Lomas de Lachay: facts to get to know this National Reserve as a family

Published: 01 March 2024 | Update: 01 December 2025 | Reads: 6928

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The Lachay National Reserve is a protected natural area located on the central coast of Peru, 105 kilometers north of Lima (approximately 2.5 hours of travel). The value of the reserve lies in its unique ecosystem, the coastal hills, which is formed by the condensation of ocean fog on the hills, creating an oasis of seasonal vegetation in the middle of the arid desert.

This reserve offers an accessible way to experience nature for those looking for Peru treks with low impact. The terrain is set up with trails of easy to moderate difficulty, which makes it an ideal destination for hikes and adventure in Peru suitable for families; also, during the main flowering season, visitors can observe a wide variety of endemic wild flora and local wildlife species.

Given its closeness to the capital and its low logistical cost, Lachay is the perfect day trip to complement any Peruvian Tour that starts in Lima.This guide will break down the essential information for planning the visit to the Lachay National Reserve, including the best time to see the green splendor, the available trails, and the entry costs.

Location and Accessibility

The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve is located on the central coast of Peru, in the department of Lima. Politically, the protected area covers territories in the province of Huaura (including the district of Huacho) and is strategically located about 105 kilometers north of the city of Lima. The main access for visitors is located at kilometer 105 of the North Pan-American Highway.

Climate and the Fog Phenomenon

The climate in Lomas de Lachay is strictly seasonal and is defined by the condensation of oceanic fog (garúa). The year is divided into two climate periods:

Humid Season (Flowering): Goes approximately from the end of June to September. During this time, relative humidity reaches almost 100%, which allows vegetation to bloom in the middle of the desert. Temperatures remain cool, with a daytime average that is around 15 °C.
Dry Season: Occurs in the remaining months. At this time, humidity drops and the landscape becomes arid (brown). Temperatures are warmer, with an average that is around 20 °C.

Altitude: The altitude of the Lomas de Lachay is 188 meters above sea level

Dry season (summer):

From December to April
Low precipitation
Low relative humidity
Average monthly temperatures of 20°C

Wet season (winter:

Mid-June to September
Relative humidity close to 100%
Average temperature less than 15°C
Frequent drizzles

What to do in the Lomas de Lachay?

The main activity in the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve is hiking, as the route is done through trails that vary in difficulty and length. The reserve has three main tourist circuits (Zorro, Tara, and La Perdiz) that allow you to appreciate the flora and fauna of this hillside ecosystem. Landscape photography and bird watching are popular complementary activities, especially during the period of greatest vegetation.

Essential Logistics and Visiting Rules

Entry Hours: The National Reserve is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Stay is allowed until the end of the afternoon).
Duration of the Route: The time depends on the chosen trail, but the shortest circuit (Zorro or Tara) takes about 1 hour and the longest (La Perdiz) can take up to 3 hours.
Camping: The Reserve has an authorized camping area. Its use requires an additional payment and getting a specific permit, so you must inquire in advance.
Food: There is a designated area for eating food. It is recommended to bring your own snacks, fruit, and water.
Recommended Gear: It is essential to bring enough water, waterproof clothing and footwear (especially in the wet season), and trekking poles for the steepest sections.
Environmental Ethics: The site has containers for waste. It is mandatory to remove all generated trash to protect the flora and fauna.

Lomas lachay

Entrance price to the Lachay hills and their schedules

Entry to the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve is subject to a differentiated fee based on the visitor's nationality and age. These funds are used for the maintenance and conservation of the protected area.

Entry Fees (Prices in Peruvian Soles)

Foreign Visitors: S/ 30.00
Peruvian Visitors (Adults): S/ 15.00
Peruvian Children (5 to 16 years old): S/ 5.00
Local Residents (Huaura, Huaral, etc.): S/ 5.00
Exempt from Payment: Visitors over 60 years old and children under 5 years old.

Operating Hours

The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve operates under strict schedules that seek to control the flow of visitors, especially on weekends during the humid season (July to September).

General Opening Time: 8:00 a.m.
Monday to Friday: Entry is allowed until 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: Entry operates from 8:00 a.m. until full capacity is reached.

Important Note: Although there are currently no restrictions related to the pandemic, the Reserve has a camping area that requires the payment of an additional fee and obtaining a specific permit at the control post. It is recommended to arrive early on weekends, as the turnout is high.

The hills of Lachay are perfect to stay healthy

This magnificent green spot near the capital can be used for walks amidst nature and fresh air. You could say that this is the essential requirement: that you like to walk. This way you will get to know up close the various species of animals and plants that live in this beautiful place. Just remember that during your tours you must always protect what surrounds you, as it is a fragile ecosystem that requires our care and respect. Regarding this, we tell you that since August 2021, entry with food has been restricted, so we recommend that you take this into account when you visit.

Here you can also put your photography skills into practice, because, in addition to the green hills and animals that you will find along the way, the tara trees of the Lomas de Lachay form characteristic positions, they are filled with moss and look like something straight out of a story. Dare to take photos without leaving the trail and enjoying the incredible views.

The Lachay hills have three hiking routes

The Lachay National Reserve has 5,070 hectares of beautiful vegetation, located between the provinces of Huaura and Huaral. The best time to visit is between the months of June and October, because you will be able to see the green hills in all their splendor. The tour within the Reserve can last different ranges of time, depending on the route you choose. Each of them is properly signposted and it is recommended to continue for safety.

Tara Circuit: 2.5 to 3 hours: recommended for young people with a moderate slope.
Tara Circuit: 1.5 to 2 hours, recommended for adults and teenagers with a slight slope.
Zorro Circuit: 45 minutes to 1 hour light slope recommended for children and older adults

Lachay National Reserve

How to get to the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve?

The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve is an accessible destination from the Peruvian capital. It is located just 105 kilometers north of Lima (approx. 2 hours of travel). To make the most of the day and the morning fog, it is recommended to leave very early, between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

1. On Your Own (Car or Bus)

Private Car: Allows for direct travel to the reserve, where there is an enabled parking lot near the start of the trails. It is recommended for groups or families looking for greater comfort.
Interprovincial Bus: It is the cheapest option. You must take an interprovincial bus heading to Huacho from the Great North Lima Land Terminal. The drop-off point is kilometer 105 of the North Pan-American Highway.

2. The Last Stretch (From Km 105)

Access to the reserve's tourist circuits is not direct from the Pan-American Highway. From Km 105 (the bus stop), the visitor has the following options to cover the last 5 to 7 kilometers:

Walk: Walk approximately one and a half hours (1.5 hours) from the highway to the checkpoint where entry tickets are paid.
Local Transport: Hire a private taxi or an authorized local transport service that usually charges between S/ 5.00 and S/ 15.00 per person, depending on whether it is a shared van or a private taxi.

Upon arriving at the checkpoint, tickets are paid and you can access the tourist circuits: Zorro, Tara and La Perdiz.

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