The Junin Region includes highlands as well as Amazonian jungle. To the west, at the border with the Department of Lima, the mountains are steep and snowy. Towards the east, he landscape is made of glacial valleys and high altitude plateaus. At the rim of the jungle, deep narrow gorges and mist forests abound.

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.

Half an hour away from the city of Huancayo, in the province of La Concepción, you come across the Convent of Santa Rosa of Ocopa. Franciscan missionaries built it in 1725 for the purpose of establishing a base for evangelizing the jungle peoples. There are still preserved old, Colonial cloisters and an impressive library with more than 25,000 volumes.

From the city of Jauja, the first capital of the Peruvian Vice-royalty, you can visit the lovely Paca Lake. The city of Tarma, the city of flowers, is celebrated for its attractive countryside and excellent climate. However, the department is not only mountainous. It also contains jungle valleys with splendid countryside and typically tropical climate like Satipo and Chanchamayo, where the cities of San Ramon and La Merced are located.

The department is also home to the Chacamarca Historic Sanctuary and the Junin National Reserve, which protects the second largest lake in Peru where the Junin grebe lives, a bird nearing extinction.

Huancayo and surroundings

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.

Chanchamayo: La Merced and San Ramón

El Perezoso Botanical Gardens
15 km / 9 miles from La Merced along the San Luis de Shuaro Highway (35 minutes by car).

It was created in order to preserve and exhibition of over 10.000 plant species. Among the most representative are the pico de loro, the torch ginger, the split leaf philodendron, the costilla de Eva, the lotus, the royal palm tree, the Mauritia palm trees and the coconut palm. The tour lasts about two hours.

El Tirol Falls
5 km / 3 miles east of San Ramon (10 minutes by car,) you arrive at the Paloma Bridge; then travel 2 km more (1 miles) on a packed dirt road (45 minutes).

The falls are 25 meters high (82 feet). Along the road, you can see a wide variety of flora, the most remarkable being the orchids, the lianas and the bejuco jungle vines.

Quimiri Bridge
3 km / 2 miles from La Merced (10 minutes by car).
It is the oldest hanging bridge in the province. From here, you can practice whitewater rafting on the Chanchamayo River.

Pampa Hermosa Reserved Area
24 km / 15 miles from San Ramon (2 hours in a 4 x 4 vehicle) or 41 km / miles of Satipo (45 minutes by car).
This natural reserve with numerous waterfalls like the Gallito de las Rocas, is home to a great variety of flora and fauna.

Tunquimayo Falls
14 km / 9 miles from Vitoc (25 minutes by car).
This huge waterfall, 80 meters high (262 feet) is surrounded by abundant vegetation.

Sanchirio Palomar Waterfall
28 km / 17 miles from La Merced (1 hour by minibus).
Its waters are cold and it is surrounded by exuberant vegetation.

La Olada Cave
20 km / 12 miles from Perene (25 minutes by car).
It is a huge cavern with stalactites and stalagmites, featuring a 35-meter high (115 feet), 40-meter wide (131 feet), and 1500-meter deep (4920 feet) gorge.

Bayoz and Velo de la Novia Waterfalls
31 km / 19 miles from Perene (25 km / 16 miles by car on the asphalt highway to Yurinaqui Port and then 20 minutes more by packed dirt road).
Here, there are two beautiful waterfalls close to the highway and easy to access by pedestrian pathways.

Chupaca

Lake Ñahuimpuquio
15 km / 9 miles west of Huancayo (5 minutes by car).

Its name means “eye of water” in Quechua. It is a gigantic spring of around 7 hectares where trout are bred. You can rent horses and boats from the local inhabitants.

Chongos Bajo
22 km / 14 miles from Huancayo (30 minutes by car).

It is possibly the oldest town in the valley. Its church, built in 1540, features Baroque carved altars and canvasses from the Cusco School. It is also home to the “Cani Cruz”, a stone cross, considered to be the oldest in the country.

