These two villages on the east side of the valley, sometimes referred to jointly as Cochas, are the major production centers for the incised gourds that have made the district famous. Oddly enough, the gourds are grown mainly on the coast, in the Chiclayo and Ica areas. Once transported into the highlands, they are dried and scorched, then decorated using woodworking tools. Gourd carving can be seen at various houses here, mostly in Cochas Grande (the upper village).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.13 MILES
Set around beautiful gardens and courtyards, this convent was originally built by Franciscans in the early 18th century as a center for missionaries…
10.65 MILES
Hemmed in by mountains, this body of water offers restaurants and boat rides. From the east shore a path climbs to a ridge for great valley views and the…
28.57 MILES
This small lakeside resort offers restaurants, rowboats and fishing. A boat ride around the lake will cost S5 to S10 per passenger (depending on how many…
2.99 MILES
This fanciful park is full of stone statues of famous regional personalities, as well as miniature buildings representing the area’s culture. It's in the…
3.87 MILES
A popular recreational and dining locale with a great view of the city, as well as artwork stalls and a playground. It's about 2km from the town center;…
4.46 MILES
With its duel cupolas capped in sky-blue, this may be a modern place of worship (built 1965), but it is also one of Huancayo's prettier churches.
4.44 MILES
This Río Mantaro handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its wool products, including ponchos and weavings.
6.8 MILES
This Río Mantaro valley handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its filigree silverwork.
Nearby Central Highlands attractions
1. Parque de la Identidad Huanca
2.99 MILES
This fanciful park is full of stone statues of famous regional personalities, as well as miniature buildings representing the area’s culture. It's in the…
3.43 MILES
This Río Mantaro handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its wicker furniture.
3.87 MILES
A popular recreational and dining locale with a great view of the city, as well as artwork stalls and a playground. It's about 2km from the town center;…
4.28 MILES
Displays fauna epitomizing Peru's three contrasting geographic regions, plus pottery and archaeology exhibits. What is there is well-presented, but it…
4.3 MILES
Huancayo's most attractive church, built in colonial style, and seat of the first Congress of Peru in 1839.
4.34 MILES
Huancayo's cathedral presides over one side of the Plaza de la Constitución. The largest church in the city, it contains a few paintings from the escuela…
4.44 MILES
This Río Mantaro handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its wool products, including ponchos and weavings.
4.46 MILES
With its duel cupolas capped in sky-blue, this may be a modern place of worship (built 1965), but it is also one of Huancayo's prettier churches.