If you are looking for an easy and rewarding day hike, you can start in San Jerónimo de Surco, located 75 kilometers east of Lima. This town is home to beautiful hiking routes that lead to cascading waterfalls. One trail includes a short return to Huanano Falls, while another leads to the 12-meter-high Palakala Falls. Both trails make for a wonderful day hike.
The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve is two hours from Lima’s capital and is an excellent spot for hiking and camping. The area is home to many bird and reptile species. Visitors can see the Andean Tinamou, desert foxes, deer, and more. The reserve is also easy to reach and doesn’t require a large budget.
The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve covers over 5,000 acres and has a unique microclimate. The area is almost always blanketed by a soft layer of fog and clouds. Its varied flora includes shrubs, dwarf trees, and mountain flowers.
San Benito, Peru is a beautiful mountainous region with many hiking routes. The first of them, known as the City of Fire Hike, is a four-hour trek starting from Pampas and ending at a campsite in the Highlands of the Cities. This hike is known for its breathtaking views, including a stunning sunset. Its name comes from the red walls of the ruins glowing as the sunlight fades. If you decide to take this hike, you should start early. You can take a bus or a public colectivo taxi from Huaral. You’ll need to plan for an overnight return.
Hiking in Peru is a great experience. There are a variety of trails, each one different. Some are easy, while others are challenging. You’ll need to acclimatize, bring snacks, and wear proper hiking gear to avoid injuries and dehydration. If you’re a beginner, be sure to hire a guide and go with a group. If you have the time, you can do the Salkantay trek, which is a multi-day hike that is both challenging and rewarding.
Reaching the Lomas de Carabayllo in San Benito is relatively easy and can be done in two or three hours. Take the Z bus from Rímac in central Lima to the Lachay entrance. From there, you’ll need to walk about seven kilometers to reach the marked trails. If you don’t want to walk that far, you can join another traveler’s ride.
The Lomas de Carabayllo in the San Benito area are located in the dry forest, a unique ecosystem near the town of San Benito. It is also close to the ceremonial center of the Spanish fortress, a pre-Hispanic temple. The ruins of this ancient temple are located near the Chillon River valley.
👉 If you want to discover this place and many more exotic destinations in Peru, be sure to check out our tours and hikes in the country’s must-see destinations.
The Lares Valley Trek in San Benito is a beautiful 3-day hike that offers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains. It is located between the eastern slopes of the Andes and the northern part of the Urubamba mountain range. The valley is home to stunning glacial lakes, subtropical streams, and a wide variety of vegetation. The Lares hike takes you through the valley, where you’ll pass villages with Quechua-speaking people. The road leading to the valley is in good condition, but it takes some time to reach the starting point.
The Lares Trek is an excellent way to interact with the true Peruvian people, who share their skills and talents with visitors. You will have the chance to visit bustling markets and meet locals who share their cultural traditions with you. It’s a glimpse into a way of life that many cities have forgotten.
There are some additional activities you can take part in during your Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. One of the shorter days includes a trip to Mount Salkantay, which is visible from afar on the first day of the hike. Another popular attraction is a zipline at Cola de Mono, the highest in Southern Peru. It takes you 250 meters above the ground.
The first day is the hardest, as you gain and lose hundreds of meters in altitude. Upon reaching Humantay Lake, you gain and lose another 300 meters. From there, you continue climbing to reach the Salkantay Pass, which is about 720 meters above sea level. Once you arrive at the pass, the air becomes thinner and you’ll start to feel the effects of altitude. However, if you are fit enough, you won’t have any trouble handling the elevation and the 20 km of hiking in one day.
Save up to 20% on tours! Get exclusive access to member-only offers by email.
