Cielo Azul - Travel agency in Huancavelica

Peru Discovery meets José Antonio, founder of Cielo Azul, for an exclusive interview on solidarity tourism and authentic experiences in Huancavelica, in the Peruvian Andes.

"Of course, with pleasure. Cielo Azul was born in 2009 as the tourism program of the non-profit association Pukullawa, which was created in 2007. We use the same RUC as the association because our reason for being has always been the same: to help children and adolescents in Huancavelica living in poverty and facing social difficulties.

Currently, our agency is located in new premises on the Huancavelica-Pisco highway, in Callqui Chico. At the beginning of this adventure we were three, but today I work practically alone, with the support of some local communities.

Our philosophy is clear: we practice solidarity and experiential tourism. We work throughout the Huancavelica region, especially in the high Andean areas, peasant communities, and places of great natural wealth such as lagoons, mountains, archaeological sites, and thermal medicinal waters."

"Solidarity tourism goes beyond simply being responsible or sustainable. For us, it means that tourism contributes directly to the economic, social, and cultural development of local populations. It involves the direct participation of communities, genuine cultural exchange, deep respect for nature, and most importantly, a fair distribution of resources.

In our case, there is a direct link of solidarity between travelers and the host communities. We not only seek to cause the least negative impact, but to generate a tangible positive impact. We work closely with several Andean communities in Huancavelica, guaranteeing a fair price to our collaborators so that they can develop new community projects thanks to tourism."

"The idea was born in 2006 and we created the agency in 2009 with Pukullawa's RUC. The association has been working since 2006 on social assistance and personal development programs for approximately 50 children aged 6 to 17 living in poverty, with school delays and multiple social difficulties.

Since 2006, we have received support from Solidaile from France, which provides us mainly with logistical support and sends volunteers to give French and English classes to disadvantaged children. In 2025 and for this year 2026, Solidaile will also help us financially to pay the teachers who give classes to the children. Many of these teachers do not always have stable employment, and this aid also covers their transport and food expenses.

Until 2024, the agency automatically allocated 20 soles for each tour sold to the association. Now, we have changed the system: we ask for a voluntary donation directly from tourists. Each traveler freely decides the amount they wish to contribute. These funds are mainly used to pay teachers and their transport tickets from Huancavelica to Callqui Chico, which is about 20 minutes away, and sometimes also to prepare food for the children."

"Huancavelica is a very special region, surrounded by numerous mountains and approximately 200 lagoons. Among the best-known lagoons we have Pultocc, Choclococha, Orccococha, San Francisco and Cceullaccocha (or Ceullaccocha) among others. As for mountains, we highlight Yana Orqo (Cerro Negro), near the Huamanrazu plateaus; Huamanrazu itself, one of the highest snow-capped peaks in the region at over 5,304 meters; Apu Citaq, one of the peaks that also reaches 5,328 meters; Condoray peak, El Altar peak at over 5250 meters, and many others.

I discovered a mountain that I named 'The Slide in the Blue Sky', thanks to a French tourist named Joseph, whom I will tell you about later. This mountain is special because its shape allows for a particularly beautiful descent.

Our region has two well-defined seasons: the rainy season, which is a low tourist season, and the dry season, from May to November, when we receive more visitors. At this time, the landscapes are spectacular and the roads are in better condition."

"We have several emblematic circuits. Let me detail two of the most important ones:

Circuit 1: Santa Bárbara Mines - The Ghost Town
This circuit covers history from pre-Inca to contemporary times. We start in Sacsamarca, a stone village declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2003. Here we find a colonial bridge and an impressive colonial church.

Then we arrive at the mercury processing plant and the administrative offices that are part of the Santa Bárbara mine from the republican and contemporary era. It is important to mention that it is forbidden to enter these offices. We continue to the natural tourist viewpoint at 4200 meters, from where you can see the entire city of Huancavelica.

Finally, we visit the Portada de Belén, known as the entrance to the tunnel of the historic Santa Bárbara mine. It is an iconic colonial structure that features at its entrance the coat of arms of King Carlos III and a high relief image of San Cristóbal. This tunnel was started in 1601 and took 40 years to complete, being a key part of the 'Mina de la Muerte', the main source of mercury during the viceroyalty. Although the tunnel is sealed for public safety reasons, the doorway and colonial coat of arms remain visible.

This circuit can be extended to do experiential tourism to the Huamanrazu plateaus, where you can see two lagoons and camelids in their wild habitat, such as alpacas and vicuñas. It is interesting to know that in Huancavelica there are two ghost towns: Santa Bárbara and also Choclococha.

