La Molina: Huacas, Lagoon and Discoveries

La Molina invites you to discover archaeological sites, museums and nature experiences as different facets of the area. The artificial lagoon, Parque Ecológico Forestal and the huacas each offer their own focus. When planning your trip, it may therefore be important to consider whether you are especially interested in history, wildlife, exhibitions or outdoor activities.

Archaeological history at the huacas

Huaca Melgarejo is an archaeological and historical site on Avenida La Fontana in the Santa Patricia urbanization. Its history spans several cultures and periods: the Lima culture originally built it during the Early Horizon or Early Intermediate Period, from 100 BC to 600 AD. In the Late Intermediate Period, from 900 to 1450 AD, it was expanded by the Ichma culture. This chronology makes Huaca Melgarejo especially interesting if you would like to explore the site's long history.

Huaca Granados is also part of Peru's Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Together with Huaca Melgarejo, it gives La Molina an archaeological dimension to its cultural attractions. If you find historical places and their context fascinating, you can take this into account when choosing your excursions.

Lagoon and green spaces

The artificial La Molina Lagoon is on Avenida Laguna Grande. It forms a complete ecosystem and is home to wild ducks, herons, fish and other animals. So the focus here is not just the body of water, but also the diversity of wildlife associated with this habitat. For nature lovers, the lagoon offers a different way to explore the area than its archaeological sites and museums.

Parque Ecológico Forestal has two entrances, each with a different focus. The first is mainly for family recreation; the second is for adventure sports such as mountain biking and trekking. If you are planning time outdoors, you can choose based on whether family recreation or a more athletic activity is more important to you. The two entrances serve different purposes.

Parque Hispanoamérica is located outside the hill's monumental area. The public green space is currently actively used and adds another public space to La Molina's nature and open-air attractions.

Museums and knowledge

Museo Raimondi preserves, studies and promotes the work and legacy of the Italian scientist Antonio Raimondi. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum at Avenida Javier Prado Este 4625 also hosts temporary exhibitions. Those interested in scientific heritage will find this offers a different way to experience the area's culture than its archaeological sites.

The Automobile Museum on Avenida La Molina has a distinct focus: it specializes in restoring and exhibiting vintage and classic cars. Its focus is quite different from discovering natural history or archaeology. You can therefore weigh up your travel interests across the history of science, vehicles, exhibitions and historical sites.

Plaza Bicentenario Public Municipal Library opened on March 13, 2017, and serves children, teenagers, adults and older people. For families, its broad range of visitors is a useful consideration when planning a trip for different age groups.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in La Molina, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: huacas and culture, wildlife at the lagoon, the different uses of the forest park, or museums. The places mentioned appeal to different interests, without requiring a single type of excursion to define your entire stay.

More destination pages: San Joaquín District, Cerro Azul, Ate, Cocachacra, Yauyos, Caleta Vidal, Punta Hermosa and Lima.

Back to the main travel overview: Lima.