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…
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Huancayo
The mega-metropolis of the central altiplano (Andean plateau), bustling Huancayo mixes its modern facade with a strong underlying sense of tradition. For many, this self-confident, cosmopolitan city will be their first experience of the Peruvian highlands – it stands within a lush valley on an exciting overland mountain route to Cuzco – and while its charms are less obvious than those of other Andean locales, Huancayo does not disappoint.
The town has some of Peru’s finest dining outside of Lima and Cuzco, with well-appointed restaurants serving the region’s renowned cuisine. Peru’s most interesting handicrafts are sold in the markets here and in the valley beyond, and vibrant, varied fiestas take place almost daily.
There's also Andes trekking and extreme mountain biking and, to top it all off, Huancayo is the terminus for two of Peru’s (and South America’s) best railway journeys, including the world’s second-highest railway over the Andes to and from Lima.
Explore Huancayo
- PParque de la Identidad Huanca
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…
- CCerro de la Libertad
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;…
- IIglesia de La Inmaculada
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.
- IIglesia de La Merced
Huancayo's most attractive church, built in colonial style, and seat of the first Congress of Peru in 1839.
- MMuseo Salesiano
Displays fauna epitomizing Peru's three contrasting geographic regions, plus pottery and archaeology exhibits. What is there is well-presented, but it…
- CCathedral
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…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Huancayo.
See
Parque de la Identidad Huanca
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…
See
Cerro de la Libertad
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;…
See
Iglesia de La Inmaculada
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.
See
Iglesia de La Merced
Huancayo's most attractive church, built in colonial style, and seat of the first Congress of Peru in 1839.
See
Museo Salesiano
Displays fauna epitomizing Peru's three contrasting geographic regions, plus pottery and archaeology exhibits. What is there is well-presented, but it…
See
Cathedral
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…
Guidebooks
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