PACHACAMAC VALLEY
Lima is a vast, ever-changing city. The wide open fields that once surrounded it have gradually turned into neighborhoods and houses. Yet one valley still feels like a breath of fresh air: the Lurín River Valley. In its lower lands lies Pachacamac, named after the principal god of pre-Hispanic times.
Here, the air is cleaner, the rhythm of life is slower, and wandering through small villages feels like stepping back in time. You’ll meet welcoming locals, spot colorful birds and native plants, and discover ancient Inca sites that reveal just how deep Lima’s history runs. The landscapes invite you to pause, breathe, and simply take it all in.
For active photographers, nature lovers, and explorers drawn to history and hidden corners, the Lurín Valley is one of the best year-round escapes close to Lima.
This is a photo ADVENTURE DAY. OUR EXCUSE IS PHOTOGRAPHY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH LOCAL DAILY LIFE AND NATURE.
PACHACAMAC VALLEY
Lima is a vast, ever-changing city. The wide open fields that once surrounded it have gradually turned into neighborhoods and houses. Yet one valley still feels like a breath of fresh air: the Lurín River Valley. In its lower lands lies Pachacamac, named after the principal god of pre-Hispanic times.
Here, the air is cleaner, the rhythm of life is slower, and wandering through small villages feels like stepping back in time. You’ll meet welcoming locals, spot colorful birds and native plants, and discover ancient Inca sites that reveal just how deep Lima’s history runs. The landscapes invite you to pause, breathe, and simply take it all in.
For active photographers, nature lovers, and explorers drawn to history and hidden corners, the Lurín Valley is one of the best year-round escapes close to Lima.
This is a photo ADVENTURE DAY. OUR EXCUSE IS PHOTOGRAPHY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH LOCAL DAILY LIFE AND NATURE.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
We suggest to start early:
7:00 Hotel pick up. On the way a brief stop at Casuarinas Sur city viewpoint. Continue driving to Cieneguilla
9:00 Arriving to Cieneguilla town and continue to Huaycan de Cieneguilla Inca Site (closed on Mondays, option to visit another Inca site in the area)
11:30 After the visit to the ruins we will drive to the Pachacamac valley
12:30 A short hike by Cardal, a natural birding spot and pre hispanic ruins.
13:30 Lunch time
14:30 A short walk by the streets of the town, after then, to start the return to Lima.
16:00 Back at the hotel.
Recommended extensions (2 extra hours):
All subject to an additional tour cost ( 40 USD p/p based on two / 80 USD single) + the entrance fees and local official guide if applies.
For a cultural historical view we may add the visit to the Pachacamac Museum and the Inca Temple site.
For a cultural daily life experience we may add the Nueva Esperanza Cemetery (one of the biggest in the world in open space).
In winter season the short trail at Lomas de Lucumo or Pachacamac fog oases.
|
Trip duration
|
Trip distance
|
Max. Height
|
|---|---|---|
|
7-9 hrs
|
100 Km
|
400m / 1300ft
|
what kind of photos we MAY take?
Landscapes and some birds, insects and flowers, ancient ruins, people, and/or local activities.
what lenses are best for this trip?
A wide angle for landscapes (under 24 mm).
A tele if you want to shoot birds or some action (200 mm +).
A macro if you like to shoot flowers, textures and any kind of details.
A zoom 24-70 / 24-105 / 35-150 mm good for multi use.
when is best?
The trip can be done the whole year.
During the months of July to September the moisture and rain change the dry mountains to a green land. Take a look at the Fog Oases trip
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO BRING?
Trekking shoes are recommended. In summer (jan-mar) temperature is a bit hot and humid: fresh clothes, a hat, water and sunscreen.
During the winter season (Jul-Oct), long sleeves and a wind vest for temperatures of 12-16C. Usually, it doesn´t rain too much, but bringing an extra coat for rain or cold may be helpful.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a photo trip in natural areas, we will hike in some moments climbing up a bit. In case you are not able to walk too much please tell us to modify the original plan.
|
PHOTO DAY
|
1 p
|
2 p
|
|---|---|---|
|
Pacha Valley
|
350
|
180
|
Private service / Rates per person in US Dollars (USD)
INCLUDES: Pick up at Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco districts (other districts ask), entrance fees, local/official guides on sites. Private transportation.
NOT INCLUDED: Main meal, snacks, tips.
BOOK your photo DAY
Marked days are already taken for this or any other activity.
BOOKING CONDITIONS at the bottom of the page
BOOKING CONDITIONS:
Booking procedure:
After pre-booking by the web form, or contact us by WhatsApp, chat or email, please send a list with names, passport numbers, tour date, meeting point and any request you think could be important, such as the kind of things you want to photograph, personal style, personal website, mobility issues, etc.
Remember we work only with small groups and private services.
Important:
Save the date with 50% of the price. This advanced payment is not refundable if no show or by any cancellation reason and the remaining balance will be due before or at the time of the scheduled tour.
At crowded places, for personal safety reasons is recommended to have a good backpack and never leave your stuff apart from you.
We allow any kind of camera.
The use of sport or very comfortable shoes is fully recommended.
We do not include main meals, drinks, personal expenses, also you should hire a travel insurance. Lodging is included on specified tours.
Additionals:
Trips outside Lima City include transportation.
Other timing on schedule or special arrangements for mobility handicaps under request and possibly extra cost.
Photography lessons and special requests available (ask).
Conditions:
1. For better chances to find an open date, requests and bookings must be done at least 72 hours before the tour date, better with a week in advance.
2. If cancellation occurs is considered as No Show and booking advanced payment is not subject to refund.