Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Chosica and Chaclacayo are two districts in the province of Lima, located east of the capital along the Carretera Central in the Rímac River valley. They serve as the natural gateway to Peru's central highlands and are known for their sunny climate most of the year, earning Chosica the nickname "Villa del Sol".
Chaclacayo is approximately 25-30 km east of downtown Lima, while Chosica is slightly farther at 30-40 km. The drive typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The two districts are connected by the Carretera Central and share a common border.
Chaclacayo is bordered by Lurigancho-Chosica to the north and east, Antioquía (Huarochirí province) to the southeast, Cieneguilla to the south, and Ate to the west. Chosica is the capital of the Lurigancho-Chosica district and serves as a strategic point between the Pacific coast and the central highlands.
Altitude varies by area: Chaclacayo sits at approximately 660 meters; Chosica is around 850-900 meters, with higher points exceeding 1,200 meters on the hillsides. These elevations offer drier and less humid air than Lima.
The name "Chosica" is believed to come from the Aymara word "Chosecc", meaning "place where many owls live". The town of Chosica was officially established over 130 years ago, and its anniversary is celebrated every year on October 13. The region was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spanish, as evidenced by nearby archaeological sites (Matabuey, Moyopampa, Cajamarquilla).
Chaclacayo, for its part, developed gradually along the Carretera Central. The Chaclacayo Municipal Library was founded in 1966, and the Villa Rica community (km 17.5) was established in 1971 by residents from Cerro de Pasco, following the Oxapampa tragedy of 1937.
As throughout the Rímac River valley, the area has experienced episodes of flooding and gully activation during heavy rains or El Niño events (notably in 1925, 1983, 1998, and 2017). Today, efforts are underway to prevent risks and protect residents.
These two destinations are ideal for family outings or trips with friends, seeking sunshine, relaxation, and outdoor activities. Many country clubs and recreational centers offer swimming pools, green spaces, and children's play areas. They also serve as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area: the Santa Eulalia Valley, the waterfalls of Matucana or San Jerónimo de Surco, the Cajamarquilla archaeological site, as well as the Marcahuasi plateau or the Huaycán de Cieneguilla site.
Whether you simply want to relax by a pool, hike in the hills, or extend your stay to discover the highlands, Chosica and Chaclacayo offer a practical and pleasant gateway to eastern Lima.
From Lima, two main roads lead to Chaclacayo and Chosica: the Autopista Ramiro Prialé and the Carretera Central. The Ramiro Prialé is generally faster thanks to smoother traffic, though there is a toll.
From downtown Lima, the trip typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic, departure time, and day of the week. Note that the return to Lima can be particularly congested from 5:30 PM onward, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
The Carretera Central is the classic alternative: you need to go via the Santa Anita bridge or reach Vitarte (Ceres) before continuing toward Chaclacayo and Chosica. This road can be very congested during peak hours.
Tip: to avoid traffic jams, it is advisable to leave early on weekends (before 8 AM) and use an app like Waze or Google Maps to monitor real-time traffic.
Colectivos (shared cars) are a faster and often more comfortable option than traditional buses. Several departure points exist in Lima:
Minivans and combis are slightly smaller and often faster than large buses. They can be found departing from Plaza Bolognesi, Jr. Leticia, or Av. Colonial (Jr. Huarochirí, near Plaza Dos de Mayo). Fares typically start around 8 soles.
"Chosicanos" are cústers and urban buses connecting Lima to Chosica. They are the most economical option, but also one of the slowest and often the most crowded.
These vehicles generally operate along major avenues such as Av. Venezuela, Plaza Dos de Mayo, Av. Alfonso Ugarte, Av. Arica, Plaza Bolognesi, Paseo Colón, Av. Grau, and Óvalo Santa Anita.
The trip can take between 1 hour 30 minutes and over 2 hours depending on traffic. Fares start around 5 soles (sometimes higher on Sundays or public holidays).
Important tip: always ask for the fare before boarding to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Some local agencies offer day trips from Lima, typically including transportation, a visit to a country club or pool facility, and sometimes lunch. This option can be convenient for families or groups wanting to avoid transportation hassles.
Chosica enjoys a generally sunnier and drier climate than Lima, making it a popular getaway from the capital's humidity and gray skies.
The sun is often more present between April and October, the period when Lima experiences a humid, cloudy winter. Starting from Chaclacayo, the sky often becomes clearer and temperatures more pleasant.
Between December and March, temperatures rise, and some showers or cloudy spells may appear in the late afternoon due to rainfall in the central highlands.
Chaclacayo is known for its drier and sunnier microclimate than Lima. The air is generally less humid, attracting many Lima families seeking sunshine and a more pleasant climate on weekends.
Chosica and Chaclacayo can be enjoyed year-round. The months from April to October are particularly appreciated, as they offer an escape from Lima's cold, humid, and sunless winter.
In summer (December to March), temperatures are warmer, and pool clubs and country centers are very busy. However, swimming in the Santa Eulalia and Rímac rivers is not recommended during this period, as their flow can become more dangerous due to rainfall in the highlands.
Spring (September to November) is also a very popular season for family outings, school trips, and day excursions from Lima.
Chosica and Chaclacayo are known for their many country clubs and recreational centers where visitors can enjoy swimming pools, practice various sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, fronton, swimming), and spend a day with family or friends.
Some facilities also feature water slides, children's play areas, sports fields, and large green spaces perfect for picnics and barbecues. These clubs are especially busy on weekends and during summer vacation, as Lima residents seek a sunnier climate.
In Chosica, the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets feature several historic buildings dating from the early 20th century. The town center remains lively, with many drink stalls and local specialties such as anticuchos, pancita, and rosquillas.
The Parroquia Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, built between 1911 and 1926 in a Neo-Gothic style, is located in downtown Chosica and is one of the district's iconic religious buildings.
The Paseo de la Fe, inaugurated in 1998, is also a favorite spot for visitors. It features an imposing Cristo Blanco and a viewpoint offering a beautiful panoramic view of the valley and surrounding neighborhoods.
In Chaclacayo, the Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the Parque Central are popular walking spots, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops frequented by locals and visitors on weekends.
The areas around Chosica and Chaclacayo contain several pre-Hispanic remains and interesting historic sites:
The region is an excellent starting point for outdoor activities:
In the heights of Chaclacayo, the Villa Rica community is known for its residential atmosphere, hill views, and local initiatives around sports and culture. Located around km 26 of the Carretera Central, this community was founded by migrants, notably from the Pasco region and other parts of Peru.
Villa Rica reflects the gradual development of residential areas in eastern Lima and maintains a quieter atmosphere than the central areas of Chosica.
Nearby, Callahuanca is particularly famous for its chirimoya orchards, countryside restaurants, nature-surrounded accommodations, and valley landscapes highly appreciated by visitors.
Chaclacayo also has several cultural and leisure spaces, such as the Municipal Library, Parque San Juan, and the Tahuantinsuyo Municipal Stadium, which regularly hosts sports activities and local events.
Culture enthusiasts can also discover the home of Peruvian poet Arturo Corcuera, recognizable by its blue and white facade on Avenida Santa Inés.
In the Moyopampa area of Chosica, there are also several important facilities, such as the Moyopampa hydroelectric plant, local markets, and various residential and commercial spaces that contribute to the development of eastern Lima.
Restaurants in Chosica and Chaclacayo offer a varied cuisine blending Peruvian traditions, family-style dishes, and popular specialties from the Huarochirí valley.
Among the most popular dishes are pachamanca (traditional underground cooking), ceviche, pollo a la brasa (roast chicken cooked over wood fire), grilled meats, and several typical specialties such as anticuchos, pancita, rosquillas fritas, and picarones, the famous Peruvian doughnuts made from squash and sweet potato.
The region also has many chifas (Chinese-Peruvian fusion restaurants), very popular in Peru and appreciated for their generous and affordable dishes.
The surroundings of Callahuanca are also renowned for their chirimoyas (custard apples), a highly prized Andean fruit in Peru. They can regularly be found in local markets, countryside restaurants, and roadside stalls in the valley.
Many establishments offer meals in a countryside setting with gardens, green spaces, and recreational areas for families. Some restaurants also have swimming pools, children's play areas, and spaces adapted for groups or private events.
The Carretera Central, Chaclacayo, and the Santa Eulalia area concentrate a significant gastronomic offering with traditional restaurants, cafes, bakeries, bars, and local shops.
On weekends, many families from Lima choose these countryside restaurants to enjoy a sunny day in a more relaxed atmosphere than the city.
For those who prefer to organize a picnic or prepare their own meal, it is possible to buy meat, vegetables, fruit, and local products at the markets, butcher shops, and neighborhood stores in Chaclacayo and Chosica.
In Chaclacayo, the central market remains a lively and authentic place where you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and several small stalls offering traditional popular cuisine.
The region offers several accommodation options, ranging from small hotels and guesthouses to country houses (casas de campo) and bungalows. Near the main squares of Chosica and Chaclacayo, there is a variety of hotels and bed & breakfasts. Country houses and bungalows are particularly popular for stays with family or friends, offering private spaces and sometimes swimming pools.
For long weekends and public holidays (Easter, Fiestas Patrias, New Year, etc.), it is recommended to book in advance as accommodations fill up quickly, especially those with swimming pools. Bungalows and country houses are in high demand by families and groups.
For a day trip, you can reach Chosica and Chaclacayo by car, public transport, or with a local agency offering organized excursions from Lima.
The day can begin with a walk through the center of Chaclacayo or Chosica before enjoying a country club with a swimming pool, green spaces, and family activities. Several establishments also offer restaurants, sports fields, and children's play areas.
Visitors can then have lunch at a countryside restaurant to taste local specialties such as pachamanca, grilled meats, or anticuchos before enjoying the sunshine and tranquility of the valley, away from Lima's hustle and bustle.
A weekend allows for a more relaxed discovery of country clubs, valley landscapes, and local gastronomic specialties.
Day 1: check into accommodation (bungalow, hotel, or country house), lunch at a countryside restaurant, then an afternoon of relaxation with a swimming pool, walks, or exploring the main squares of Chosica and Chaclacayo.
Day 2: excursion to Santa Eulalia, Callahuanca, or the Songos water slides. Nature lovers can enjoy short hikes, valley viewpoints, and restaurants surrounded by greenery before returning to Lima.
This option is particularly popular with couples, groups of friends, and families wanting to enjoy a sunny weekend close to Lima.
With several days on site, Chosica and Chaclacayo can serve as a starting point to explore the Santa Eulalia valleys and the province of Huarochirí while alternating relaxation, gastronomy, excursions, and outdoor activities.
This option allows you to fully enjoy the region's pleasant climate while discovering different landscapes and activities around Lima.
Chosica and Chaclacayo are two districts located east of Lima, along the Carretera Central, in the Rímac River valley. Chaclacayo is closer to the capital (approximately 25 to 30 km depending on the starting point), while Chosica is a bit farther.
Chaclacayo is situated at approximately 650 to 700 meters above sea level. Chosica is around 850 meters, with higher areas exceeding 1,000 meters.
Due to its location in the Rímac River valley and its higher altitude, Chosica generally enjoys a drier, warmer, and sunnier climate than Lima, especially during the austral winter when the capital is often covered in fog and gray skies.
The region is pleasant to visit year-round. The months from April to October are particularly appreciated for their drier climate and often sunny days. Summer (December to March) is ideal for enjoying swimming pools, country clubs, and outdoor activities.
You can reach the region by car via the Autopista Ramiro Prialé (toll road) or the Carretera Central. There are also several public transport options: colectivos, combis, minivans, and buses locally called "Chosicanos".
Yes, you can easily reach Chosica and Chaclacayo by colectivo, combi, or bus from different areas of Lima, such as Plaza Bolognesi, the historic center, San Isidro, or Santa Anita.
It is not recommended to swim in the Santa Eulalia and Rímac rivers during the rainy season (December to March), as the water flow can become stronger and more dangerous.
Yes, the region is very popular with families due to its country clubs, swimming pools, green spaces, restaurants, and many outdoor activities accessible to children.
Yes, several roads and valleys in the region are popular with cyclists, particularly towards Santa Eulalia, Callahuanca, Huinco, and San Pedro de Casta.
Camping is limited in the urban centers of Chosica and Chaclacayo. However, several natural areas in the surroundings allow camping, notably the Marcahuasi plateau accessible from San Pedro de Casta.
The region is renowned for its countryside restaurants and Peruvian specialties such as pachamanca, grilled meats, anticuchos, picarones, ceviche, and pollo a la brasa. The surroundings of Callahuanca are also famous for their chirimoyas.
The main archaeological sites in the area include Cajamarquilla, the Yanacoto geoglyphs, and Huaycán de Cieneguilla, a former urban center of the Ychsma culture and later an important Inca administrative site.
The most popular excursions include Santa Eulalia, the Songos water slides, Callahuanca, Marcahuasi, San Pedro de Casta, Matucana, and several valleys in the Huarochirí province.
Yes, you can find hotels, bungalows, country houses, and accommodations with swimming pools suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Yes, this is very common, especially for stays with family or friends. The Los Cóndores area (Chaclacayo), Santa Eulalia, and Callahuanca are particularly sought after for this type of accommodation.
Some country houses, bungalows, and tourist accommodations accept pets, but it is advisable to check the conditions directly with the owner before booking.
Chosica celebrates its anniversary on October 13, while Chaclacayo celebrates its anniversary on April 24. Other popular events include the Fiestas Patrias (July 28 and 29), Día del Pisco Sour (first Saturday of February), and Día de la Pachamanca (first Sunday of February), as well as several local religious celebrations throughout the year.