Huaral, in the coastal department of Lima.
History of Lomas de Lachay
This reserve was created on June 21, 1977 and covers an area of approximately 5,070 hectares, with altitudes between 100 and 500 meters. It preserves a rich flora and fauna with numerous endemic species. It is also an important recreation area for the inhabitants of Lima and neighboring towns, who have often put its conservation and good development in danger, as well as livestock activity.
According to researchers and archaeologists, they have determined the occupation of the Lomas de Lachay, at least six times, corresponding to initially hunter and gatherer populations until reaching the current shepherds also called "snitches". There is evidence of the presence of populations influenced by the Chavín Culture (2800 years BC) from the remains of pottery and buildings found. Likewise, there are remains of tombs that show the presence of the Tiahuanaco Culture (2500 years BC), corresponding to the Theatine period.
The hills also suffered the influence of other great regional cultures such as the Mochica, Chimú and Chancay, to finally be subjected to the Inca Empire. During the colony, the hills were gradually vacated due to the degradation they suffered as a result of overgrazing caused by cattle from Europe. In subsequent historical periods, the hills deteriorated even more, due to the felling of trees used as a source of energy generation, so that the capacity to support livestock was reduced and this resulted in the sporadic presence of settlers.
Flora
The flora is mainly composed of plants with a great capacity to capture mist such as "tara" (Caesalpinia espinosa), "palillo" (Capparis prisca), "mito" (Carica candicans), "huarango" (Acacia macracantha), the "amancae" (Hymenocallis amancaaes).
Fauna
There are approximately 60 species of identified birds, among them: great harrier (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), turtupilín (Pyrocephalus rubinus), kestrel (Falco sparverius), common harrier (Buteo polyosoma), cactus basket-eater (Asthenes cactorum), field plover ( Oreopholus ruficollis); and endemic species of the area such as the mountain partridge (Nothoprocta pentlandii), as well as the thick-billed pampero (Geositta crassirostris) as described by D. López Mazzotti in his writings. There are also hummingbirds, sand owls, doves, parakeets, plovers, and other birds.
Among the mammals we find the coastal fox (Pseudalopex sechurae) and various species of bats, as well as rodents such as long-eared mice (Phyllotis spp.). The aforementioned D. López mentions that there are also occasional visitors such as the Pajonal cat (Oncifelis colocolo)
How to get?
By private car
To get to the Lomas de Lachay, take the North Pan-American Highway until Km. 105, where there is a detour to the interior of the Lachay Reserve. From the detour there is a route of approximately 7 km of unpaved road where you will arrive at the administrative office of the Reserve. In this area you will find vehicle parking and an area to have lunch.
Once inside the Lachay reserve, there are pedestrian paths where you will walk enjoying a beautiful landscape.
On an interprovincial bus
From Lima you must take any bus that takes you to the north of the capital and leaves you at Km. 105 of the Panamerica Norte. You can take any bus at the "Plaza Norte" bus terminal (S/. 15 soles approx.) indicating that you will get off at the entrance to Lomas de Lachay. Other companies are "Z Buss" (S/. 12 soles approx.). There are also companies, cars and vans in the Ovalo de Infanta - Los Olivos (In the same panamerica) that take you to Huacho and Churín among others (Between S/. 12 to S/. 20 soles approx.)
Tickets and/or approximate expenses
- Round trip bus tickets: S/. 10 to 12 soles.
- Entrance Lomas: S/. 10 soles, Children S/. 5 soles
- Lunch: From S/. 8 soles up to S/. 15 soles
- If you want to camp: S/. 10 soles a night
The expenses and/or prices are referential
Climate
The climate in Lomas de Lachay is seasonal, with a "wet season" whose peak is from late July to mid-September, with high relative humidity, average temperature below 15°C and frequent drizzles, which favor the development of a particular vegetation, and makes this time propitious to know the reserve.
On the contrary, in the summer months precipitation and/or rains are very scarce, relative humidity is low (79 to 82%) and the highest average monthly temperatures (20°C) are present, causing high evapotranspiration, for what is known in this period as "dry season". The dry season has a peak that goes from December to April.
Las Lomas develop thanks to the high humidity of the area, which can start from the seashore, to the coastal Andean slopes. The garuas, fogs and precipitations favor the development of the vegetation. The motor source of the development of the vegetation are the winds.
Best Tours in Peru
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Sacred Valley Bike Tour
- Honeymoon in Machu Picchu
- 1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley Tours
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- Short 2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- Apu Ausangate Trek 7 days
- 4 Day Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
- Urubamba River Rafting
- 5 Days Salkantay Mountain Trek
- 3 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
