5 Scenic Natural Reserves Near Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, boasts plenty of the urban perks of a large city, from five-star dining to impressive museums. Nature-lovers, however, might want to venture outside of the city, where one doesn’t have to travel far to reach landscapes full of vegetation, abundant wildlife, archaeological remains and historical trails.

Nor Yauyos-Cochas Scenic Reserve

Located seven hours outside of Lima, this nature reserve is relatively new, having been founded in 2001 to protect the headwaters of the Cañete and Pachacayo Rivers, archeological sites, and local biodiversity. Cochas is Quechua for lagoon, so prepare yourself for some stunning waterworks. The reserve has something to offer for travelers with more time to spare as well as those with just one free day. Consider, for example, a one-day visit to the Huancaya Lagoons, or a four-day trek along traditional paths such as the Tanta Miraflores. The Pariacaca Inca Trail will take you along some of the best-preserved and least-visited sections of the Inca trail network. It once led to the Pachacamac site near Lima, and the part of the trail you can walk will take you to an ancient Incan stairway more than a mile long, Cuchmachay cave, which boasts over 70 rock paintings of camelids, and Tambo Real, where trail runners stopped to rest and recuperate.

During your visit, you can enjoy landscapes boasting waterfalls and rivers cutting through steep mountainsides, fed by glacial waters from the mountains’ snowy peaks. There are even small archeological sites within the reserve, mainly ancient agricultural terraces. You can kayak, go on a boat ride, rock climb, and ride horseback. Arranging your visit through a tour operator isn’t required, as it is with some of Peru’s natural reserves, but it is recommended. Entrance to the park is free.

Lachay Knolls National Reserve

Sixty-five miles north of Lima, the Lomas, or Knolls, of Lachay burst through the desert foothills of the Huara Province, covering the landscape with greenery. It’s best to visit during August (the height of South American winter), September, or October, as this is the humid season. There are three routes from which two choose: you can walk the Fox Route (Circuito El Zorry) in 20 minutes, the Tara Tree Route (Circuito de Las Taras) in an hour, and the Partridge Route (Circuito de La Perdiz) in two hours. Entrance to the reserve costs 10 Peruvian soles, the approximate equivalent of US$3.12.

Azpitia

Azpitia is a popular trekking route which offers an impressive view of the Mala River Valley and surrounded in patchworked fields and apple orchards. You can walk or mountain bike along the trail, which is warm and sunny throughout the year.

Marcahuasi Plateau

3.5 km from the town of San Pedro de Casta, one can arrive, either by foot or on horseback, at Marcahuasi Plateau. The landscape is covered in gigantic stone structures whose enigmatic forms have given rise to varied local legends, forms which are now known by names indicating what they most resemble: the amphitheater, the laberinth, the monument to humanity, etc. Because there’s no portable water in the area, you must be careful to bring a few bottles with you if going to visit. Greenery is sparse, but the landscape isn’t completely dry, as there are a few lagoons in the area. On the weekend, expect to run across many campers from Lima.

Lúcumo Knolls Ecological Reserve

Like the Lachay Knolls, the Lúcumo Knolls are best during Lima’s misty winter season, whose peak is in August. This spectacular ecosystem is marked by abandoned silver and gold mining tunnels, terracing and suggestive rock formations. With luck, you might run across the rabbit-like vizcacha, small red turtupilin birds, falcons, foxes and owls. There’s a shorter 2-hour route and a longer 4-hour route.