The Lima department: attractions in the northern provinces

Lomas de Lachay
Nestled in the Andean foothills off kilometre 105 of the North Pan-American Highway, this national reserve is a unique eco-system known as coastal foothills (lomas costeras). Stretching across an area of 5,070 hectares, these desert hills turn bright green in winter thanks to the condensation that forms from the rolling mist. The area, a haven for a varied range of animals and plant life, features signposted trails, picnic areas and a visitors' centre. All in all, it is an ideal spot for nature lovers, and should be visited from August through October, when the hillsides are completely carpeted with bright green undergrowth and brightly-coloured flowers.

Chancay and Huacho
Chancay, 87 km north of Lima, features an odd castle sprawling across 10,000 m2 that houses an interesting exhibition of mummies, textiles and huacos (pottery) dating back to the Chancay culture. Further north, the province of Huaura features a string of beaches, its main natural attraction. Moreover, 5 km south of Huacho (149 km north of Lima) lie the El Paraíso lagoons, a haven for egrets, coots, flamingos, pelicans, ducks and other migratory species such as the Arctic tern, which flies over from France. Further north, at 175 km of the Pan American Highway lies the Albufera de Medio Mundo, wetlands nearly 7 km long which are very popular with canoeists and fishermen. A few kilometres north, after crossing through a clutch of towns and fishing coves, one can visit the pre-Inca fortress of Paramonga (Chimú culture), located in the province of Barranca.

Churín
Some 210 km northeast of Lima, up the North Pan-American Highway and then branching off a detour heading east, lies Churín, a picturesque inter-Andean village famous for its hot springs. Every weekend, hundreds of visitors flock here in search of fresh air, spectacular highland landscapes and the health benefits from taking a swim in the thermal baths. From Churín the road climbs further up into the Andes, winding its way through countless traditional highland villages. These include Andajes, which is famous for its manjarblanco cream, and the archaeological sites of Ninash, Kukun, Antasway and Kuray. At the village of Huacho sin Pescado (at 3,200 meters above sea level), that lies at the foot of the imposing peak of Mount Yarahuayna, one can find the pre-Inca ruins of Antamarca and Chaulín, both of which are well preserved. Fishermen will delight in Lake Wayo, that is well-stocked with trout, while mountain climbers can tackle the awe-inspiring peaks studding the Cordillera Raura range, that rise above 5,700 meters.

Source: Lima, the City of Kings and its surrounding areas. A traveler's guide, by Promperú.