Huayao
12 km / 7 miles from Huancayo (30 minutes by car).
Scientists are running meteorological and nuclear physics studies in the Geophysical Laboratory located in this town.

Concepción: Convent of Ocopa

Main Square
At the center of the park there is a seventeenth century fountain and in the surrounding area, the Neoclassical Main Church and the Ugarte Leon Mansion can be seen.

Ocopa Convent
25 km / 16 miles northwest of Huancayo (30 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Wed. – Mon. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

It is an ancient Franciscan convent founded in 1725. It was the starting point of the missionaries who went out to preach the different settlements in the jungle during the Vice-royalty. Its main attractions are the Gallery, the Library, which houses around 20.000 volumes (among them are numerous incunables and some bibliographic jewels), and the Natural History Museum of the Jungle, which shows the scientific and cultural work done by the Franciscan priests.

Jauja

Cristo Pobre Chapel
Between Calles San Martin and Colins. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
It is a Gothic structure built in 1920.

Paca Lake
6 km / 4 miles north of Jauja (10 minutes by bus).
It is a lake surrounded by tortora reeds and home to numerous aquatic birds. On its shores, there are lodges and restaurants that serve typical regional food. You can also rent boats.

Tunanmarca Archeological Complex
15 km / 9 miles northeast of Jauja (30 minutes by car).
This pre-Hispanic archeological site is considered the capital of the Huanca culture. It was inhabited between 1200 A.D. and 1400 A.D. and features circular-shaped stone constructions and a complex hydraulic system.

Junin National Reserve

180 km / 112 miles northeast of Huancayo (3 hours by car).

It covers 53.000 hectares and is located at 4100 masl (13.448 fasl). The reserve is home to numerous birds especially speckled teal ducks, yellow-billed pintail ducks, Andean geese, cattle egrets, moorhens, gulls, herons, flamingos, puna ibises and white grebes. Various species of frogs and mammals like the Andean fox, the skunk, and the vizcacha have also been registered.

Chacamarca Historical Sanctuary
165 km / 103 miles northeast of Huancayo (3 hours by car).

It spreads over 2500 hectares and shows typical grassland vegetation. On August 6, 1824, the patriots fought a battle here against the Spanish troops, who were finally defeated in the Battle of Junin, a significant step towards the emancipation of Peru.

Satipo

Tambo River
64 km / 40 miles from Satipo (3 hours by car).
The Mission of Port Ocopa is located in this district, which was founded in 1918 by Franciscan missionaries. In its church, there is a representation of Christ on the cross and of The Virgin Mary dressed with a chusma, the typical outfit of the Ashaninka natives.

Tarma: San Pedro de Cajas and Muruhuay

San Pedro de Cajas Town
41 km / 25 miles northwest of Tarma (1 hour by car).
This town is famous for its artisans’ skills in creating tapestries.

Guagapo Grotto
33 km / 21 miles north of Tarma (40 minutes by car).

The term “guagapo” means “weeping”. The cave was given this name because of the continuous flow of water that goes through the Racasmarca hill. The entrance to the cave is on the lower part of the hill and there are stalactites and stalagmites along the way. A subterranean stream runs inside and flows out as a small waterfall into a swamp covered with local flora. It is highly recommended to go there with a guide and special equipment.

Lord of Muruhuay Sanctuary
11 km / 7 miles north of Tarma (20 minutes by car).

It was built in 1972 on the hill where people say the crucified Christ had appeared. The main altar is decorated with three large tapestries created by artisans of San Pedro de Cajas.

Useful Information

Altitude
Capital:Huancayo 3249 masl / 10.657 fasl
Altitude:Lowest point:313 masl / 1027 fasl (Puerto Prado)
Highest point: 4505 masl / 14.776 fasl (Morococha)

Climate
The city of Huancayo has a rainy and cold climate with an annual average maximum temperature of 23°C (74°F) and a minimum of 4°C (39°F). The rainy season starts in October and ends in April.

