San Juan de Lurigancho

San Juan de Lurigancho is a district in eastern Lima that stretches along the hills and plains between the capital and the Andes. The area shows dense construction with residential neighborhoods that often climb the slopes in terraces, interrupted by wide thoroughfares and small green spaces.

Before the Spanish arrived, settlements existed here, including the Cajamarquilla complex from the Wari culture around 500 AD. The current district was officially established in the mid-20th century when migrants from mountain regions settled here and founded new neighborhoods.

The name comes from a colonial estate that once covered much of what is now the district and later became the foundation for modern settlement. Many residents maintain traditions from different regions of Peru that they brought when they arrived, visible in local markets and celebrations.

The best time to visit is in the morning when streets are less crowded and archaeological sites are easier to reach. Those traveling by public transport should rely on main connections such as the metro line or major bus routes along Próceres Avenue.

Despite its size, the district has several suburban zones where agriculture still plays a role today and small fields remain visible between residential areas. Some slopes still show remains of pre-Columbian terraces that once served for irrigation and erosion control.