The Most Epic Hikes To Take In Lima Peru

Some may imagine Lima as a concrete jungle with swarming cars that constantly honk while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic; or maybe they think of it as a city with beautiful colonial architecture – which are both true. But not many people would think of Lima as being a great place to hike. If you know where to look, however, Lima has some great hiking in some of the world’s most unique landscapes. Here are some hikes you can take in Lima to help burn off all that fresh ceviche you’ve been eating.

Lomas de Lucumo

Unknown to tourists and not frequented by locals, Lomas de Lucumo makes for the perfect escape from the chaos of Lima. Not only will you find craggy rocks surrounded by a verdant landscape, but you there are also Inca ruins to be explored.

Palakala Falls

A couple hours out of Lima, near the tiny town of San Jeronimo de Surco, are waterfalls – yes, there are waterfalls just outside of Lima. You’ll need to hike through a forest and around mountains to find the waterfall. Most people think they have to go to the jungle or the Andes to find this beauty, but if you know where to look, it’s right here.

Markawasi (or Marcahuasi)

The enchanting stone forest in the Andes, which some believe was created by aliens, is only a half-day trip from Lima. You’ll travel from the Pacific Coast to thousands of meters above sea level, so caution is needed when hiking to avoid altitude sickness. If you decide to hike from the little pueblo San Pedro de Casta, you can take horses, and then it’ll be about a four- to five-hour hike, one of the most unique in the Lima area.

Las Lomas de Lachay

A couple hours from Lima lies the Chancay district, where you’ll find a surprising amount of greenery. The area offers a unique perspective on the different ecospheres of Peru: right next to the desert are bright-green forests. This diversity is one of the things that makes Peru such a remarkable country.

Chorrillos Cristo

If you look up to the south, you’re bound to spot it, arms spread on top of a barren hill in Chorrillos. The white statue of Christ looks over the city of Lima and makes for a fun hike or run to the top, rewarding your efforts with one of Lima’s best views. The area isn’t the safest, so leave your valuables at home.

El Malecón

So, this is not exactly a hike, but it’s so beautiful that it has to be mentioned. Take a stroll down one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of Peru. On one side is the sparkling Pacific Ocean, while the other is flanked by luxury apartments and restaurants.

Parque el Olivar

If it makes you feel better, you can get away with wearing your hiking gear here, but it’s not necessary. If you want to find some greenery in Lima, this is your place, as it’s one of the greenest in the city, with the most trees. It’s perfect for a run or a walk, or maybe you could go just to escape the noise and concrete of the city for a while.