If someone tells you that Lima is a boring destination, where the only interesting thing is exploring its Historic Centre… don’t believe them. Don’t pay attention to those who claim that there are no spaces for action and adventurous challenges in the Peruvian capital. That’s false. Quite the opposite. There are many ways to have fun here, both in the city and in the provinces of the region.
Don’t listen to or believe those who dare to write or say such nonsense. How could a city with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, where museums hold over 4000 years of history, be boring? How could it be boring to explore the flavours of one of the best cuisines in the world or walk through archaeological areas with adobe temples and pyramids?
They are mistaken, and I intend to prove it to you in this text. That’s my goal. In the end, you’ll decide who’s right: those who believe there’s no adrenaline flowing in the “three-time crowned town” or those of us who know that travellers can fly, cycle, surf, climb, and hike without leaving the metropolitan area or taking a quick trip to nearby locations.
If you’re up for it, you can take off paragliding from Miraflores and ride the waves on the Costa Verde, Lima’s bay beach circuit. If you love downhill, the Morro Solar offers thrilling routes. If climbing is your thing, test your skills on the walls of Viñas and Las Cuevas in La Molina. In that same district, several trekking routes await you in the ecological park.
In future stories, I’ll share more details about the places I’ve just mentioned. But for now, let’s head to a nearby valley, warm and peaceful, that’s not thousands of metres above sea level. Here, altitude sickness (soroche) is not a concern. Here, you won’t run out of breath. Here, you’ll enjoy yourself from the very first moment.
Lunahuaná, a valley of action
Imagine a wild and challenging river, winding and dusty paths, artisanal wineries producing excellent piscos, and restaurants serving up huge, delicious shrimp. Imagine a place that is a refuge for relaxation and unwinding, yet also an action-packed destination with rapids on a river that originates in the high mountain ranges of the Lima region.
The place I’m asking you to imagine has a name: Lunahuaná, a town, a valley, and a district in the province of Cañete, located 191 kilometres south of Lima. It’s the perfect distance for a quick getaway from the capital. If you’re not pressed for time, stay for two or three days so your adventurous “menu” can be as varied as the wines and piscos you’ll taste during your stay.
And before you think I’m “cheating” by mentioning Lunahuaná among Lima’s attractions, let me explain that Cañete is one of Lima’s provinces. That’s why it’s part of the Lima destination. This includes both the city founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and the nine provinces of a region that stretches from the shores of the sea to the mountain peaks.
There’s so much to see in the city and the region that you might be tempted to change your route. But we won’t do that. We’re already in Lunahuaná after an approximately 3-hour journey. It starts on the Panamericana Sur highway and continues along the Cañete-Yauyos road. A good option is to rent a car or take a local operator’s services. A more economical choice is to travel by public transport.
If that’s your plan, head to Cañete (Perú Bus companies, travel time: 2 hours, approximate cost: 20 soles). Once you arrive, continue your journey on the combis to Imperial (1.50 soles), and then take the shared minibus to Lunahuaná (approximately 7 soles). Once you’re in the valley, you’ll be amazed by the wide range of tourist offerings. You’ll see that you’re in for a great time!
Adrenaline and history
The barren hills, the raging river, the vineyards, avocados, and citrus fields (among other crops). The stillness and silence. The fresh air. Lunahuaná, with its warm climate (mild and with little rainfall), its camping nights, its rafting and kayaking adventures on the Cañete River, its zip lines and canopy tours that’ll make you “fly,” and its climbing walls that will test your skills as a rock climber.
An adrenaline overload in the “Tourist and Cultural Capital” of the Cañete province. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never rowed or biked along a rural path before. Dare to learn in this blessed valley, in the company of local guides who know its rapids and trails like the back of their hands. With them, your fun and safety are guaranteed.
The same goes for other sports and tourist activities in the “punished (huanac) or chastised (runac) town.” That’s the meaning of Lunahuaná in Spanish. Don’t worry, the name has nothing to do with how travellers are treated. On the contrary, visitors are warmly welcomed and, when they visit the wineries, they’re treated to the best piscos and wines.
The origin of this Quechua-rooted name dates back to pre-Hispanic times. In the 15th century, the Incas sought to extend their dominion to the Cañete River valley. Their expansionist efforts were fiercely resisted by the Guarcos (or Huarcos), who ruled the area. Their courage and steadfast resistance angered the “children of the sun,” who settled in what is now Lunahuaná to punish them.
As evidence of this fierce confrontation stands Incahuasi, “one of the highest expressions of imperial architecture left by Inca Túpac Yupanqui during his conquest of the coast,” as explained in the inventory of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur). Located in the Paullo annex, this archaeological site was the headquarters of the Cuzqueños and the temporary residence of the Inca.
Cheers and enjoy your meal!
It’s often said that “a shrimp that sleeps is swept away by the current.” Down south of Lima, these crustaceans are quite the sleepers, not only because they’re carried away by the waters of the Cañete River, but also by the chefs who transform them into true delicacies in their pots and pans, “awakening” the appetites of tourists who enjoy the culinary delights of this valley.
Shrimps, many shrimps, prepared and served in countless ways, from soups (chupes) to omelettes, chicharrones, arroz chaufa, tacu tacu, and other delights that are the perfect complement to an excursion full of thrills in air, water, and land, or a peaceful day of relaxation at a comfortable hotel with a pool and other services to help you unwind.
Lunahuaná is for everyone. While adventure is its biggest draw, its tourist offering is diverse and versatile. Families, couples, groups of friends, and solo explorers come close to nature to feel it, hear it, and also challenge it with caution and respect. A collection of essential experiences that reconnect us with our surroundings.
Protecting the environment, maintaining the purity of the river, nurturing Mother Earth so she keeps producing. That’s the message and vision that should guide our steps. I know you share it, and that’s why I invite you to travel to this valley, which will show you that Lima—the city, its metropolitan districts, and its provinces—is not a boring destination.
I told you that at the beginning. I repeat it now: in my land, you’ll live great adventures. Today I introduced you to Lunahuaná. This is just the beginning. The coasts and mountain ranges of Lima are waiting for you. While you prepare to come, I invite you to raise a virtual toast with a pisco made from uvina, the unique grape variety that grows in this destination, which is made up of mountains, rivers, and fertile fields.
