The department of Junín has very diverse attractions since its territory is located between the mountains and the central jungle of Peru. Its capital is Huancayo (3,259 masl).
This region is perfect for those who want to enjoy life outdoors and nature, you can see its waterfalls and valleys amidst wonderful landscapes. Visit the town of Tarma - nicknamed "The Pearl of the Andes" by Antonio Raimondi - and discover its religious traditions, as well as a day in the Junín National Reserve, where you can practice bird and mammal observation of the Andes. Continue discovering its green forests in Satipo and Chanchamayo, with botanical gardens and native communities. And if you like adrenaline, do adventure sports such as canoeing in the Chanchamayo river or trekking in the snowy Huaytapallana.
Another of its main destinations is the Chanchamayo Valley, where you can learn about the production of Peruvian coffee, which is increasingly recognized in the world. While the Mantaro Valley has an immense archaeological wealth from the pre-Inca and Inca times.
Walk the Handicrafts Route to observe the development of fine looms and gold and silver jewelry. The artisans will show you their traditions and scenes of everyday life in the Andean region, discovering first hand the technique of embroidery and hand weaving, ceramics, silverware, wood carving and upholstery. On the side of the jungle you will meet the artisans who work the native cotton, seeds and feathers that they use to make clothes and accessories that you can buy after your visit.
When to go
The best time to visit Huancayo and its surroundings is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. Avoid August because it tends to be the coldest month.
Climate
The city of Huancayo has a rainy and cold climate with a rainy season that goes from October to April. The maximum temperature is 21 ° C and the minimum temperature is 2 ° C.
On the other hand, the valleys of Chanchamayo and Satipo, located in the low jungle, have a tropical climate, warm and humid. The maximum temperature of these valleys is 32 ° C and the minimum temperature is 14 ° C.
Altitude
Minimum altitude: 313 masl (Puerto Prado)
Maximum: 4,505 masl (Morococha)
Gastronomy
The typical gastronomy of the Andean area of Junín is characterized by soups such as uman caldo (broth of ram head with mint and chili pepper), yaku suck (potato, cheese, egg and herbs) and patachi (wheat with beans, bacon, meat and mint). Also they emphasize the ram to the wood and the pachamanca.
On the other hand, the food of the jungle uses river fish as the maid to prepare ceviche or chicharrón, the exotic chaufa rice (with jerky, chicken, pepper and sachaculantro) and the wild pituca (cream of tree bread with a tuber called pituca and river fish fillet).
How to get there
Airway: Francisco Carlé Airport, located in the city of Jauja, in the department of Junín. This airport receives flights from the main cities of Peru and from there you can take a transport service to get to your destination.
Land route: to enter Huancayo you must take the Central highway. If you travel from Lima you will travel more than 298 kilometers.
Railroad: you can take the Central Andean Railway. It crosses 332 kilometers, and takes 13 hours and goes from Lima to Huancayo.
Recommendations
Wear warm clothing since the weather is quite cold in high altitude locations.
Drink water or coca tea or consume some medication to avoid the punching, soroche or altitude sickness. It is advisable to rest the first day of your arrival in the mountains, consume light meals and drink plenty of fluids.
+56 (9) 6309 1076
