Huancayo
The city of Huancayo is located in the Mantaro River valley, one of the most fertile valleys in the central Andes. Its inhabitants make a living from agriculture, cattle raising, trade, and tourism. Long ago, the area was the realm of the Huancas, a tribal enemy of the Incas who according to legend were finally subjugated by Pachacútec after ferocious resistance.
Tourist Attractions
-Constitution Plaza
Downtown Huancayo.
The Liberal Constitution of Cadiz was signed in this Plaza, years before the Independence of Peru was achieved. This Plaza is meticulously decorated with native ornamental plants like the quishuar and the bridal veil broom.
-Cathedral of Huancayo
Constitution Plaza. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 7:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
This Neo-classical church became the cathedral in 1955. Paintings from the Cusco School are kept inside.
-La Merced Chapel
Calle Real 100. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
It is the place where the 1839 Constitution was signed. The National Culture Institute (INC) has classified the building a National Historic Monument.
-Huancayo Sunday Fair
Avenida Huancavelica, blocks 2 to 12
Since 1572, the inhabitants of the area gather here to trade and barter an incredible amount and variety of products: handicraft, manufactured items, agricultural products, and livestock.
-Huanca Identity Park
5 km / 3 miles from Huancayo in the neighborhood of San Antonio (10 minutes by car).
The park stretches over 5800 m2 (2239 miles2) and is full of green expanses where works of polished pebbles, foam stone, flagstone, and quartz are displayed.
-Salesiano School Museum
Pasaje Santa Rosa 299. El Tambo, Huancayo. Telephone: (064) 24-7763. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 PM. and 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
This museum houses a collection of archeological pieces, a coin collection, and a stamp collection as well as some representative samples of the local fauna.
-La Libertad Hill
A1 km / 0,6 mile east of Huancayo (5 minutes by bus).
It is a natural lookout dominating the city of Huancayo and part of the Mantaro Valley. It features recreational areas, amusement parks, a swimming pool, and a small zoo.
-Torre Torre
1 km / 0,6 from the La Libertad Hill (15-minute walk).
It was named this way for its geological formations that look like high stone towers, about 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), formed by wind and rain erosion.
-Mount Huaytapallana
25 km / 16 miles northeast of Huancayo (1 hour by car).
Located at 5200 masl (17.056 fasl), the everlasting snows of Mount Huaytapallana feed the Mantaro River. Adventure sports fans enjoy their favorite activities here.
-Cochas
11 km / 7 miles northeast of Huancayo (25 minutes by car).
In this town, people create the “mates burilados”: the artisan stamps his skills and records the events and stories of his town on the outside of a dried, emptied gourd.
-Hualhuas
12 km / 7 miles north of Huancayo (20 minutes by car).
This town main activity is the manufacturing of fabrics from alpaca and sheep wool, using natural dyes from the amor seco leaf, little walnut trees and the cochineal.
-San Jeronimo de Tunan
16 km / 10 miles from Huancayo (15 minutes by car).
The inhabitants of this town make a living from the elaboration of items of silver and gold, especially in filigree. There is a church with beautiful Baroque and Churrigueresque altars carved in wood in the main square.
-Ingenio
28 km / 17 miles northeast of Huancayo (35 minutes by car).
Here, visitors can learn everything there is to know about trout and their life cycle.
-Sicaya
8 km / 5 miles northeast of Huancayo (20 minutes by car).
It is an area of beautiful landscapes. The main church has Colonial wood-carved altars, and the bullring has capacity of 10.000 spectators.
-Warivilca Sanctuary
6 km / 4 miles south of Huancayo (15 minutes by car).
It is a Wari construction built between 800 A.D and 1200 A.D. The temple is the most impressive feature. You can also visit the site Museum.
-Sapallanga
15 km / 9 miles southeast of Huancayo (15 minutes by car).
In this town, people venerate the Virgin of Cocharcas. There are also three archeological complexes: the Inca citadel of Aumalca, and the tambos (lodges) of Ullacoto and Chaclas.
Source Promperu
