Lachay National Reserve () is a protected area in the region of Lima, Peru. The reserve is located north from the Peruvian capital, Lima, and protects part of the lomas ecosystem. Climate Climate at the reserve is typical of the lomas: there is a wet season, from June to October (when vegetation develops) and a dry season from January to May (when the landscape is barren). Ecology The lomas ecosystem consists of areas of coastal desert, mostly hills, that receive enough moisture during winter for plant life to thrive, unlike the drought conditions in summer (except for some El Niño events, that bring rains in the summer). Flora Among the native plant species present in the park are: Tara spinosa, Vasconcellea candicans, Ismene amancaes, Verbena litoralis, Vachellia macracantha, Heliotropium arborescens, Armatocereus matucanensis, etc. Fauna Some birds found in the reserve are: the vermilion flycatcher, the Andean tinamou, the American kestrel, the burrowing owl, etc. Some mammals found here are: the Sechuran fox, the white-tailed deer, the Pampas cat, the puma, etc. Archaeology Pre-columbian archaeological remains have been found in the reserve such as: man-made terraces, cave paintings, tombs and pieces of pottery. Recreation The main activities in the reserve are birdwatching and hiking. Campsites in the reserve have some amenities like picnic tables, outhouses, parking spots, etc. Environmental issues The main environmental issues that threat the integrity of the reserve are: unregulated tourism, firewood extraction, cattle grazing, illegal mining (construction materials), four-wheel drive vehicles outside authorized roads, garbage (not only from visitors, but also from people who toss out garbage from vehicles on the Pan-American highway nearby), invasive species (including stray dogs) and archaeological looting. References External links Profile on Parkswatch.org National Reservations of Peru Geography of Lima Region Protected areas established in 1977 Tourist attractions in Lima Region 1977 establishments in Peru