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The perfect escape from Lima for adventurers and pisco lovers
Imagine rafting down thrilling rapids in the morning and toasting with the best artisanal pisco at sunset. In Lunahuaná, this perfect blend of adrenaline and culture awaits you less than 3 hours from the capital.
Discover the valley of extreme sports
Lunahuaná is the heart of Peruvian adventure tourism, located in the Cañete River valley, Cañete province. This destination has gained international fame for offering safe and exciting extreme sports experiences, complemented by a winemaking heritage of over four centuries.
The valley is 183 kilometers from Lima and enjoys an exceptional microclimate: sunshine all year round, ideal temperatures (15°C-25°C), and spectacular landscapes that combine arid mountains with green oases.
Location and access routes
Distance from Lima: 183 km (2.5-3 hours)
Altitude: 479 meters above sea level
Province: Cañete, Lima region
Routes to get there:
Option 1 – Private vehicle:
- Take the Panamericana Sur to km 130 (Cerro Azul)
- Turn left towards Cañete
- Continue through San Vicente and Imperial
- Road to Lunahuaná until km 39
Option 2 – Public transport:
- Bus Lima-Cañete (S/20, 2 hours)
- Collective San Vicente-Imperial (S/1, 10 min)
- Transport Imperial-Lunahuaná (S/4-5, 45 min)
Option 3 – Organized tours:
- Daily departures from Lima
- Prices from S/80 including transport
- Pick-up in main districts
Extreme sports that get your heart racing
Rafting on the Cañete River
The Cañete River winds through the Lunahuaná valley like a ribbon of crystal-clear water promising the adventure of a lifetime, offering rapids rated from level I (perfect for beginners and families) to level IV (technical challenges for experts). With every drop splashing your face during this thrilling ride, you’ll navigate equipped with a helmet, life jacket, and paddle under the guidance of certified instructors who will teach you paddling techniques while you discover the legendary rapids of the valley. The river maintains ideal conditions year-round thanks to waters fed by Andean melt, turning each conquered rapid into a pure adrenaline experience that connects you directly with nature’s most thrilling side of Peru.
Tour details:
- Distance: 9 kilometers of pure excitement
- Duration: 60-90 minutes on the water
- Cost: S/50-60 per person
- Includes: Professional equipment, certified guide, transport to the starting point
- Best time: All year round, February is ideal
Zipline over the canyon
Suspended in a safety harness and gliding along steel cables at speeds reaching 60 km/h, the Lunahuaná zipline offers you the unique sensation of flying over the majestic Cañete River canyon like an Andean condor. With circuits ranging from 380 meters to an impressive 2 kilometers in length, you’ll soar up to 100 meters above the valley, taking in views of centuries-old vineyards, the crystal-clear waters of the river, and the rock formations that have shaped this landscape over millennia. This aerial adventure, considered one of the most spectacular ziplines in South America, combines pure adrenaline with unparalleled panoramic views, allowing you to experience total freedom as the wind caresses your face and the valley stretches beneath your feet in a living postcard that will be etched in your memory forever.
Features:
- Length: Circuits from 380m to 2km
- Height: Up to 100 meters above the river
- Price: S/70-80
- Excitement: Speeds of up to 60 km/h
Motocross on ATVs
Accelerate through dusty trails and winding roads that reveal the valley’s best-kept secrets in Lunahuaná, where each turn of your ATV leads you to discover natural viewpoints, traditional farms, and landscapes that only locals knew until now. During 30 to 45 minutes of pure off-road fun, you’ll navigate exclusive routes that combine paved tracks with challenging rural paths, while the roaring engine of your ATV propels you into adventures ranging from gentle family rides to more technical routes for speed enthusiasts. Equipped with a protective helmet and safety goggles, this experience allows you to explore remote corners of the valley where vineyards meet ancient rock formations, all while feeling the absolute freedom of controlling your own all-terrain vehicle and the thrill of kicking up clouds of dust in one of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes.
The experience:
- Route: 30-45 minutes on approved paths
- Cost: S/30-35 per vehicle
- Difficulty: Suitable for beginners
- Includes: Helmet, protective goggles, basic instruction
Rappelling
Secured with professional harnesses and climbing ropes, rappelling in Lunahuaná challenges you to descend gradually down imposing rock walls of up to 80 meters high, where each controlled step down rewards you with spectacular views of the valley that stretches like a green tapestry beneath your feet. This vertical descent technique, combining controlled gravity with personal confidence, allows you to experience the thrill of literally walking down stone walls while the ancient geological formations of the canyon reveal their innermost secrets as you descend. Guided by specialized instructors who teach you every movement from anchoring to speed control, no prior experience is needed to enjoy this adventure that transforms initial vertigo into a feeling of absolute achievement, where each meter descended builds your confidence and every view from the rock wall uniquely connects you with the natural majesty of the Lunahuaná valley.
