Artour
Peru
Artour |
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Peru |
Welcome to Junin
GENERAL DATA
Location: The department of Junín is situated in the middle of the Peruvian
Andes.
ACCESS ROUTES
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).
HISTORICAL OVERLOOK
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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Cathedral of Huancayo - Junín |
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF HUANCAYO
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.
OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
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.
OTHER PROVINCES IN JUNIN
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.
FOLKLORE
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.
HANDICRAFTS
Carved gourds, embroidery, pottery and silverware, as well as wood carvings, woven
belts, straw furniture, tapestries, among others.
GASTRONOMY
Typical dishes:
- Uman caldo (Sheep’s head broth with spearmint and hot chili peppers).
- Yaku chupeor green soup (potato soup with bone stock, cheese and aromatic herbs).
- Huallca chupe or Wallpa Chupe (Chicken broth with vegetables and noodles).
- Patascaor tripe broth (soup made with innards, spearmint and offal).
- Patachi(Wheat soup with pulses, bacon and meat)
- Pachamanca (various kinds of meat, potatoes and tender corn covered with aromatic
herbs and cooked underground between hot stones, in a pre-Hispanic style).
- Chicharron colorado (pork fried in its own fat)
- Cordero al palo (whole lamb cooked over hot coals).
FESTIVITIES
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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