Huancayo Junin, Peru Travel Guide
Jauja: The first capital of Peru, located north of Huancayo (approximately 45-60 min drive). Jauja features well-preserved colonial architecture, the main Plaza de Armas, and the scenic Laguna de Paca nearby.
Concepción: A smaller town in the Mantaro Valley (approximately 30 min north of Huancayo), known for its dairy products and as the gateway to Mito, where the UNESCO-recognized Huaconada dance originates.
Chupaca: Another Mantaro Valley town (approximately 20 min south of Huancayo) with a traditional market and a distinct local character, providing a look into real countryside life.
The region around Huancayo features stunning natural beauty, presenting opportunities to connect with the Andean landscape.
Reserva Paisajística Nor Yauyos-Cochas: Parts of this stunning landscape reserve (known for its turquoise rivers, waterfalls, and high-Andean lagoons) are reachable via multi-day trips from the Junín region. It calls for specific planning for unparalleled natural beauty.
Nevado Huaytapallana: Offers dramatic glacier views, pristine high-altitude lagoons, and unique Andean flora. It is a powerful natural spectacle.
Beyond Huancayo's city limits, discover more historical sites and authentic rural experiences.
Wari Willka: This important pre-Inca Wanka archaeological site offers a deep dive into the region's ancient past, easily reachable from Huancayo.
Arwaturo: Another Wanka archaeological site, presenting further insight into the pre-Inca cultures of the Mantaro Valley.
Ingenio, Hualhuas, San Jerónimo de Tunán: These villages offer cultural insights into local crafts and agriculture, displaying traditional life and local produce.
Explore towns like Ahuac, Sicaya, or Pilcomayo for their local markets, churches, and a more intimate experience of Andean village life.
Santuario de la Santísima Virgen de Cocharcas: This significant religious site attracts pilgrims from across Peru. It houses a venerated image of the Virgin Mary.
Consider extending your trip beyond Huancayo to explore more of Peru's central highlands and jungle edge.
A historically significant Andean city known for its colonial churches, unique mining heritage, and high-altitude setting. It connects to Huancayo by road (approximately 3-4 hours).
Famous for its 33 churches and Holy Week celebrations. It connects by overnight bus from Huancayo (approximately 8-10 hours).
Explore the cloud forest and high jungle areas east of Tarma. This region has a distinct change of scenery with coffee plantations, lush waterfalls, and a warmer climate.
These routes provide an extensive immersion into different parts of Peru, combining the Andes and the jungle regions.
Huancayo → Huancavelica → Ayacucho → Cusco. This route has a comprehensive immersion into the central and southern Peruvian Andes, though it has several long bus journeys or combinations of bus/flight.
Lima → Huancayo → Tarma → Chanchamayo → La Merced → Oxapampa (then back to Lima or onwards to the Amazon). This route has a fascinating transition from the high Andes to the cloud forest and high jungle.
Dedicate more time to specific interests in the Chanchamayo region, exploring coffee plantations, waterfalls, and local towns like La Merced and Oxapampa.
