Explore Huaura

1 The hills of Lachay in Lima

The hills of Lachay have 5,070 hectares full of vegetation protected by Peru. It is north of the city of Lima. Includes camping area.

The hills of Lachay in Lima

Huaura province

Huaura is one of the ten provinces of the department of Lima on the coast of Peru.

Its name is related to the Huaura River, which is born in the Andes Mountains and flows into the basin of the central coast, in the provinces of Oyón and Chancay de Lima.

The province of Huaura is made up of twelve districts: Hualmay, Santa María, Caleta de Carquín, Huaura, Végueta, Ámbar, Checras, Santa Leonor, Paccho, Leoncio Prado, Sayán and Huacho. The latter is the capital of the province.

The history of the province of Huaura dates back more than three thousand years, since its territory was part of the Chimú kingdom (from 1,000 AD to 1,470 AD) until it was annexed to the Inca empire in the 15th century. Today there are still vestiges of its history in its archaeological sites such as Vichama and Bandurria.

During the colonial era (July 25, 1597) it was founded as ‘Villa de Carrión de Velasco’. It is famous because there the liberator José de San Martín declared the Independence of Peru for the first time in November 1820, on the famous ‘balcón de Huaura’.

Huaura was part of the province of Chancay until in 1988, due to its economic and population growth, the current province of Huaura was formed.

The province of Huaura and the so-called ‘norte chico de Lima’ are famous for dishes such as huachana sausage, duck ceviche, huachana soup, anchoveta charquicán and stuffed machete.

The province of Huaura offers various tourist attractions such as the archaeological site of Vichama (Vichama culture), the archaeological site of Bandurria (Caral culture), the balcony of Huaura, Lachay National Reserve as well as its beautiful beaches and spas.

Location

The province of Huaura is located on the central coast of Peru, in the department of Lima.

It has a desert coastal geography. Its capital, the city of Huacho, is only 68 meters above sea level.

Huaura limits to the north with the province of Barranca and the Ancash region, to the south with the province of Huaral, to the east with the provinces of Cajatambo, Oyón and the department of Pasco. Finally, to the west with the Pacific Ocean.

How to get there from Lima?

To get to the province of Huaura from the city of Lima, you must follow the following steps:

• From any part of the city of Lima you must take a taxi or public transport to the bus terminal of ‘Plaza norte’.
• In ‘Plaza norte’ you must take a public transport bus that will take you to the city of Huacho, capital of the province of Huaura. The trip takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. The cost is approximately 20 soles.
• From Huacho you can visit the other districts of the province of Huaura.

History of Huaura: Chimú kingdom

Huaura’s history goes back more than three thousand years ago. This territory was part of the Caral civilization, the oldest in America (dating back to 5 thousand BC).

Various cultures of ancient Peru settled in this territory, of which the Vichama culture (approximately 2,800 BC) and the Chimú kingdom (from 1,000 AD to 1,470 AD) stand out.

In the 15th century, the Chimú kingdom was annexed to the Inca empire under the orders of Emperor Pachacutec and his successor Túpac Yupanqui.

In colonial times, on July 25, 1597, the city of Huaura was founded as ‘Villa de Carrión de Velasco’. It should be noted that in November 1820 the liberator José de San Martín declared the Independence of Peru for the first time, on the famous ‘balcón de Huaura’ (today a tourist attraction in the city).

In turn, in 1866 the ‘Villa de Huacho’ was founded. By then and until the end of the 20th century, the districts were part of the province of Chancay.

In 1988, due to its economic and population growth, the current province of Huaura was formed, which was made up of twelve districts. Its capital is the city of Huacho, famous for its gastronomy.

Today the province of Huaura has various tourist attractions among which stand out: the hills of Lachay, the archaeological site of Vichama, the archaeological site of Bandurria and its beautiful beaches.

Tourist attractions in the province of Huaura

• Lachay’s hills – Lachay’s hills is a natural area formed by mists and vast vegetation also called ‘mist oasis’. It covers an area of 5,070 hectares guarded by the Peruvian State. It is famous for its flora and fauna. Tourists, mainly from Lima, like to camp there.
• Vichama archaeological site – Vichama is an archaeological site that was inhabited by the culture of the same name in approximately 2,800 BC. It is famous for mud buildings. It is located in the Vegueta district. It is presumed that it may even be older than Caral.
• Bandurria Archaeological Site – The Bandurria archaeological site was a citadel and ceremonial center of the Caral culture. Its construction dates back to 6 thousand years ago. It is part of the district of Huacho. It consists of steps, squares, enclosures and ceremonial centers made of mud.
• Huaura Beaches – The most famous and recommended beaches in the province of Huaura are: Hornillos, Cabeza de León, Colorado, El Paraíso, Playa Chica and Tambo de Mora. These are ideal for an afternoon with the family (in summer) and even camping with friends.

Climate

The climate in the province of Huaura is desert. Its capital, the city of Huacho, has an average temperature of 24ºC. (in summer) and 15ºC. (in winter). The rains are few. However, the humidity is high, especially in winter (May, June, July and August).

Interesting data about Huaura

The province of Huaura covers a total area of 4,892.52 square kilometers. Its population, in 2023, is 252,635 inhabitants.

The most important festive dates in the province are: the day of the Virgen del Carmen (July 16), the anniversary of Huacho (November 10) and the anniversary of Huaura (November 27).