Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Antioquía is a district in the Huarochirí province, in the Lima highlands, located about 70 km east of the capital. Its capital, the picturesque village of Espíritu Santo, has earned recognition as the “largest altarpiece in the world” thanks to its facades covered with colorful murals depicting angels, flowers, birds, and Andean motifs. This community art project, started in 2003, transformed the local economy and turned Antioquía into an ideal destination for those seeking culture, nature, and tranquility just a few hours from Lima.
Antioquía is located in the Huarochirí province, 70 km from Lima on the road that passes through Cieneguilla and follows the course of the Lurín River. Travel time by car is approximately 2 h 30 to 3 h, depending on traffic and road conditions. By public transport, the duration is similar.
The village of Espíritu Santo, capital of the district, is at 1,526 m above sea level. It enjoys a temperate and dry climate for most of the year, with temperatures ranging between 18 °C and 26 °C. The rainy season is concentrated between December and March; the rest of the year is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Antioquía is an inspiring example of how art and culture can transform a community. Its streets are an open-air gallery, where each mural tells a story. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to walk sections of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail), visit archaeological sites like Nieve Nieve, taste products derived from apples and quinces, and enjoy the tranquility of the Lurín River valley. It is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a day out with family or friends.
From Lima, take Av. Javier Prado towards La Molina, continue on Av. La Molina and then take the road to Cieneguilla. Follow the road that runs along the Lurín River, passing through the district of Cieneguilla and then the villages of Nieve Nieve and Santa Rosa de Chontay. The road is paved, although some sections require caution due to their condition. Upon arriving at Espíritu Santo village, you will find the main square and the first houses painted with murals.
Duration: 2 h 30 – 3 h.
Parking: There are designated areas near the main square.
The trip by public transport takes between 2 h 30 and 3 h, depending on traffic and stops.
There are organized tours that combine a visit to Antioquía with Cieneguilla, Nieve Nieve, and other attractions in the Lurín valley. They include transportation, a guide, and in some cases, a countryside lunch. It is a comfortable option for those without their own vehicle.
The main attraction of Antioquía is its painted facades, the result of the “Colores para Antioquía” project, launched in 2003 by the Center for Research, Education and Development (CIED) to boost tourism and the local economy. After an international competition, Peruvian artist Enrique Bustamante was tasked with bringing his naive style to the village's walls. The paintings depict flowers, birds, angels, Andean landscapes, and scenes of daily life. Today, Antioquía is known as the “most colorful village in Lima” and its inclusion in the Guinness World Records as the “largest altarpiece in the world” certifies its uniqueness.
It is recommended to explore the streets on foot, starting at the main square, where the church, the communal building, and the school are all adorned with original murals. From there, you can ascend to the Amancaes and Huascasana viewpoints, which offer panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Located near the main square, this small museum displays ceramics, utensils, tools, and two mummies that belonged to the local culture. Admission is S/ 3 per adult; children enter free. It is a brief but interesting stop to learn about the area's pre-Hispanic past.
Just 2.5 km from Espíritu Santo is the annex of Cochahuayco, an even smaller and quieter village, with a 17th-century church. From there, you can begin a hike on a section of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road that connected the coast to the Andes. The trail winds along the hills, passes by small tambos (Inca storehouses), and offers desert views with cacti and rock formations. The round trip takes between 3 and 4 hours and is of moderate difficulty. It is recommended to start before 11:00 a.m. to avoid the intense heat.
During the low-water months (April to November), the Lurín River forms natural pools where you can cool off after the hike. It is an ideal place to bring fruit and enjoy a moment of relaxation in nature. It is advisable to ask locals for the safest areas for swimming.
On the road to Antioquía, about 25 minutes from Cieneguilla, lies the town of Nieve Nieve, which also features painted facades and an important archaeological site. The complex, recently enhanced, has local guides and allows visitors to see pre-Hispanic structures from a viewpoint. It is a recommended stop if you are traveling on your own.
The cuisine of Antioquía makes use of local produce, especially apples and quinces, as well as shrimp from the Lurín River. The most representative dishes and products are:
Restaurants are concentrated around the main square and along the road to Cochahuayco. Menu prices range from S/ 15 to S/ 30 per person.
No, the murals are on the facades of the houses and are freely accessible. It is recommended to walk through the streets on foot, respecting private property.
General admission is S/ 3 per adult; children enter free.
There are no established camping areas within the village, but some visitors camp in areas near the river, always with the landowners' permission. It is recommended to check with the municipality beforehand.
There are some rural houses and simple lodgings in Espíritu Santo and Cochahuayco, but the offering is limited. For greater convenience, many visitors return to Lima the same day or stay in Cieneguilla.
Yes, the climate is temperate for most of the year. During the rainy season (December to March), it is recommended to check road conditions before leaving.