TOURIST INFORMATION
JUNIN |
| GENERAL DATA |
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Location:
The department of Junín is situated in the middle
of the Peruvian Andes.
Area:
43 384 Km2
Capital:
Huancayo
Altitude:
3 249 m.a.s.l.
Average
annual temperature: 13,12º C (17º C
maximum, 0º C minimum). Rainy season: November to
April and December to March in tropical areas. |
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| ACCESS ROUTES |
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| By land:
The most advisable route is along the Central Highway
from Lima to Ticlio and Huancayo (310 km), a 5 ½
h drive by car, crossing the Andes through the Anticona
pass (Ticlio). |
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| HISTORICAL OVERLOOK |
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The Junín plains were known as the
Pampus region, which until the arrival of the Incas was
inhabited by a semi-savage, quarrelsome group of people
whose rivals were the Tarumas. Meanwhile, the Mantaro
Valley was inhabited by the Huancas. Finally, Inca Pachacutec
conquered all these groups in 1 460, when they became
part of the Inca Empire. Huancayo became the region’s
main roadside resting place on the Inca Trail.
Wool mills (referred to as obrajes) were set up during
the Viceroyship, when weaving and knitting became a tradition
that continues to this day.
On September 13th 1 825, liberator Simon Bolivar issued
a Decree creating what is now the department of Junin,
to commemorate his victory on the Junin Plains. Great
events of national importance occurred during this period:
Huancayo hosted the Assembly that issued the 1 839 Constitution
and on December 3rd 1 854, Marshall Castilla signed the
decree that granted slaves their freedom. Huancayo, the
capital of the department, is now an important trading
and farming city in this country |
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| ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF HUANCAYO |
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Cathedral Church
Constitution Square
Visits: Monday to Sunday 7:30-9:30 and 17:00-19:30.
Neoclassic in style, it houses a collection of Cuzco school
paintings. Pope Pious XII raised the status of this church
to a Cathedral in 1 955.
Constitution
Square
Situated in the city center, it was named after the Cadiz
Liberal Constitution Oath. The square is adorned with
a display of ornamental plants native to the highlands,
such as the quishuar and retama
La
Merced Chapel
Calle Real 100.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:30.
Considered a National Historic Monument because it is
where the 1 839 Constitution was signed.
Huamanmarca
Square
Corner of Jr. Ica and Jr. Piura.
In this square, Jerónimo de Silva founded Huancayo
as a town on June 1st 1 572.
Huancayo
Sunday Fair
Huancavelica avenue, blocks 2-12.
Established in 1 572 to promote trade among local natives,
the fair is a market place for handicrafts as well as
industrial and agricultural products.
Huanca
Identity Park
San Antonio District
This is where people pay homage to the most well-known
artists in the region.
Salesiano
School Museum
Prolongación Arequipa 105, Huancayo.
Phone: (064) 24-7763
Visits: Monday to Friday 9:00-13:00, 15:00-17:00.
Situated in the El Tambo district, it displays a large
variety of fauna, particularly from the central jungle,
as well as archaeological pieces and coin and stamp collections,
among others.
Artisan
House
Corner of Real and Paseo La Breña streets
A handicraft and tourist center with the best displays
of silverware, textiles, leather work, carved gourds,
wood carvings and other handiwork.
La
Libertad Hill
Located a five minute bus ride away, about 1 km east of
Huancayo at the end of Giraldez avenue, this area is also
known as the Mirador (lookout point) because of the splendid
view of the city and part of the Mantaro Valley. There
are recreational and mechanical games, a semi-Olympic
swimming pool and a small zoo.
Torre
Torre
A geological area situated 1 km or a 15 minute walk from
the La Libertad Hill. The rain and the wind have formed
10 to 30 m tall stone towers in this area, hence its name.
It provides a wonderful view of the Mantaro Valley. |
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| OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY |
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Ingenio
Situated 28 km northeast of Huancayo, about 35 minutes
by car along the so-called Valle Azul (Blue Valley). In
this area there are trout farms, country restaurants and
adequate camping sites.
Sicaya
Located 8 km northeast of Huancayo, about 20 minutes by
car. A prominent attraction is the church which was declared
a Historical National Monument, with famous baroque style
carved wooden altars and eighteenth century canvases.
Warivilca Sanctuary
Ancient sanctuary of the Wari Empire, situated 6 km south
of Huancayo in the Wari annex, a 20 minute drive by car.
This Archaeological Complex was built between 800 and
1 200 AD and was discovered in 1 935. The temple is one
of its outstanding structures. There is an on-site museum.
Ñahuimpuquio Lagoon
Situated in the Ahuac district 15 km from Huancayo, surrounded
by beautiful landscapes.
Huaytapallana
Located 25 km From Huancayo, it takes about two hours
to drive there and 30 minutes to climb the 5 200 m. high
snow-capped mountain on foot. This is a popular area for
adventure sports. |
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| OTHER PROVINCES IN JUNIN |
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Concepción:
Ocopa Convent
Visits: Wednesday to Monday 9:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00.
Old Franciscan convent founded in 1 725, situated 25 km
from Huancayo. It was the starting point for the bold
Franciscan missionaries who tried to catechize eastern
jungle dwellers. It has an exceptional library containing
some 20 000 volumes, including numerous incunabular versions
and some bibliographic jewels.
Jauja:
Cristo Pobre Chapel
Visits: Monday to Sunday 7:00-9:00 and 15:00-18:00.
Located between San Martín and Colina streets,
it was built by order of French priest Luis Gradin. Its
characteristics are similar to Notre Dame Church in Paris
and it was the first cement construction in the Central
Area of Peru.
