Lunahuana: Discover its natural charm and outdoor activities

Only three hours by road from Lima (approximately 185 km to the southeast), in the province of Cañete, Lunahuaná is located. This destination has established itself as the main center for adventure tourism and weekend getaways for the residents of the capital, the place has it all: good weather, food and adventure sports, and thanks to its sunny climate during much of the year and the Cañete River passing through its valley.

Lunahuaná's fame is based on two pillars: its offer of adventure sports and its wine tradition. It is the most popular destination near Lima for the practice of canoeing (rafting), especially during the summer months, when the river's flow is ideal. To this activity are added others like canopy (zipline), mountain biking, and ATV rides.

Besides adventure, the valley is a wine and pisco producing area, with numerous traditional wineries that offer tours and tastings. This guide will provide the essential information to plan a visit to Lunahuana: we will detail the best time to travel (according to the river's flow), how to get there from Lima, the available activities, and their approximate costs.

Lunahuaná, adventure and good wine

Where is?

Lunahuaná is located 185 kilometers by road from the city of Lima. It belongs to the district of Lunahuaná, province of Cañete, department of Lima. It is located in a valley bathed by the waters of the Cañete River, at an altitude of 479 meters above sea level.

How to get to Lunahuaná from Lima step by step?

To get to Lunahuaná from the city of Lima you must follow these steps:

• From any part of Lima you must take a public transport, taxi or private vehicle to the South Pan-American Highway.
• Once there, you must take public transportation to the whereabouts of 'San Vicente de Cañete' at kilometer 131 of the Pan-American Highway (approximately a 2-hour trip). You can take the buses of the companies 'Turismo Cañete', 'Turismo Jaksa' or 'Peru Bus'. The cost is approximately 20 Peruvian soles.
• Once in San Vicente de Cañete you must take a collective taxi or taxi service to Lunahuaná (approximately 1 hour trip). The cost of the collective taxi is 2 soles on average.
• If you visit with a tour, transportation is already included.

History of Lunahuana

The archaeological findings in Incahuasi demonstrate the existence of an original culture in Lunahuaná, the 'Huarcos'. During the Inca expansionist period (15th century) the army of Emperor Túpac Yupanqui faced the Huarcos for control of the current territory of Lunahuaná. The confrontations lasted more than four years with the victory of the Inca who seized Incahuasi, turning it into an administrative center.

During the colonial era, the fertile lands and the pleasant climate of Lunahuaná led to the construction of important haciendas and colonial temples such as the Santiago Apóstol church. Already in the Republican era, the district of Lunahuaná was created on August 4, 1821 (the same year of the Independence of Peru). On December 25, 1985, Lunahuaná was declared the 'Tourist and Cultural Capital of the province of Cañete'.

Adventure sports and their prices

Lunahuaná is recognized for its adventure sports in which you can practice:

• Canoeing – The Cañete River offers the perfect setting for canoeing. This activity is recommended for people over 8 years of age who like adventure and are willing to get soaked in water. The route is 9 kilometers (takes 1 hour on average). In the main square of Lunahuaná there are tourism agencies that offer this adventure. This activity can be done from 6 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. The price is 50 Peruvian soles per person.
• ATV – Touring the beautiful landscapes of Lunahuaná aboard an ATV is another option preferred by visitors. The route is 5 kilometers along the banks of the Cañete River (30 minutes or more). No prior experience is required. The price is $16 per ATV (valid for two people)
• Canopy – This sport is also called zip line and consists of sliding down an inclined cable at high speed, which gives the impression of flying. This adventure takes place at kilometer 33.5, in the San Jerónimo sector. The cable is 2,500 meters long, so it crosses the beautiful landscapes of the place and even the Cañete River. There is a circuit of several ropes at different speeds and distances. Prices start at 50 Peruvian soles per person.
• Rappelling – Rappelling is a gradual descent on rock with a slope of approximately 90 degrees, held by a rope and special safety equipment for this sport. In the Lunahuaná valley there are rock formations ideal for this practice. The height of the rocks reaches more than 20 meters (1 hour 30 minutes of adventure). Anyone can do this adventure. The price starts at 50 Peruvian soles per tourist.
• Trekking – Walking through the Lunahuaná Valley on foot is another of the activities preferred by visitors. The route is only a few kilometers long but includes a visit to tourist places such as the 'Haunted House' or the main square. It also offers to cross the Cañete River by means of an 'oroya', a platform that crosses the river with people seated. You can request this service with a local tourism agency. Prices start at 40 Peruvian soles.

Land of good wine

In Lunahuaná there are dozens of vineyards that produce good quality wines and piscos. Many of these vineyards have admission to the public to appreciate the process of making their products. Includes tasting and even participation in the famous 'grape stomping'. Some of the most recommended vineyards are: the 'Hijos del Sol' winery, the 'Los Reyes' winery, the 'Buena Vista' winery as well as the 'Guizado Portillo Hacienda & Resort' winery.

What else to do in Lunahuaná?

In addition to doing adventure sports in Lunahuaná, you can visit the following places:

• Incahuasi Archaeological Site – Incahuasi was an Inca administrative center that originally belonged to the Huarco curacazgo. It covers an area of eight hectares where it is possible to appreciate squares, the enclosure of the 'Inca chair', walls with niches, a set of looted tombs, paths, stairways and more. It is located in the annex of Paullo, just 1.5 kilometers away. Admission is free.
• The haunted house of Lunahuaná – In Lunahuaná, the story that this house is haunted was passed down from generation to generation because the family that occupies it was assassinated during the War with Chile in 1881. They say that strange voices and noises are heard at night. At one time it was planned to build a hotel there but the project was suddenly halted. Today many visitors come curious. There are even those who want to spend the night there. It is located just 15 minutes from Lunahuaná, on the road from Uchupampa to Catapalla.
• The suspension bridge of Catapalla – In the town of Catapalla, just 6 kilometers from Lunahuaná, there is a suspension bridge that became famous for its rustic structure. Crossing it requires balance and some bravery. Although it is not that old, it was built in the 1960s, there are not a few tourists who like to walk there and appreciate the landscape of the place next to this bridge. The visit is free.

When to go?

Lunahuaná is a tourist attraction that offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, to carry out the canoeing activity (the one preferred by visitors) it is advisable to go from May to October. That is, in the dry season, when the rains are not frequent and the Cañete River offers fewer risks when doing this sport.

The weather

Lunahuaná has a dry temperate climate with sun throughout the year. The highest temperature can reach 32ºC. The lowest temperature of the year reaches 14ºC. From November to April the rains are more frequent (especially in January, February and March). The rest of the year, from May to October, the rains are not frequent.

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