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WaterfallAntankallo Waterfall
Easy to moderateMatucana's jewel: a waterfall in the Chucumayo gorge, an hour and a half hike away.
WaterfallChallape Waterfall
EasyThe easiest one, just 800 metres from the village of Huariquiña, with an old stone arch.
LagoonMarachanca
ModerateA picturesque hamlet of flowers and farming with a waterfall, the Twin Lagoons and ruins.
PlaceHuariquiña
EasyA mild-weather village with fruit trees on the left bank of the Rímac, before Matucana.
WaterfallIchoca & El Encuentro Waterfall
Easy to moderateA peaceful village between two rivers, with an easy three-drop waterfall, a bat cave and a 'lovers' bridge'.
Why visit Matucana
Stunning nature
Waterfalls and nature just 2 hours from Lima — perfect for a weekend escape.
Mild weather all year
Mild valley climate (about 27 °C by day), without the extreme altitude of other Andean spots.
Adventure for everyone
Hikes for every level, from short walks to high-altitude trekking.
Living culture and history
Real Andean food: stone-baked pachamanca, spicy cuy, trout and patasca.
Also worth seeing
San Juan Bautista Mother Church
With its new façade and two towers, plus its new Adoration chapel. Its altar holds the patron saint, John the Baptist.
Plaza Independencia
The district's main square, recently remodelled, with its fountain and a photo spot.
Plaza Grau
The oldest square in town, built in 1895; it held the country's second monument to Admiral Miguel Grau.
Alameda Centenario
At the town's entrance, to enjoy the Rímac river and the hills of the Chucumayo gorge on a quiet afternoon.
Railway Station
Behind Plaza Independencia; built in the late 1890s, its structure was brought from Holland.
Los Olivos Murals
On the way to the camping area, the house façades show hand-painted murals of the 32 districts of Huarochirí Province.
Los Establos
In the Los Olivos area, small stables raise cattle: fresh milk, cheese and manjar blanco.
Municipal Market
Five blocks from Plaza Independencia, on Jr. Lima: white cheeses, fresh meat, fruit and local produce.
Map of Matucana
Only points with a confirmed location are marked. For waterfalls and lagoons with reference-only routes, go with a local guide.
Matucana gallery
Ready to explore?
Plan your trip, find incredible trails and experience the valley in Matucana's 4K virtual tour.
Getting there from Lima
The routes, transport and how much the trip costs in its two legs.
Where to eat and sleep
The local food of the area and how to find a place to stay.
Festivals and weather
The festival calendar and the best time to visit.
Town businesses
Guesthouses, restaurants and guides. List yours for free.
Town festivals
- June 23–25
San Juan & San Juanito patron festival
The town's main festival: masses, processions, fireworks castles, music and bullfights.
- August 4
Huarochirí Province anniversary
Civic celebration of the province whose capital is Matucana.
- September 4–5
Matucana district anniversary
Celebrations for the district's anniversary.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Matucana from Lima?
It's at Km 75 of the Carretera Central, about 2 hours by car. By public transport you do it in two legs through Chosica (a colectivo Lima–Chosica, then a bus Chosica–Matucana), roughly 3 to 4 hours; a one-way ticket is around S/15.50.
How much is the entrance to the Antankallo waterfall?
About S/5. It sits at 2,750 m in the Chucumayo gorge; it's roughly an hour and a half hike from Matucana, entering via the Cruz de los Olivos.
Can I swim in the waterfalls?
It depends on the season. From January to April the water comes down hard (high level) and it's not advisable to get in; from May to August it's medium (fine, but very cold); from September to December the level is low and the weather is pleasant — ideal for a dip.
How high is Matucana?
2,378 m (7,802 ft). It's a moderate highland altitude with a mild climate (about 27 °C by day and 13 °C at night); it usually doesn't cause the strong altitude sickness of places above 3,500 m.
When is the best time to visit?
April to December, per the official board. The dry season is better for walking; between January and March you'll see the waterfalls with more water, but the trails are slippery.
Is there somewhere to eat and sleep in Matucana?
Yes, there are guesthouses and country restaurants for the weekend visitor. In this site's directory the town's businesses list themselves so you can find them; if you own one, you can add it.
Information gathered from the official tourism board of the Provincial Municipality of Huarochirí (Matucana) and public sources (Wikipedia, SENAMHI, gob.pe). Prices, hours, routes and dates may change; double-check anything critical before you travel and, for high-altitude routes, go with a local guide.