Paca
Lagoon
Situated 4 km from Jauja, its remarkable landscape is
outstanding. The lagoon is surrounded by bulrushes and
picturesque restaurants. Boat rides are available on the
lagoon, including visits to the Isla del Amor (Island
of Love).
Tunanmarca
Archaeological Complex
Archaeological ruins considered to be the capital of Huanca,
a pre-Hispanic culture, consisting of circular shaped
stone buildings. A hard-top road to the foothill provides
access to these ruins.
Tarma:
Señor de Muruhuay Sanctuary
Visits: 24 hours.
The faithful visit this sanctuary by the thousands, attracted
by its origin and tradition, which blend together in a
mantle of mystery and history.
Guagapo
Grotto
Referred to as the Crying Grotto, it is situated 29 km
from Tarma and is considered the largest in South America.
San Pedro de Cajas
World famous for its tapestries, 90% of the population
in this area are involved in textile handicrafts.
Satipo:
Huanacaure
Ancient stone carvings that date back to 1 500 BC, discovered
in 1 919.
Chanchamayo:
El Perezoso Botanical Garcen
Situated in Pueblo Pardo, 15 km from La Merced. It contains
a large variety of exotic plants and fruit trees.
El Tirol Waterfalls
These waterfalls consist of three sections, ending in
an inviting and refreshing pool.
Puerto
Pichanaki Beach
Situated in the Perene river basin, it is unique because
of its large size and natural state, formed as a result
of El Niño Phenomenon. |
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| FOLKLORE |
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| The area is known for its variety of typical
native dances, the most important being the Huaylarsh,
Chonguinada, Huaconada, Shapis, Santiago, Chinchilpos,
Gamonales and Avelinos. The most popular festivals are
called Cortamontes or Yunsa. |
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| HANDICRAFTS |
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| Carved gourds, embroidery, pottery and silverware,
as well as wood carvings, woven belts, straw furniture,
tapestries, among others. |
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| GASTRONOMY |
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Typical dishes:
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Uman caldo (Sheep’s head broth
with spearmint and hot chili peppers). |
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Yaku chupeor green soup (potato soup with bone
stock, cheese and aromatic herbs). |
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Huallca chupe or Wallpa Chupe (Chicken broth with
vegetables and noodles). |
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Patascaor tripe broth (soup made with innards,
spearmint and offal). |
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Patachi(Wheat soup with pulses, bacon and meat). |
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Pachamanca (various kinds of meat, potatoes and
tender corn covered with aromatic herbs and cooked
underground between hot stones, in a pre-Hispanic
style). |
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Chicharron colorado (pork fried in its own fat). |
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- Cordero al palo (whole lamb cooked over hot
coals). |
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| FESTIVITIES |
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Easter in
Tarma (Marzo / Abril)
Liturgical ceremonies and processions. At this time
of the year, traditional carpets of colored flowers
cover the city’s streets.
Festival of the Crosses (May)
Processions, dances and samples of typical regional
dishes
OTHER IMPORTANT FESTIVALS
Festival of Santiago throughout the Mantaro Valley
Patron Festival of Sicaya, Virgin of Cocharcas, among
others. |
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| SERVICES |
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Land Transport
HUANCAYO
There is no ground transport terminal, but the majority
of transport companies line up on blocks 10-12 of Mariategui
avenue, El Tambo.
Railway Transport
Huancayo-Huancavelica Route.
Av. Ferrocarril s/n Chilca district, Huancayo.
Phone: (064) 23-2581.
Ordinary train: 5 h journey
Departures: Monday to Sunday 6:30, 12:30 and 14:00 on
Sundays.
Railcar: 3 h journey
Departures: Fridays at 6:20 and Sundays at 18:00.
Health Centers
Huancayo.
Daniel A. Carrión. Hospital.
Av. Daniel Alcides Carrión 1552.
Phone: (064) 22-2157.
24 hour service.
Concepción
Inmaculada Concepción Hospital.
Jr. Daniel Alcides Carrión s/n.
Phone: (064) 58-1043.
24 hour service.
Jauja
D. Olavegoya. Hospital.
Phone: (064) 36-2007.
24 hour service.
Tarma
Felix Mayorca Hospital.
Av. Pachacutec 362.
Phone (064) 32-1401.
24 hour service
Chanchamayo
La Merced Hospital.
Jr. Tarma 140.
Phone : (064) 53-1930.
24 hour service.
Satipo
Manuel Higa Arakaki Hospital
Av. Daniel Alcides Carrión.
Phone: (064) 54-5045.
24 hour service.
Police Stations
Huancayo National Police
Phone: (064) 20-0758.
24 hour service.
El Tambo Police
Phone: (064) 24-7214
24 hour service.
Handicraft Markets
Artisan House.
Calle Real 481.
Huancayo.
Phone: (064) 23-3251.
Post Office
Huancayo
Centro Cívico Foco 2.
Phone: (064) 23-1271.
Open: Monday to Sunday 8:00-19:00.
Satipo
Colonos fundadores 324.
Phone: (064) 23-1271.
Open: Monday to Sunday 8:00-19:00.
Jauja
Jr. Bolívar 1155.
Phone : (064) 36-1660.
Open: Monday to Sunday 8:00-20:00.
Tarma
Jr. Callao 356.
Phone: (064) 32-1241.
Open: Monday to Sunday 8:00-20:00.
La Oroya
Av. Horacio Zervallos Gómez 303.
Phone: (064) 39-1023.
Open: Monday to Sunday 8:00-18:00.
La Merced
Jr. Dos de Mayo s/n.
Phone: (064) 53-1174.
Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00-20:00. |
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