Canta is one of the favorite destinations in the Lima mountains due to its mild climate and permanent sun that attracts those seeking outdoor recreation. It has important cultural resources such as Santa Rosa de Quives, where you can visit the house of the patron saint of America.
In Canta you will also find the Cantamarca Archaeological Site, a pre-Inca stone citadel, and the famous town of Obrajillo, perfect for camping near the Chillón River.
Canta, is a Peruvian city, which is located in the homonymous province in the Lima region, and is the provincial capital. It is known that before the arrival of the Spaniards to the territory that we know today as the city of Canta, it was known as Cantamarca; It was only on December 8, 1535, when it changed its name to "Villa de la Purísima Concepción de Canta".
An encounter with the sun and the pure air of the countryside 3 hours from Lima.
The city of Canta is located between the coast and the mountains of Lima, and for tourism, it is an ideal place to visit, if you are interested in spending a pleasant vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and being in contact with the enchanting natural settings that Canta has to offer. offer, thanks to its privileged location and the presence of the Chillón River Valley, in its territory.
The Chillón River Valley, which occupies Canta territory, was the setting in which, years ago, before the Spanish arrival, ancient cultures inhabited, whose occupation has left architectural traces for later. As part of the archaeological resources of the Cantamarca culture, in the Chillón River Valley, in what is now Canta, it is possible to find everything from minor, isolated structures to the impressive Citadel of Cantamarca, which dates back to the 12th century. The Citadel of Cantamarca, is not only an archaeological attraction, but also a contemporary religious attraction, since, possibly, the extirpation of idolatries, allowed a chapel to be built in the place, in which a cross is venerated, still popular, among the population these days.
Said Cross, which is located in the Cantamarca Complex, is celebrated every year, between the last days of April, until the first week of May. The event implies the pilgrimage to the chapel that guards the cross, as well as rites that show the syncretism between the pre-Hispanic Andean celebrations and the Christian ones.
In the city of Canta, there are not only archaeological and religious remains, as part of the attraction of the city. Being a predominantly rural city, in Canta, it is easy to find natural settings of striking beauty, such is the case of waterfalls, such as the beautiful Catarata de Lucle, whose surroundings are populated with aromatic medicinal plants that provide the environment with a sensation of tranquility, making the visitor forget the city problems. These types of scenarios, in the city of Canta, also allow the practice of different outdoor activities, such as trekking, camping, or horseback riding.
If you want to observe the splendor of the city of Canta, the city also has natural viewpoints, such as San Miguel, which in addition to offering tourists a short and pleasant walk, allows a spectacular view of both Canta and the districts. neighbours.
As Canta is a city with its Andean values more than present, it is not surprising that for its main festivals these stand out and enchant visitors even more, eager to learn about the customs of the towns that border the big city. If you want to know the festivities of the city of Canta, the tourist cannot fail to visit it, on dates such as the already mentioned Festival of the Santísima Cruz de Canta, or during its anniversary, on December 8, when all the splendor is shown of the music, dances and food of the ancient city of Canta.
This set of zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, abstract and geometric figures are engraved on stones dating back to 500 AD. C. They are located at km 60 of the Lima - Canta highway, in Santa Rosa de Quives. You just have to climb a hill located on the side of the road. The walk is not long or very demanding.
One of the favorite destinations of the Lima mountains. Its temperate climate and permanent sunshine attract those seeking outdoor recreation. It has important cultural and archaeological resources.
It is located at km 64 of the Lima - Canta highway. You can visit the hermitage of Santa Rosa de Lima. Ideal place for walks and horseback riding.
This pre-Inca stone citadel is located approximately 17 km east of Canta, on the steep crest of one of the hills that surround the city (3,660 m a.s.l.), on the left bank of the Chillón River. This settlement is organized into two large sectors:
The walled settlement with circular structures organized around a small patio. The area of colcas (24 in total), built during the Inca occupation and destined to store the tributes that the different partialities of Canta paid.
It is located just 3 km from Canta. It has a central square and church, as well as excellent places to camp very close to the Chillón River. Crossing the river horses are rented. The price of the service varies according to the route.
According to studies, in pre-Inca times, Obrajillo corresponded to two ayllus: the Purunkas (rocky place) and the Karkas (place for agriculture on platforms). When the Spanish arrived (1533) they renamed the place San Francisco de Karkas.
This emerald green lagoon is located 44 km east of Canta (Huaros district). It is an excellent opportunity to walk through the middle and upper valley of the Chillón River, and enjoy its magnificent landscapes. From the lagoon it is possible to distinguish the snowy peaks of the La Viuda mountain range.
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