One day trip to subtropical desert in Lima region

Early morning start

If you want to go hiking in Lima region in summer, its essential to get up early, otherwise the mid-day heat is devastating. So, alarm at 7 a.m. and let's get rolling... ehmmm, yeah, we got up at 9 a.m., set on the road at 10 a.m., arrived in the desert at 12 a.m. – in the biggest heat! We were lucky for a clear blue sky and 30°C, so hiking would be a suicide. Doesn’t matter, let’s at least go to see these ruins in the desert, to where we can come by car.

Read about the real desert adventure in Atacama desert, Ica

Riding through the desert

With our small Hyundai, absolutely not a 4x4, we set on the road, getting lost after the first turn… well, the road seems OK, so we continue driving enjoying the wonderful views. We have never found the ruins, instead, we found, two picturesque villages, two locals going home after a hard day work and countless wonderful views. Eventually, our little car made it as high as 3300 alt. – not as bad as many have said… After all, it was a beautifull day and we returned to Lima in late evening hours. 

Browse through the photos from mountains in Lima region

Picturesque city of Antioquia

Just recently all houses were painted like this

On the road to the desert, we see a few scattered houses

Small colorful villages are shining in the grey desert

We are lucky that despite the rainy season, there is no water

So we manage to cross the river without problems

In higher altitude there is even growing something

Though just cactuses and small bushes

Sometimes, the road needs a little adjustment

Yes, we realize we've bought too low car :-D

But Primoz's driving skills are slowly taking us to the top

Looking behind us, the road looks quite scary

But views are enormously beautiful

We give ride to Antonia, who tells us a bit about this place

The streets of Tupicocha

Small town at 3300 - our highest point

Houses with beautiful paintings

And view of mountains behind them

The main square of Tupicocha

With colorful paintings on the wall

Another obstacle on the road

Later it becomes cloudy, but views are still beautiful