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Before you go
Your trip to Huancayo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Huancayo – Junín Capital
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Francisco Carlé (JAU) Jauja · 45 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
The nearest airport is Jauja, about 45 km away, with flights from Lima; from the airport to Huancayo you travel by taxi or bus through the valley. From Lima, buses climb the Carretera Central in 5 to 8 hours. The Ferrocarril Central Andino tourist train links Lima and Huancayo on scheduled dates; check in advance.
How many days
Two days: one for the center, the cathedral, the Parque de la Identidad Huanca and the Cerrito de la Libertad; another for Torre Torre and Wari Willka. With a third day, visit the Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa, near Concepción.
When to go
From May to September is the dry season, with clearer days and cold early mornings, especially from June to August. From October to April is the rainy season. Days are generally mild year-round and nights cold; bring warm clothing in any month.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The center is walkable, and taxis take you to the Parque de la Identidad Huanca, Cerrito de la Libertad and Torre Torre in a few minutes. For Wari Willka and Ocopa there are local buses and organized tours; a car helps combine several points in the valley in one day.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Huancayo
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Morning
Plaza de la Constitución and cathedral
Start at the main square, with the monument to Ramón Castilla, and enter the neoclassical cathedral, built between 1799 and 1831, to see paintings of the Cusco school. Then walk to Parque Huamanmarca, where the city was founded in 1572.
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Afternoon
Parque de la Identidad Huanca
Take a taxi to the San Antonio neighborhood and explore the stone and pirca park, with statues of regional musicians, bridges and a large carved mate vessel. At lunch, try papa a la huancaína at a typical local restaurant.
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Late afternoon
Torre Torre
Climb to the clay formations of Torre Torre, east of the center, and walk among the towers sculpted by rain and wind. From the top you can see the city and much of the Mantaro Valley.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Return to the center and have dinner near the Plaza de la Constitución. Bring warm clothing: nights in Huancayo are cold at any time of year.
2 days in Huancayo
Day 1
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Morning
Historic centre
Plaza de la Constitución, cathedral and Parque Huamanmarca, the square of the city's founding.
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Afternoon
Parque de la Identidad Huanca and Cerrito de la Libertad
By taxi, visit the stone park in the San Antonio neighborhood and finish the afternoon at the Cerrito de la Libertad viewpoint, east of downtown.
Day 2
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Morning
Wari Willka
Go to the Wari Willka sanctuary, about 6 km to the south, in the Huancán district, and visit the site museum with pieces found in the excavations.
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Afternoon
Torre Torre
On the way back, climb Torre Torre to walk among the clay formations and see the valley from above before sunset.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Huancayo?
Visit the Plaza de la Constitución and the cathedral, Parque de la Identidad Huanca, the Cerrito de la Libertad viewpoint, the Torre Torre clay formations and the Wari Willka sanctuary. Further north, the Convento de Santa Rosa de Ocopa.
Is Huancayo very high?
Yes, around 3,250 meters. Many visitors feel tired or have a headache on the first day; walk slowly, drink water and rest when you arrive.
What is Huancayo's typical dish?
Papa a la huancaína, boiled potato topped with a cream made from ají amarillo, fresh cheese and milk, traditionally ground on the batán.
Is it cold in Huancayo?
Nights are cold year-round, and from June to August early mornings often fall below zero. During the day, with sun, the temperature is mild.
Can you go from Huancayo to the Convento de Ocopa in the same day?
Yes. The convent is near Concepción, about 25 km to the north, and a round trip fits into a morning or an afternoon by taxi, local bus or organized tour.