Bosque El Cañoncillo:
Dry Forest and Natural Oasis near Trujillo

🌳 Cañoncillo Dry Forest - Private Nature Reserve

The Bosque Seco de Cañoncillo is a unique private conservation area located in the La Libertad region. With its 1,300 hectares of preserved dry forest, this exceptional site is home to a rare ecosystem dominated by impressive carob trees and three mysterious lagoons.

📍 Location
San José, Pacasmayo
🏞️ Area
1,300 hectares
📏 Altitude
75 m.a.s.l.
🕘 Opening Hours
7am - 6pm

🏆 Official Recognition: Since 2004, Cañoncillo has been recognized as a Private Conservation Area (MINISTERIAL RESOLUTION No. 0804-2004-AG), thus protecting one of the last dry forest ecosystems of the northern Peruvian coast.

🌿 An Exceptional Ecosystem

Nestled between the Tecapa and Santonte hills, Cañoncillo features varied coastal terrain with plains, dunes, hills, and aquatic depressions. The climate is warm year-round (average 24°C) with little rainfall.

The forest is home to approximately 100,000 carob trees (Prosopis pallida) that can reach 8 meters in height, forming the habitat for rich wildlife. Other plant species found here include sapote, concuno, and medicinal plants like cat's claw.

🐦 Remarkable Biodiversity

🦊 Mammal Wildlife

Sechuran fox, wildcat, white-naped squirrel, skunk, wild horses

🦅 Exceptional Birdlife

Over 85 recorded bird species including the Common Pauraque, Peruvian Pygmy-Owl, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Ringed Kingfisher, Burrowing Owl (threatened species)

🦎 Reptiles and Amphibians

Cañán (local lizard), iguana, dragon lizard, and various species adapted to the arid environment

🏞️ The Three Mysterious Lagoons

The site features three natural lagoons that form oases in the heart of the dry forest:

  • Gallinazo Lagoon - Surrounded by lush vegetation
  • Larga Lagoon - The largest of the three
  • Cañoncillo Lagoon - Gives its name to the complex

🎯 Activities and Adventures

🏂 Sandboarding

Descending the golden dunes - Board rental: S/ 10

🥾 Trekking and Hiking

Exploring trails through the carob forest

📸 Observation and Photography

Birdwatching and wildlife photography

🏕️ Camping

Overnight under the stars in the heart of the dry forest

🏍️ Motocross and ATVs

Adventure routes through the dunes (personal equipment)

💵 Rates and Practical Information

Service Price (Soles) Details
General admission S/ 3.00 Site access
Personal guide S/ 30.00 Can accompany up to 20 people
Day package On request Entry + guide + camping
Sandboard rental S/ 10.00 Per session

📅 Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🌤️ Best Time to Visit: April to November (favorable climate)
🎒 Recommendations: Water, hat, sunscreen, camera

📍 How to Get There

From Trujillo:

  • Take the Panamericana Norte to km 680 (near Pacasmayo)
  • Turn towards San José, then take a trail leading to the ACP
  • Total duration: about 1 hour drive

From Lima:

  • Flight to Trujillo (1h15)
  • Bus to Pacasmayo
  • Collective transport to San José-Tecapa
  • Motor taxi to the forest
  • Total duration: about 2h40

📞 Contact and Reservations

For more information, contact IPERÚ La Libertad:

  • 📞 Phone: 616-7300, extension 1822
  • 📧 Email: iperutrujillo@promperu.gob.pe
  • 📍 Address: Jr. Independencia 463, Trujillo

💡 Important Tip: Buy food and drinks before your visit, as there are no food services on site. The village of Santa María de Tecapa offers nearby restaurants and sanitary services.

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