Lima: Huaral and visit to the Castle of Chancay

Lima: Huaral and Visit to the Castle of Chancay
Location: Lima Province, Peru
Country: Peru
Rating: 4.4 (out of 5)
Price: $45 per person
Supplier: Sout Americ Tours S.A.C
Duration: 1 day (Check availability for starting times)

A quick overview of what to expect

If you’re craving a full-day escape from the hustle of Lima, this tour offers a well-rounded look at the cultural and rural gems just outside the city. For $45, you’ll visit the multicultural Castle of Chancay, take a stroll through the Huaral gastronomic boulevard, and even harvest your own mandarins at a local farm. The tour starts early, with pickups between 5:30 and 6:15 a.m., making it perfect if you’re eager to maximize your day.

What we love about this experience is how it combines authentic local encounters—harvesting mandarins, tasting wines and piscos—with eye-catching attractions like the themed shows at Chancay Castle. Plus, the chance to see a Hindu eco-community and explore a colonial church adds layers of insight into Peruvian life beyond Lima.

One potential consideration is the early start time, which might be tiring for some travelers, especially if you’re not an early riser. It’s also a pretty full schedule, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or focus on just one or two spots, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour suits travelers eager to see a mix of cultural diversity, scenic farms, and historical sights—especially those interested in tasting local wines, piscos, and fresh fruit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit the iconic Chancay Castle with its thematic shows and replicas of world wonders.
• Experience local farming life by harvesting mandarins and tasting fresh juices and wines.
• Explore the Eco Truly Park community to learn about Hindu traditions in an ecological setting.
• Enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine at the gastronomic boulevard of Huaral.
• Discover colonial architecture with optional visits to the church and main square of Aucallama.
• Early start, full day ensuring you see many highlights but requiring an active day.

A detailed look at what makes this tour worthwhile

Starting early for a full day outside Lima

Our day begins with a pickup in Lima around 5:30 to 6:15 a.m., which might seem early but is essential to make the most of the experiences lined up. Traveling in a comfortable vehicle, we head north toward Huaral and Chancay — two towns brimming with local color. It’s a good way to see how life extends beyond the city’s borders, with scenic views of the coast and fertile farmland along the way.

Visiting Eco Truly Park and the Hindu community

Our first stop is the Eco Truly Park, where we get to peek into a Hindu eco-community. It’s an unexpected cultural detour that adds a spiritual and artistic dimension to the trip. We learn about their customs, lifestyles, and sustainable practices—an eye-opener for those interested in alternative ways of living. Your guide will likely share insights into their community, making this a meaningful introduction to Peru’s diverse cultural fabric.

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The highlight: Chancay Castle’s multicolored charm

Next, we arrive at the Castle of Chancay, a highlight that truly stands out. This multicultural castle isn’t your typical fortress; it’s a whimsical collection of replicas of world wonders like Machu Picchu and the Eiffel Tower, all adorned with bright colors and theatrical accents. The thematic shows are designed to entertain and educate, blending art and history in a lively setting.

The castle’s unique design and displays offer a playful contrast to the more solemn historical sites in Peru. You’ll find the Covadonga, a charming spot within the castle—perfect for photos and a break from the bustling schedule. As one traveler put it, “Coastline and castle was very cool,” highlighting how approachable and fun this stop is for all ages.

Tasting at the gastronomic boulevard in Huaral

Huaral’s famous gastro boulevard is the next stop, where you can sample iconic Peruvian dishes like Chanchan al Pallo—a traditional grilled pork dish cooked on a stick. This is a perfect place to try authentic local flavors in a lively setting, often accompanied by fresh fruit juices or local wines. The prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the flavor and experience you get.

Orchard experience and optional adventures

After lunch, we head to Fundo La Perla de Huaral, a scenic fruit plantation. It’s here that you’ll get the chance to harvest your own mandarins, an activity that offers a genuine taste of rural life. The farm also offers tastings of freshly squeezed juices, wines, and piscos—Peru’s famous distilled spirit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb a zip line or hang on a hanging bridge, adding a dash of adrenaline to your day.

Exploring colonial Aucallama and local haciendas

The tour continues with a visit to Hacienda Huando—where you can learn about local farming practices—and optionally to Aucallama, a colonial town with a historic church and charming main square. These stops provide a glimpse into the architectural and cultural layers that shape this region, although they’re more optional and less extensive than other highlights.

Returning to Lima

By around 8:30 p.m., we head back to Lima, having enjoyed a full day packed with sights, tastes, and experiences. It’s a long day, but one that rewards curiosity about Peruvian life outside the capital.

Why this tour offers good value

At $45, including transportation, a professional guide, and entry to Chancay Castle, this tour packs a lot of variety into a single day. The added chance to taste local piscos and wines, harvest mandarins, and explore different cultural sites makes it a great deal for travelers wanting a multi-layered experience outside Lima.

However, keep in mind that some attractions involve optional entrance fees (like the Eco Truly Park and Hacienda Huando), which are extra but relatively inexpensive. The value is especially high if you’re interested in seeing diverse aspects of Peruvian culture, agriculture, and history all in one day.

What we appreciate

• The early start makes sure your day is full without feeling rushed.
• The mix of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences offers a well-rounded view of the region.
• The interactive activities, like harvesting mandarins and tasting piscos, provide authentic local flavors.

A few caveats

• The long day might be tiring for some, especially with early hours and multiple stops.
• The group size isn’t specified but could influence how personalized the experience feels.
• If you’re not keen on outdoor activities like ziplining, some parts of the tour might be less appealing.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a family-friendly, active day that combines cultural sights, local cuisine, and scenic farms. It suits those curious to learn about Peru’s outside-Lima life, especially if you enjoy tasting local wines and piscos and discovering small communities.

It’s perfect if you value authentic experiences over purely sightseeing, but be prepared for a busy schedule and early start. If you’re after a relaxing, leisurely day or have mobility concerns, you might want to choose a more relaxed option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from Lima, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately one day, with pick-up starting early in the morning.

What’s the cost?
The price is $45 per person, which covers transportation, a professional guide in Spanish, entry to Chancay Castle, and thematic shows.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you can purchase food and drinks at the gastronomic boulevard and farms.

Can I visit Eco Truly Park?
Yes, but the entrance fee (S/ 20.00) is not included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, activities like harvesting mandarins and themed shows are family-friendly, though the early start might be challenging for very young children.

Is there an option to skip certain stops?
Most stops are part of the full-day itinerary, but some, like Aucallama, are optional, depending on your interests and pace.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, casual clothes, and cash for additional expenses.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for people with heart problems or wheelchair users.

What language is the guide?
Guides speak Spanish; the tour is not offered in English unless specified.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a lively mix of cultural exploration, scenic farm visits, and historical sites, all rolled into one reasonably priced package. You will gain a broader understanding of Peru’s regional diversity, sample local flavors, and enjoy some light adventure. It’s perfect for curious travelers who like a full, active day with plenty of authentic touches.

While it’s a long day, the variety and quality of experiences make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to step outside Lima and see what the surrounding countryside has to offer. If you’re interested in local traditions, scenic landscapes, and tasty wines, this tour is certainly worth considering.

Remember: Book in advance, bring your sense of adventure—and your camera!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby