Lomas de Lachay Reserve Lima
A rare green desert oasis near Lima, Lomas de Lachay offers stunning foggy landscapes and hiking trails during its vibrant winter season.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak green season, lush and vibrant
Lomas de Lachay Reserve Lima
Best Time
Peak green season, lush and vibrant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare green desert oasis near Lima, Lomas de Lachay offers stunning foggy landscapes and hiking trails during its vibrant winter season.
"A very beautiful, peaceful place to hike, completely unexpected on the desert coast."
🎒 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the trails. Opt for hiking boots if you plan on longer routes.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Picnic areas are available if you want to bring your own food.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Green Oasis
The entire reserve
Experience a stunning green desert landscape, a rare phenomenon fueled by coastal fog. It's a vibrant contrast to the arid surroundings.
Hiking Trails
Various marked routes
Choose from 30-minute, 1-hour, or 2-hour trails offering diverse views and levels of exertion. The longer routes boast more cinematic scenery.
Foggy Atmosphere
Throughout the reserve
Immerse yourself in the mystical, shifting fog that blankets the hills, creating a unique and serene atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Lush Greenery
Getting There: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the trails. Opt for hiking boots if you plan on longer routes.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Picnic areas are available if you want to bring your own food.
🗺️ Navigate Wisely
Maps can be confusing. Consider a guided tour or download offline maps to avoid getting lost.
🚫 No Pets Allowed
Unfortunately, Lomas de Lachay is not pet-friendly. Leave your furry friends at home for this visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the trails. Opt for hiking boots if you plan on longer routes.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Picnic areas are available if you want to bring your own food.
🗺️ Navigate Wisely
Maps can be confusing. Consider a guided tour or download offline maps to avoid getting lost.
🚫 No Pets Allowed
Unfortunately, Lomas de Lachay is not pet-friendly. Leave your furry friends at home for this visit.
💰 Check Entrance Fees
Entrance fees can vary. It's around S/15 soles, but always check for the latest pricing before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lomas de Lachay as a beautiful, peaceful hiking destination offering a unique green oasis on the desert coast, especially during the foggy winter months. The diverse trails and serene atmosphere are highly praised, though some find the park maps confusing and are disappointed by the no-pets policy.
"A very beautiful, peaceful place to hike."
Suzie P
"Intense green brush and trees swathed in shifting fog, beautiful and mysterious, completely unexpected on the desert coast. One of just a few places like this in the world. Far more lush than what people call "lomas" vegetation on the south coast. Much richer than the impression I got from textbook accounts I read years ago. Protected in the formal Lomas de Lachay reserve, but lower, less dense green vegetation extends far beyond the boundaries of the preserve. The hills outside the preseve are mostly marked out as lots for sale to build warehouses for the new Chinese port at Chancay. All that fog vegetation outside the preserve will soon be converted to industrial use, maybe imperiling the reserve as well. Visit it soon, while it is still healthy and intact."
Bruce Owen
"Absolutely amazing! Huge (5 hectares) national park in a couple of hours car ride north from Lima. Its a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the dessert full of plants, flowers and singing birds!!! There are 3 hiking trails - 30 min, 1 hour and 2 hours. The longest is blue and it got better (more cinematic i would say) landscapes. Also there are 2 or 3 picnic zones with wooden tables so you can bring your own food. Also they have a little shop and restaurant. The only thing - the map is absolutely confusing, all ppl were complaining about that.. Also ITS NOT PET FRIENDLY😔 i still don’t understand why?! There are nothing that dogs could destroy there. Ppl would cause more damage leaving the plastic and scratching ancient stones. Any way- highly recomendable!
Wet (green) season is from August till October, the rest of the year its a dry dessert."
Tatyana Lashkova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Plaza Norte terminal towards Huacho, asking to be dropped off at kilometer 105 on the Panamericana Norte. From there, you can walk or take a minivan to the entrance. Alternatively, many tours offer convenient transport from Lima. +1
While Ubers can take you to the general area, they might drop you far from the actual entrance. It's often recommended to use public transport or join a tour for easier access.
The journey typically takes about two to two-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
No, there are no direct buses. You'll need to take a bus to a point near the reserve (like km 105) and then arrange further transport. Always confirm with the bus driver that they stop at the correct location.
Yes, you can go on your own using public transport, but it requires more planning regarding bus routes and onward travel to the reserve entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around S/15 soles per person, but it's advisable to check the latest prices as they can change.
The reserve is generally open during daylight hours, but specific timings can vary. It's best to check official sources or recent visitor information for current operating hours.
Advance booking is usually not required for individual visitors, but it's always a good idea to check if there are any special requirements, especially during peak season.
The reserve is accessible year-round, but the landscape is most vibrant and green during the winter months (August to October). Outside this period, it appears as a dry desert.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly or check for any available promotions closer to your visit date.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
There are three main trails: a 30-minute, a 1-hour, and a 2-hour route. They vary in difficulty and offer different scenic perspectives of the reserve.
Yes, the shorter trails are suitable for families. The reserve offers a unique natural experience for children to explore.
No, Lomas de Lachay is not pet-friendly. Visitors are asked to leave their pets at home.
You can spot various bird species and, if you're lucky, other small desert fauna. The lush vegetation attracts a diverse range of wildlife during the green season.
Yes, there are facilities available, including restrooms, a small shop, and a restaurant. Picnic areas with tables are also provided.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, especially with the fog creating a mystical atmosphere.
The longer hiking trails offer more dramatic landscapes and panoramic views. The areas with dense fog and lush greenery are particularly picturesque.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted within national reserves. It's best to check for any specific regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. Consider a tripod for low-light fog conditions.
While not explicitly advertised, some general tours might cater to photography enthusiasts. Inquire with tour operators for customized options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as the trails can be tiring. There are designated picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy a meal amidst nature. While the reserve is beautiful, remember that it is not pet-friendly, so plan accordingly if you have a dog. The experience offers a refreshing escape from the city and a chance for kids to connect with nature.
🚶 Budget Travelers
By opting for public transport and bringing your own food and drinks, you can keep the costs very low. Consider traveling with a group to share minivan costs from the drop-off point. While tours offer convenience, they will be more expensive. For the budget-conscious traveler, the adventure of navigating public transport adds to the experience, making it a rewarding and economical outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecosystem of Lomas de Lachay
The reserve showcases a vibrant green carpet of grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. This transformation is a breathtaking spectacle, making the wet season (August-October) the prime time to visit for those seeking the iconic lush landscapes. Outside this period, the lomas appear dry and barren, highlighting the dramatic seasonal changes.
Beyond the visual appeal, Lomas de Lachay is a crucial habitat for various bird species and other small fauna. The reserve's unique conditions support a biodiversity that is truly unexpected in such an arid region, offering a glimpse into nature's resilience and adaptability.
Navigating Your Visit: Transport and Trails
For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, joining a guided tour is a popular option. These tours often include transportation from Lima, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transport and ensuring you reach the reserve without issues. Some travelers find this the most convenient way to visit, especially with limited Spanish proficiency.
Once inside, Lomas de Lachay offers three distinct hiking trails: a short 30-minute loop, a moderate 1-hour path, and a longer 2-hour circuit. The longer trails are recommended for more immersive experiences and better photographic opportunities, showcasing more dramatic landscapes.
Remember to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit