Mary Ann and Rocio |
In July 2004, I travelled to Lima, Peru. It was a time to visit my family after 17 years and to reunite with my friends from High School. My friend Mary Ann also travelled to Lima at the same time, which made my stay -- more pleasant. One day, Mary Ann calls me and tells me that she signed both of us, plus her sister, Johanna to go to a hike to the Lomas de Lachay. It was a field trip organized by Mary Ann's cousin Maritza. I explained to her that I had never gone to a hike in my life. After some discussion, Mary Ann ended up convincing me to go. I agreed to spend the night at Mary Ann's and from there we were going to meet with the rest of the group. We all woke up very early in the morning. Mary Ann's sister prepared some cold cut sandwiches. I helped her pack the sandwiches, the snacks, and everyone of us brought a bottle of water. We also packed some Gatorade for later. To my surprise there were about 20 people in our group. I must admit they were all very well prepared. They brought extra food, snacks, water and soft drinks, just in case. Also, one person was in charge of a First Aid kit -- just in case someone got sick from the hike. The group contracted a bus to take us there. The trip took about 2 hours. |
About the Lomas de Lachay
The National Reserve of Lachay was established June 21, 1977 by means of Supreme Law # 310-77-AG. This reserve is located in the region of Lima and the province of Huaral. It expands across an area of 52,070 hectares.
The hills are a result of a combination of coastal climate factors, and subject to a peculiar geography. They originate from the primary spurring of the Andes, a location where they contact the clouds which cover the area the majority of the year. There are two distinct seasons in Lachay: the humid season (which is the most important) , from approximately June to November and the dry season, from December to May. The first season is emphasized due to it's ability to give life to the green vegetation and attract the fauna of the region, while the second season is noted for presenting a drying process which ends when the first fog appears in the fall.
In the Lomas de Lachay (Lachay Hills) there are 74 plant species registered, among them 25 are on their way to extinction. Among the most notable, you will find the peruvian papaya (Carica candicans), (Capparis prisca), (Caesalpinia tinctoria) and the nettle (Loasa urens), which cover the reserve with yellow attractive flowers. Also, you can observe numerous gramineous, tillandsias and succulents.
The common mammals found here are the rodents, but you can also find other species like the Sechuran Zorro(fox) (Pseudalopex sechurae), the Andean Skunk (Conepatus rex), the mountain mouse (Phyllotis spp.) and the vizcacha (Lagidium peruanum).
Throughout the reserve there exists approximately 55 bird species pertaining to 16 families, among them are: the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia), the Andean Tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii), the American Krestrel (Falco sparverius peruvianus) and diverse species of hummingbirds.
Among the most notorious reptiles, you can observe the Peruvian snake (Bothrops pictus) and the Curl Tail Lizard (Tropidurus sp.). There are also many arthropods.
In the reserve you can find archeological paintings and remains from the Pre-Columbian cultures. At the same time, you can appreciate the huge granite and diorite rocks which have worn away over time leaving concavities and soft contours, which are of great geological interest.
The primary objectives of the Lachay National Reserve are to restore and conserve the wild flora and fauna, perform research in order to use the hills rationally and encourage the recreation to be in harmony with nature. |
Lachay Map
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At the entrance to Lachay, we all had to pay an entrance fee to go into the park. Mary Ann and I asked the bus driver to stay for a few minutes more because we wanted a picture of the entrance. One person in the group jokingly called us "tourists." As we were taking our picture, the whole group joined us for a group picture. I thought it was great to have the whole group. |
The Group |
Way to the top
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From the entrance to the actual park took about 20 minutes. Then, we all stepped out to start the hike. It was a very cold day. I forgot to say, it was winter time in Peru when I did this hike. It was a very foggy day, kind of scarry in a way, because as we were walking the trail, we could not see the people in front. It was a good thing to have the person with the First Aid kit in the back to make sure no one got lost. I remember teasing Mary Ann telling her to watch out for the "Blair Witch." |
A few more steps up and we found the map to the trail. The course was 2 hours long. All going up the hill. Did I mentioned that I had never ever in my life gone hicking? I was faced with no choice but to go on to the very top. There was the altitude factor. I do not remember how high it was but I definitely felt it. Every time I walked up I felt my oxygen was being cut off. In the halfway point we took a small break. Even though, it was a little challenging for me, I really enjoyed the nature and the smell of clean air. |
Trail Map |
The Group at the Top |
We finally made it to the top!!! What a big accomplishment for me! I survived even though Mary Ann told me my face looked very pale and I looked on the verge of passing out. We took another group picture to remember the moment. At the top we rested for about 20 minutes before going down to finish the hike. We all had some snacks and some Gatorade. |
On the way to the bottom, we passed by "El Puquial." The word means "The Eye of Water" and from what I gathered, it is a place where water deposits from the fog and from the plants surrounding it. The animals drink from here and it is the only one in existence today. Some time ago there used to be 25 puquiales in this park. |
El Puquial |
Finally at the bottom |
Finally, we all made it to the bottom. As far as I know, no one got sick. We all had our lunch and many people shared what they brought. I remember one person brought fried chicken, and another one brought fried rice. It was nice to rest after such a long hike.
In the picture are: Maritza, Mary Ann's cousin, Mary Ann, me, Johanna, Mary Ann's sister and Roberto, Johanna's fiance.
I was very happy I did this. This being my first hike, I did not do too bad. This is one of those experiences that I will never forget. I would recommend this hike to anyone visiting Lima. Take my word, you will not regret it. |
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