Junín: Nature, History, and Culture in the Heart of Peru
Located in central Peru, Junín is a region that blends the majestic Andes with the biodiversity of the jungle. Its capital, Huancayo, is the commercial and cultural hub of the Mantaro Valley, where Huanca traditions remain alive through gastronomy, dances, and festivals.
- Minimum altitude: 313 m.a.s.l. (Puerto Prado)
- Maximum altitude: 4,505 m.a.s.l. (Morococha)
🏛 History & Culture
Plaza Constitución (Huancayo)
The site where the Liberal Constitution of Cádiz was sworn in before Peru’s independence. Its gardens feature native species such as quishuar and retama.
Huancayo Cathedral
A neoclassical-style church, elevated to cathedral status in 1955, featuring Cusco School paintings.
La Merced Chapel
The historic site where the 1839 Constitution was signed. Declared a National Historic Monument, it preserves valuable colonial paintings.
Ocopa Convent (Concepción)
Founded in 1725, it was a missionary center for evangelizing the jungle. It houses a painting gallery, an ancient library with incunabula, and a natural history museum.
Tunanmarca Archaeological Complex (Jauja)
Once the capital of the Huanca culture (1200-1400 AD), featuring stone constructions and an advanced hydraulic system.
Warivilca Sanctuary
A pre-Incan ceremonial center, located 6 km from Huancayo, with an on-site museum.
Señor de Muruhuay Sanctuary (Tarma)
A major pilgrimage site with an ornate altar decorated with handcrafted tapestries.
🌿 Nature & Adventure
🏞 Huanca Identity Park (Huancayo)
A tribute to Huanca culture, with sculptures, fountains, and green spaces.
⛰ Huaytapallana Glacier
At 5,200 m.a.s.l., this glacier offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails.
🏜 Torre Torre
Natural rock formations in Huancayo resembling 30-meter-high stone towers.
🌊 Paca Lagoon (Jauja)
A beautiful lagoon surrounded by reed beds, home to various aquatic birds.
🌱 El Perezoso Botanical Garden (Chanchamayo)
A natural reserve with over 10,000 species of tropical plants.
💦 El Tirol Waterfall (San Ramón)
A 35-meter waterfall, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation.
🌾 Junín National Reserve
A sanctuary for Andean water birds, such as flamingos and wild ducks, at 4,100 m.a.s.l.
🕳 Guagapo Cave (Tarma)
Known as “The Crying Cave”, it is one of the deepest caves in South America, featuring stalactites and underground streams.
🎉 Festivals & Traditions
🔹 Huancayo Sunday Fair
A centuries-old market dating back to 1572, where artisans and farmers gather to sell their products.
🔹 Traditional Dances
The Huaylarsh, Chonguinada, and Sahapi are vibrant expressions of Huanca identity.
📅 Best time to visit: Year-round, with diverse climates between the highlands and the jungle.
📍 How to Get There?✈️ Flights from Lima to Jauja (approx. 1h) or land transportation from different parts of Peru.
