Huancayo – Colorful metropolis in Peru’s altiplano

The population is about 500,000 inhabitants and the altitude 3300m above sea level. Huancayo is located at the bottom of the wide Mantaro valley. The surrounding mountains reach to about 3.600m above sea level. On the way from Lima the road climbs to about 4818 m.

In Peru, there are not only Cuzco, Arequipa and Puno to visit, but also charming, smaller towns, such as those found in the Junin region. These cities represent another aspect of Peruvian culture and traditions and give you another aspect to experience this diverse country. In Huancayo and its surroundings there are many activities and many not so tourist cultural sites to visit. When Pizzaro first settled Peru in Jauja, his first impression of the region was that it looked like Switzerland. The eternal Mantaro valley is very green in the wetter parts of the year, but at other times it tends to dry out. Agriculture is flourishing and is full of migrant cows, pigs, donkeys and lambs.

The region is full of pre-Inca ruins from the Wanka culture. You should visit Tuncanmarca, a Wanka ruin with more than 3,000 houses or hike for one day on the Huaytapallana Glacier. It is a pleasant and relatively safe place for visitors to practice their Spanish, meet down-to-earth Peruvians and taste delicious local food at reasonable prices. Ruins, museums, trekking and fishing are on the menu.

How you get to Huancayo

By plane from Lima to Huancayo (Jauja)

There is currently no direct air connection to Huancayo City, so the trip consists of two parts.

• The first part is the flight from Lima to Jauja. There are daily flights from Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. The flights take about 55 minutes.
• The second section consists of the drive from Jauja to Huancayo, which is about 50 minutes from the airport. You can travel in shared taxis or minibuses that carry out this service.

By bus

There are several bus companies that travel to Huancayo daily and at different times to travel by bus from Lima to Huancayo. The journey takes on average about 6 hours by bus, with you having to travel 347 km.

By car

If you have a rental car, you can directly follow Carretera Central, which connects Lima and Huancayo. This is possible in about 5 hours.

By train Lima – Huancayo

The railway Huancayo – Lima is the highest in the world and crosses the Andes. The service offered is for tourist purposes, with the drive from Lima to Huancayo taking about 12 hours. To get there, you have to go to the train station in Lima, which is located behind the government palace in the historical center of Lima. For more information about departure and itineraries, visit the official website: Ferrocarril

Points of interest

Cerrito de la Libertad

Take a taxi or walk to this vantage point over the city, which also has a small zoo and several restaurants.

Torre-Torre

Torre Torre Sandstone needles, the impressive effects of erosion, are less than a mile to El Cerrito de la Libertad. A taxi can get you closer, but the last piece has to be done on foot. Torre Torre offers a better view of the city and the valley than El Cerrito.

Parque de la Identidad

Parque de la Identidad Huanca (Wanka) A famous park in the city, which is popular for its strange and artistic design, which is popular with children. It is a celebration of Huanca culture and includes a statue of local heroes, many labeled plants and a souvenir shop selling local handicrafts.

Huarivilca or Warivilca

A temple ruin from the Wari era. Take a colectivo or a taxi to the village of Huari. You will find the museum (morning and afternoon service) on the square. You can get explanations in English. After the museum, the tour guide will also show you the ruins.

Other tourist attractions

Plaza de la Constitución
Catedral de Huancayo
Pueblos Artesanales de Cochas Chico y Cochas Grande
Pueblo de Hualhuas
Pueblo de San Jerónimo de Tunán
Nevado de Huaytapallana
Centro Piscícola El Ingenio