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Only around 27 km away from Lima's hectic city center is the district of Chaclacayo. Chaclacayo is a popular place especially in Lima's foggy winter months with sun and moderate temperatures all year round. The small town offers beautiful old town houses and great restaurants. With lots of fresh air and an amazing flora and fauna an ideal surrounding to enjoy and relax.
The district of Chaclacayo was inhabited long before the Spaniards. Its name derives from the aymara expressions chájlla (Carrizo) and kayo (foot), meaning "at the foot of the carrizo". Carrizo is a plant that grows at the Rimac River limiting the district to the north.
Facts & Figures about Chaclacayo
The district of Chaclacayo was officially created on the 24th of April 1940. It is located about 27 km east of Lima Center on the Carretera Central (Central Highway) in the Rimac Valley. Chaclacayo has an area of 39.5 km². Chaclacayo has a mild climate with sun all year round.
The district of Chaclacayo is limited by the district of Lurigancho in the north and east, by the district of Cieneguilla in the south and by the district of Ate-Vitarte in the west.
Brief History of Chaclacayo
The district of Chaclacayo was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spaniards. During Colonial times the "corregimiento" of "Buena Muerte" was established in Chaclacayo. A "corregimiento" is a territorial division ruled by "corregidor", a town councilor that represented the Spanish royal power and administered justice, both criminal and civil. Nine estates were founded that later became what we know today as Chaclacayo. On these estates cotton and fruits were cultivated, cattle bred.
After independence from the Spanish crown the area consisting of the estates and a few indigenous communities came under the municipal administration of the nearby town of Chosica. The people lived of agriculture and the breeding of cattle. The area greatly benefitted from the Central Railroad. Every day a train left Chaclacayo with fresh milk, fruits, eggs and chickens for the markets in Lima.
Finally on the 24th of April 1940 the district of Chaclacayo was officially established.
Places to visit & attractions in Chaclacayo
Chaclacayo is located just a few kilometres out of hectic Lima and can be reached with less than an hour's drive. It is a nice place to spend a few days of complete relaxation. The Rimac River and the first hills of the Andes form an amazing landscape and invite visitors to small excursions.
Cerro de Huascata (Hills of Huascata)
Worth a visit is Cerro de Huascata (Hills of Huascata). On most clear summer days it is possible to see not only the Rimac valley and Lima but also as far as Callao and the Islands of San Lorenzo and Fronton from the hills.
Clubs, Hotels and Restaurants...
A few of Limas high end clubs like the "Club Tenis Las Terrazas Country Club" or "Los Condores", have an area here in Chaclacayo where unfortunately only members can enjoy their time. But numerous public places, small hotels and restaurants offer a diversity of activities and an excellent characteristic Peruvian cuisine for everyone.
Other Attractions
The town of Chaclacayo itself has an attractive central park. In the 1990s it was completely renovated and modified. Around the park numerous great restaurants, bakeries, bars and small shops are offering their goods. All kinds of events take place here, too. The Municipal Library is located at the second important park in Chaclacayo, the "Lia Lavalle de Legard". Founded in October 1966 the library today is a beautiful place of tranquility and balance. For all church lovers we recommend a visit of the "Iglesia Rosario de Fatima". The church is the center of the religious life in Chaclacayo. The design and architecture dates back to Republican times.