Access Routes
By land: Lima – Ticlio – Huancayo: 310 km / 193 miles on the Central Highway (5 hours and 30 minutes by car).Lima – Ticlio – La Oroya – Chanchamayo – Satipo: 432 km / 268 miles (5 hours by car).

Distances From The City Of Huancayo
Concepcion (Province of Concepcion) 21 km (13 miles) / 30 minutes.
La Merced (Province of Chanchamayo) 182 km (113 miles) / 3 hours.
Chupaca (Province of Chupaca) 11 km (7 miles) / 15 minutes.
Jauja (Province of Jauja) 46 km (29 miles) / 1 hour.
Junin (Province of Junin) 180 km (112 miles) / 3 hours.
Satipo (Province of Satipo) 233 km (145 miles) / 5 hours.
Tarma (Province of Tarma) 108 km (67 miles) / 2 hours.
La Oroya (Province of Yauli) 124 km (77 miles) / 2 hours.

Directory

Overland Transport
Huancayo. There is no bus station, but the majority of bus companies are found between the 10th and 12th blocks of Avenida Mariategui, El Tambo.
La Merced. Royal Bus Terminal. Intersection of Avenida Prolongacion Tacna and Avenida Carlos Peschiera.

Railroads
The train schedules are subject to changes. It is recommended to verify in advance the following given information.

Huancayo-Huancavelica Railroad
Avenida Ferrocarril 461. District of Chilca, Huancayo.
Telephone: (064) 21-7724 / 216662 / 217294.
Regular Train: Duration 5 hours. Departures: Mon. – Sat. 6:30 P.M., 1:00 P.M., and Sun. 2:00 P.M.
Fast train: Duration 4 hours. Departures: Fri. 6:20 A.M. and Sun. 6:00 P.M.
Express train: Duration 3 hours. Capacity: 11 passengers (Service upon request)

Health Centers
Huancayo: Daniel A. Carrion Hospital. Avenida Daniel Alcides Carrion 1552. Telephone: (064) 22-2157 / 23-2222. Attention: 24 hours

Concepcion: David Guerrero Duarte Support Hospital. Jiron 9 de Julio. Telephone: (064) 58-1043

Jauja: Domingo Olavegoya Hospital. Jiron San Martín 1153.
Telephone: (064) 36-2007 / 36-2008. Attention: 24 hours

Tarma: Felix Mayorca Soto Hospital. Avenida Pacheco 362.
Telephone: (064) 32-1401 / 32-1400. Attention: 24 hours

Chanchamayo: La Merced Support Hospital. Jiron Tarma 140.
Telephone: (064) 53-1930 / 53-1002

Satipo: Manuel Higa Arakaki Hospital. Avenida Daniel Alcides Carrión 395. Telephone: (064) 54-5045 / 545923. Attention: 24 hours

Police Stations
Junin Regional Police – Policía Nacional del Peru
Avenida Ferrocarril 555, Huancayo. Telephone: (064) 21-1653 / 20-0230 / 20-0758

Ecological and Tourist Police. Avenida Ferrocarril 580, Huancayo.
Telephone: (064) 219851

Craft Markets
Casa del Artesano. Calle Real 481, Huancayo. Telephone: (064) 20-0485
Opening hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Postal Services
Huancayo: Serpost. Plaza Huamanmarca 350. Telephone: (064) 23-1271. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Jauja: Serpost. Jiron Bolognesi 642. Telelphone: (064) 36-1660.
Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Tarma: Serpost. Jiron Callao 356. Telephone: (064) 32-1241.
Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M

La Oroya. Serpost. Avenida Horacio Zervallos Gamez 303. Telephone: (064) 39-1023. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

La Merced. Serpost. Jiron Dos de Mayo 356. Telephone: (064) 53-1174. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Links
Regional Government of Junín www.regionjunin.gob.pe

Peru.info