The Lima department: attractions in the southern provinces

Pachacámac
Just 31 km down the South Pan-American Highway, the ancient Columbian temple of Pachacámac rears over the fertile valley of Lurín. Built largely from adobe mud bricks, the temple housed an oracle that was considered, along with Cusco, to be the main ceremonial centre in pre-Hispanic Peru. Pilgrims flocked here from far away to render homage to the god Pachacámac, believed to be the creator of the world and its creatures. The Inca section (1440-1533) is the best-preserved part of the archaeological complex. The site includes palaces, plazas and temples that have been painstakingly restored, and even includes an on-site museum that houses an interesting collection of pre-Hispanic relics.

Pantanos de Villa
The Pantanos de Villa (Wetlands), a marshy area 18 km south of Lima, features a sprawling 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, the Villa Wetlands spread across 396 hectares which are an obligatory stopping-point for the world's ornithologists and nature lovers. Many of the birds can be spotted during a three-hour stroll down signposted trails and strategically-located lookout towers. The wetlands can be reached by car along Huaylas Avenue.

The southern beaches
The summer hotspot for Lima inhabitants. Starting at around 35 km of the South-Pan American Highway, a string of beautiful beaches stretches down 100 km along the coastline to the city of Cañete (135 km south). Beaches are either sandy or pebbled, while some feature perfect waves for surfing (Señoritas, Peñascal, Pico Alto, Punta Rocas), others (El Silencio, Embajadores) enjoy calmer seas. Many beaches have become seaside resorts (La Quebrada, Santa María), while others provide services such as hotels, restaurants and discos (Punta Hermosa, San Bartolo). Other beaches have preserved their natural surroundings, something which appeals to campers (Chepeconde, Gallardo, Cerro Colorado).

Cañete and Lunahuaná
The Valley of Cañete is located 135 km south of Lima on the South Pan- American Highway. The area is blanketed in sweeping, fertile and well irrigated croplands, especially cotton fields, sweet potato, asparagus and marigold. The valley is blessed with a pleasant climate that has made it a popular spot with Lima inhabitants. During the summer time, the local beaches (La Ensenada, Cerro Azul and Cerro Colorado) fill up with swimmers and surfers. Just 40 km east, along a recently paved road, lies Lunahuaná, a pleasant farming town that in recent years has become a Mecca for adventure-sports lovers, offering rafting, mountain-biking, parasailing and hiking. But not everything is adrenaline in this usually sleepy area, which also features archaeological sites, vineyards and outdoor restaurants.

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