Province of Junin
Capital: City of Huancayo
Altitude: 3.250 m.a.s.l.
Distance: 180 kilometers from Lima
The province of Junin is located in the central zone of the Peruvian Andes which
comprises zoned of sierra and Amazon jungle.
On October 10th., 1824, the Liberator Simon Bolivar decreed the name of Heroica
Villa of Junin, honoring thus the glorious battle the patriotic armies fought on
its lands. More than two-thirds of the local population perished fighting for the
independence.
Huancayo, capital of the province, is an important commercial and tourist center.
The city still keeps alive its Andean traditions.
The Sunday fair on the Huancavelica Avenue is the major commercial and tourist
attractiveness of the city. You can see all kinds of local handicrafts.
It is interesting to visit:
- The Cathedral
- Constitution Square
- Chapel of La Merced
- Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa
- Mountain of La Libertad
- Ragle Tower
- Observatory of Huarivilca
- The Criadero of Trouts in the Ingenio
- Archeological Remains of Hutammarca
- Salesiano Museum
Tourist Site Attractions:
Snowy Mountain of Huaytapallana, located at 25 kilometers of Huancayo. It has an
altitude of 5.200 m.a.s.l, and it is formed by peaks of the Oriental Andean Range.
In this area, adventure sports are practiced.
Ñahuimpuquio Lagoon, located at 15 kilometers of Huancayo, in the county of
Chupaca. Ñahuimpuquio means in quechua language: eye of the water. ojo del agua.
It is characterized by a great spring where trouts are bred. The inhabitants of
the surroundings rent donkeys and boats for round-trips.
Town of Chongos Bajo, perhaps the oldest of the zone. Its church dated back
from 1540; it has an altar carved in barroque-style and paintings from the
school of Cuzco.
The little town of Hualhuas, stands out for the elaboration of specialized
weaving of alpaca and sheep wool.
Town of San Jeronimo de Tunan, known for its excellent jewelers qualified in
silver-work and fine jewelry.
The Lagoon of Paca, located at 6 kilometers of Jauja. The lagoon is surrounded
by totora plants and on its shores, there are restaurants with typical regional
foods and accomodations.
Town of Cochas in the county of Concepcion. Picturesque little town very renowned
for its "mates burilados" elaborated by Huancas artisans of all ages (they are
pumpkins engraved with a hot burin, showing scenes of the town life, county,
parties and work.).
National Reservation of Junin, located at 168 kilometers from Huancayo. It has an
extension surface around 53.000 hectares that protect the acuatic and mammals
wildlife. This reservations objective are the conservation and protection of the
Andean flora and fauna of the region.
Historical Sanctuary of Chacramarca, located at 165 kilometers from Huancayo. It
has an extension surface of 2.500 hectares. A historical site that recalls the
battle of the independentist army defeating the Spanish (1824).
The Grotto of Guagapo, located at 38 kilometers from Tarma. Known as "The Crying
Grotto" due to the continuous leaking of water that goes through the mountain
drop by drop. When going through the cave (2 kilometers approximately), you can
see stalactites and stalagmites of different sizes and shapes. It is recommended
to enter the grotto with a guide and special equipment.
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