Vertical adventure:
- Heights: 20-80 meters of descent
- Price: S/50-70
- Time: 2 hours including instruction
- Requirements: No prior experience necessary
Rural horseback riding
Ride Peruvian paso horses along ancient paths that transport you through bucolic landscapes where time seems to stand still, while the gentle trot of your noble equine companion takes you to discover family farms, hidden archaeological sites, and natural viewpoints known only to local residents. During this unique experience lasting from 1 to 3 hours depending on the chosen route, you’ll traverse terraced pre-Hispanic agricultural fields, cross small crystal-clear streams, and ascend winding paths to viewpoints that reveal panoramic views of the Lunahuaná valley in all its splendor. Accompanied by local guides who share ancestral stories and knowledge about the valley’s medicinal flora, this horseback ride deeply connects you with Peruvian rural tradition while enjoying the slow pace and natural elegance of the paso horse, creating a contemplative experience that perfectly contrasts with the adrenaline of other extreme sports in the valley.
Available routes:
- Duration: 1-3 hours
- Destinations: Viewpoints, archaeological sites, local farms
- Cost: S/60-80
- Includes: Local guide, safety equipment
Pisco heritage: authentic flavors of the valley
Lunahuaná boasts a distilling tradition that dates back to colonial times. Family wineries have preserved unique artisanal methods, producing nationally recognized piscos.
Highlights of traditional wineries:
Viña Santa María
- History: Producing since 1929
- Specialty: Premium piscos and high-end wines
- Visits: Family tours with tasting included
- Location: Main road, easy access
El Solar de los Reyes
- Tradition: Family-owned since 1896
- Products: 15 varieties of wines and piscos
- Services: Typical restaurant, special events
- Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am-8pm
Bodega Artesanal Hijos del Sol
- Foundation: 19th century, four generations
- Recognitions: Gold and silver medals in national competitions
- Specialty: Pisco Uvina and premium acholado
- Entry: Free with tasting
Complete tasting experience:
- Tour of centuries-old vineyards
- Traditional distillation process
- Guided tasting of piscos and wines
- Pairing with local products
- Direct purchase from the producer
Unique flavors of the region
The local cuisine combines fresh valley ingredients with ancestral techniques.
Emblematic dishes:
- Cañete River garlic shrimp: Fresh and aromatic
- Traditional pachamanca: Cooked in an earth oven
- Oven-roasted guinea pig with native potatoes: Ancestral protein prepared locally
- Criollo pork cracklings: With canary beans and sweet potato
- Pork mazamorra: Typical valley dessert
Artisanal products:
- Multifloral bee honey: From family apiaries
- Fig chocotejas: Recognized regional sweet
- Native fruit jams: Lucuma, cherimoya, pacae
Plan your perfect getaway
Estimated budget:
Budget option (1 day):
- Public transport: S/25
- Typical lunch: S/20-25
- One extreme activity: S/50-60
- Winery visit: Free
- Total approximate: S/95-110
Mid-range option (weekend):
- Organized tour with accommodation: S/200-280
- Multiple activities: S/150-200
- Meals included
- Total approximate: S/350-480
Premium option (weekend):
- Boutique hotel: S/300-400
- Private activities: S/300-400
- Specialized restaurants: S/120-150
- Total approximate: S/720-950
Best season:
April to October: Perfect dry weather, clear skies
November to March: Warmer temperatures, occasional light rains
Recommended luggage:
- Sports and change of clothes
- Closed non-slip footwear
- Swimsuit for water activities
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Cap and sunglasses
- Water-resistant camera
Accommodation options
Budget category:
- Family hostels: S/40-70 per night
- Authorized camping: S/20-30 per tent
- Basic rural houses: S/60-90
Mid-range category:
- Hotels with pools: S/120-180
- Equipped country houses: S/150-200
- River-view lodges: S/180-250
Superior category:
- Boutique estates: S/300-450
- Spa hotels: S/400-600
- Private villas with services: S/500+
Safety and sustainability tips
Important recommendations:
- Hire certified operators for extreme sports
- Respect signage in protected natural areas
- Buy local products to support family economies
- Do not litter in the river or natural paths
- Consume alcohol responsibly after physical activities
Contribute to responsible tourism:
- Prefer local guides and services
- Visit family-owned artisanal wineries
- Respect native flora and fauna
- Learn about local culture
Your next adventure begins here
Lunahuaná represents the perfect fusion of contemporary excitement and ancestral Peruvian tradition. Every rapid of the Cañete River tells a story, every glass of artisanal pisco preserves centuries of family wisdom, and every landscape of the valley holds secrets waiting to be discovered.
It’s not just a tourist destination: it’s a laboratory of experiences where you can challenge your physical limits while deeply connecting with the most authentic Peruvian culture. Where adventure tastes like history and every sunset over the vineyards reminds you why Peru is an extraordinary country.
Are you ready to feel the adrenaline of the safest extreme sports in the country? Ready to discover why Lunahuaná’s piscos are considered the best in Peru? Your perfect adventure awaits you in this magical valley where each day brings new thrills and every night celebrates centuries-old traditions.
