Zárate Forest: Adventure Sports and Tourism 2026
The Zárate Forest is a natural reserve area covering 500 hectares. It boasts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and is considered one of the best places in Lima for trekking (hiking) in close contact with nature. Photo: larutadelgato.blogspot This forest is a natural relic, one of the few that survives in the centr...
Key facts about Zárate Forest
| Ubicación | huarochirí, Lima |
|---|---|
| Altitud | 1200.00 m.s.n.m. |
| Clima | Templado |
| Mejor época | Abril a Octubre (temporada seca) |
| Región natural | Sierra |
The Zárate Forest is a natural reserve area covering 500 hectares. It boasts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and is considered one of the best places in Lima for trekking (hiking) in close contact with nature.
Photo: larutadelgato.blogspot
This forest is a natural relic, one of the few that survives in the central region of Peru, composed of a variety of ecological zones that give rise to a wide range of plant species from the western slopes.
In 2010, this site was designated as a National Protected Area by SERNANP through a Ministerial Resolution. The forest serves as a refuge for a diverse range of species, particularly birds such as the Andean condor and the white-cheeked cotinga, as well as featuring intriguing archaeological remains.
Another notable feature of this natural area is its altitude, ranging from 1850 meters above sea level to 3600 meters above sea level, resulting in diverse climates and consequently a rich biodiversity.
Location
The Zárate Forest is located on the western slope of the Central Andes, in the district of San Bartolomé, in the province of Huarochirí, Lima region.
Climate and Temperature
The Zárate Forest is part of the so-called dry cloud forests. Its main characteristics include high humidity, frequent fog during the summer (December to March), and dryness in winter. The temperature decreases with altitude; the annual average is 15°C at lower elevations and 12°C at mid-elevations.
Altitude
In a five-hour hike, you can go from 1,850 meters above sea level to 3,600 meters above sea level.
Photo: larutadelgato.blogspot
How to Get to Zárate Forest
To reach the Zárate Forest, you need to take the Central Highway to kilometer 56, where the district of San Bartolomé is located. From there, the trekking (hike) to the natural area begins.
The public transportation route involves taking buses from the Lima - Chosica line, preferably at stops such as Paseo Colón, Vía Expresa de Grau, and Óvalo de Santa Anita. Once in Chosica, you should take buses at Parque Echenique heading to the district of San Bartolomé. The entire journey takes just under 3 hours.
Adventure Sports
- Trekking
Flora and Fauna in Zárate Forest
The flora in this reserve area consists mainly of shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, which is highly diverse. New species for science have been discovered here, such as the Calatillo tree and the Durazanillo.
Regarding the fauna of Zárate Forest, notable bird species include the Andean condor, the red-breasted dominguito, and the white-cheeked cotinga. The area is also home to invertebrate species newly discovered by science, such as Rhinocricus zaratensis, Catharosoma mamillatum, Newportia ignorata, and Epinannolene flagellosa.
Video: reclineta
Location and how to get to Zárate Forest
Zárate Forest is located in huarochirí, Lima.
Map
huarochirí, Lima
What adventure sports can you do in Zárate Forest?
Adventure activities in Zárate Forest
There are no activities registered for this destination at this time.
Explore All ActivitiesPhotos of Zárate Forest
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