Must-see attractions in Central Highlands

A huge, iconic Andean smorgasbord of glimmering blue-green mountain lakes nestled within towering peaks and home to the Pariacaca Glacier. You’ll need…

This church has two fine bell towers and, in the body of the structure supporting them, striking embossings and motifs. It sits on the site of its 1605…

The hike to these lovely cascades is good for walking off the huge platters of meat at La Choza de Omar at the bottom of the path. Follow the river up a…

A square of shops and restaurants tucked back from the pedestrian street, with a better quality of establishments than the similar Centro Turístico…

This is Huánuco’s most appealing church, with its mustard-colored duel cupolas, lavish baroque-style altars and interesting escuela cuzqueña (Cuzco school…

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…

One of Ayacucho's most photogenic churches, dating from 1548. Purportedly built with the stone of a former Inca fortress, it contains some superb examples…

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;…

This mirador (lookout) offers fabulous views of Ayacucho, as well as decent restaurants. Taxis here charge S5, otherwise catch a bus from the Mercado…

Attention is due to the building work on this two-towered church, containing several escuela cuzqueña (Cuzco school) paintings, but its beauty still…

This church, built in the mid-16th century, is full of colonial art and has one of Peru’s oldest convents attached, dating from the same period.

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.

This Río Mantaro handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its wool products, including ponchos and weavings.

Attracts thousands of pilgrims annually for a glimpse of the image of Jesus of Nazareth supposedly inside on one of the altars.

This white two-towered church dating from 1716 has interesting floral flourishes near the cupolas of its bell towers.

Nice, if overcrowded dipping spot on the way to La Cueva de las Lechuzas.

This Río Mantaro valley handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its filigree silverwork.

This cathedral on the main Plaza de Armas in Jauja is nice to look at, with finely carved wooden altars inside.

Huancayo's most attractive church, built in colonial style, and seat of the first Congress of Peru in 1839.

This Río Mantaro handicrafts village on the east side of the valley is known for its wicker furniture.