The province of Huaral brings together archaeological sites, historic buildings, and natural areas. The destinations featured here are in different districts: Rupak in Atavillos Bajo, Eco Truly Park in Aucallama, and the Santa Rosa Wetland in Chancay.
Archaeology and Long Timelines
The Rupak archaeological area is in the district of Atavillos Bajo in the province of Huaral; the rural community of San Salvador de Pampas–La Florida is given as a reference point. From Pampas, a 7.3-kilometer hiking trail leads to Rúpac in Huaral Province; the stated walking time is about three hours. Confirm the route locally if you plan to take this trail.
The Cerro San Cristóbal de Coto Archaeological Complex also offers a distinct historical connection. It is located in the Suni natural region and was recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation on March 3, 2009, by Resolución Directoral Nacional N° 317 / INC. This means the province offers both an archaeological area with a specified walking route and an officially recognized complex.
La Huaca and Chancay Castle
The history of the chapel and former La Huaca estate dates back to land grants during the viceroyalty and the founding of Villa de Arnedo in 1562. The estate initially belonged to Hacienda Jesús del Valle. Juan MartÃnez Rengifo acquired it sometime between 1562 and 1583 and donated it to the Jesuits in 1583 for the Colegio de Lima. After the order was expelled in 1767, the present-day chapel was built in 1784. The site's history thus spans from the 16th century to the construction of the chapel in the 18th century.
Chancay Castle combines architectural history with collections and sea views. It houses ceramics, mummies, and textiles from the Chancay culture. From a viewpoint overlooking the sea, visitors are shown the site where the Chilean ship Covadonga sank. Construction of the castle in Huaral Province began in 1922 at the initiative of Consuelo Amat y León; it was reconstructed according to the original plans in 1990.
The complex covers 4,000 square meters, including 2,200 square meters of built area. Its rooms and outdoor spaces include ten reception rooms, 250 rooms, twelve terraces, and ten halls. There are also four towers, stairways, and tunnels leading to the sea. The collections and architecture give the castle a different focus from La Huaca's layered history.
Landscape and Community in Huaral Province
Eco Truly Park is an ecological community of Krishna devotees with cone-shaped adobe buildings. It is located in the district of Aucallama, near Chacra y Mar and opposite Playa Chacra y Mar beach. Volunteer work includes ecological farming and vegetarian cooking, as well as cleaning and general maintenance. The program also includes taking part in lessons, meditations, worship ceremonies, and other activities of the devotees.
The Santa Rosa Wetland is located in the district of Chancay in the province of Huaral and is designated an Ãrea de Conservación Ambiental. For a different landscape experience, there is Laguna Yanaraman in Huaral Province: the highland lake is surrounded by hills and is a place for landscape viewing and birdwatching. Puya de Raimondi plants grow along the way to the lake. Alongside historic and archaeological sites, landscape viewing and birdwatching are therefore possible themes to focus on.
A Culinary Connection to Vichaycocha
A gastronomic fair was held as part of a tourism launch event for Vichaycocha. Local residents prepared traditional dishes for attendees to try. This adds a specific glimpse of local cuisine to the cultural and landscape themes, in the context of this event.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Huaral, Barranca Province, Yauyos Province, Canta, Nieve Nieve, Cusco, Huaral Province, Cañete.
Back to the main travel overview: Lima.
