Shrouded in mist 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Lima along the Panamericana Highway exists one of the top nature reserves and recreational parks on the entire Peruvian coast, Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. As a protected natural area by the government of Peru, the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve protects the unique oasis ecosystem of the Lomas de Lachay (Lachay Hills). Situated in the rainless Peruvian coastal desert, the Lomas de Lachay spring to life each Peruvian winter from June to November as persistent fog and mist blow onshore from the cold Pacific Ocean. Not only is the Lomas de Lachay ecosystem an oasis for hundreds of different types of plants, insects, birds, and animals, the beautiful scenery, fresh air, and recreational opportunities are an oasis and refuge for the thousands Limenos who escape the concrete jungle to visit each year.

Lomas de Lachay National Reserve

Officially named “Reserva Nacional de Lachay”, Lomas de Lachay National Reserve is an official natural protected area that was created on June 21, 1977, by the government of Peru. Operated by the Peruvian government agency, SERNAP (Servicio Nacional de Áreas Protegidas), the reserve seeks to restore and conserve the flora, fauna, and landscapes, and foster scientific research, education, tourism, and recreation activities.

The reserve area covers 19.5 sq. miles (50.7 sq. kilometers) of lush landscape that reaches elevations of 2,500 feet (750 meters). In addition to being a biodiverse home to hundreds of types of plants, flowers, and insects, the Lomas de Lachay are home to approximately 60 species of birds, including hummingbirds, owls, partridges, parakeets, and eagles, as well as animals such as geckos, rabbits, mice, bats, the Sechuran Fox, and occasional visitors like the Pampas Cat and Puma.

Things to do at Lomas de Lachay

The most popular activities in the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve are wildlife watching and hiking. The reserve has three well-maintained hiking trail circuits, (1) .85-mile (1.4 kilometer) “Circuito del Zorro” trail circuit, (2) 1.85-mile (3 kilometers) “Circuito de las Taras” trail circuit, and (3) 3.1-miles (5 kilometers) “Circuito de la Perdiz” trail circuit which is the longest and most strenuous as it climbs to the highest peaks of the reserve. While Circuito de la Perdiz is the most strenuous of all the trail circuits, it offers truly breathtaking views on clear and sunny days. On misty and foggy days you can have a unique experience hiking through literal clouds.

Lomas de Lachay National Reserve also offers overnight camping sites with amenities such as picnic tables, grills, outhouses, car parking spots, and trash disposal. If you decide to camp at Lomas de Lachay you should come prepared with the proper clothing/supplies as nighttime temperatures can drop to anywhere between 51-55°F (11-13°C) with high humidity during the cool and misty winter season.

When and how to visit Lomas de Lachay

The proximity of Lomas de Lachay National Reserve to Lima makes it an accessible getaway option at all times. However, as a delicate ecosystem with seasonal variation, there are high and low seasons for visiting the Lomas de Lachay. The Peruvian winter season between June and October is the wet season at the reserve and by mid-October and November all flowers and plants are at their peak lushness. Between January and May, during the Peruvian summer season, the reserve experiences its peak dry season and much of the lush green scenery turns brown. If you’d like to see thick fog and mist, we recommend visiting between July and September. If you’d like to see a mix of sun as well, we recommend visiting between October and December.

In Lima, countless tour companies offer tours to Lomas de Lachay. Depending on the company and their size of bus/vehicle, you may have to walk an additional 3-4 kilometers from the Panamericana Highway entrance along the reserve’s dirt access road to the main national reserve entrance gate. The most optimal mode of transportation is using your own vehicle to take advantage of the reserve’s access road and free parking. From Lima to Lomas de Lachay the drive is just a little over two hours one-way.

Lomas de Lachay Admission and Information

Admission costs into the national reserve vary and are subject to change. As of October 2019, if you are a local from Chanchay, Huaral or Huacho admissions for adults and children are S/5.00 and S/3.00 respectively. Non-local adults and children pay S/11.00 and S/5.00 respectively. One-time admissions for camping (a 3-day permit stay) is S/15.00 for local adults, and S/30.00 and S/15.00 for non-local adults and children respectively.

Reserve hours for non-camping visitors are Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check out various pictures of Lomas de Lachay National Reserve below, just click to enlarge! Or for high-res slideshow viewing, see our photo album on the official Lima City of Kings Facebook page!