Circuit 2: The longest turquoise river in Peru
This is a new circuit we are promoting. It is the Vilca River, located in the district of Vilca and Moya, considered the longest turquoise-colored river in Peru. Its waters are crystalline, warm, and their characteristic color is due to minerals. It stretches approximately 35 kilometers and is ideal for canoeing, trout fishing, and swimming.

The route begins in the village of Tansiri, where we offer an authentic experiential tourism experience: Andean songs and Andean herranza. Herranza is an ancestral livestock marking ritual where Pachamama and the Apus are honored with songs, music, and colored ribbons for livestock fertility.

We then visit the village of Manta and its colonial church, before arriving at the Ayhuicha (or Awicha) hot springs, a free natural paradise with mineral-medicinal waters of approximately 20°C, surrounded by eucalyptus. Finally, we arrive at the Warichaca and Turumanya Bridge, where canoeing can be practiced optionally."

"We work directly with communities like Sacsamarca, through the Tambos, which are platforms of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion that bring state services closer to rural areas. The peasant community of Sacsamarca, officially recognized in 1936, is mainly dedicated to agricultural production, with communal farms of sheep, cattle, and camelids.

We guarantee a fair price by paying community members directly for their services: when someone from the community helps us with a local guide, offers accommodation, or shares their traditions like herranza, they receive a fair and previously agreed financial compensation. This allows them to develop small community projects thanks to tourism resources."

"Our best-known circuit is the Santa Bárbara mines, for its historical value. But for a traveler looking for something truly different with positive impact, I would unhesitatingly recommend the route of the mirror lagoons and the turquoise river. It combines spectacular nature, canoeing adventure, relaxation in hot springs, and most importantly, an authentic cultural encounter with communities through herranza and Andean songs. It is a complete experience that shows the best of Huancavelica."

"We mainly receive adventurous travelers. Many of them prefer to visit the places on their own, and we provide them with all the necessary information to do so safely. It is part of our solidarity support: sharing our knowledge without imposing a service if they don't need it.

Since the pandemic, the profile of our visitors has changed. Before, approximately 60% were foreigners. Now we receive more Peruvian couples and families. The Pukullawa association is also open to receiving volunteers who wish to give language classes to children, which attracts travelers with a strong social conscience."

"We apply responsible tourism in several ways. First, we work with small groups to minimize the impact on communities and nature. Second, as I mentioned, we guarantee fair prices to all our local collaborators. And third, we have a direct link with the Pukullawa association, which is the heart of our solidarity model."

"Currently, it is the traveler who freely decides the amount they wish to donate. There is no fixed mandatory amount. These funds received are mainly used to pay the teachers who give support classes to children. Many of these teachers do not have stable employment, and this income is vital for them. We also cover their transport costs from Huancavelica to Callqui Chico, where our premises are. Occasionally, donations also serve to prepare meals for the children. It is direct and concrete help."

"Cultural exchange is very valuable. Children have the opportunity to meet people from other countries, practice languages ​​like French or English with Solidaile volunteers, and open their minds to the world. For communities, receiving travelers interested in their traditions, such as herranza or Andean songs, reinforces the value of their own culture and motivates them to keep it alive. It is a pride to share what they are."

"We work directly with communities on each tour, but the most concrete case is the continuous support to Pukullawa. Thanks to travelers' donations, we have been able to maintain the teacher program more stably. Also, by working with communities like Sacsamarca, the fact that they receive a fair income from their participation in tours has allowed them, in some cases, to improve small community infrastructures or buy supplies for their livestock activities."

"Before each departure, we give clear instructions to travelers about cleanliness and hygiene. The main thing is not to throw waste, to collect all garbage, and to respect natural spaces. We encourage and develop more environmentally friendly activities, promoting minimal impact on the lagoons, mountains, and rivers we visit. Preserving these fragile ecosystems is fundamental for us."

"Because at Cielo Azul, we practice solidarity and experiential tourism. Not only will you discover incredible landscapes, but you will live an authentic human experience. You will share with communities, learn about their traditions, and in addition, your visit will have a direct positive impact on the lives of children and families in Huancavelica. Every sol you leave here stays here, helping our people. You are not a mere tourist, you are a solidarity traveler."

"Huancavelica is a fairly quiet and safe city throughout Peru. As in any city, we recommend avoiding going out after 10 pm. Regarding tours, if for external reasons, such as a weather or access problem, a tour cannot be carried out, we refund the amount to the traveler. We always prioritize safety and transparency."

"With great pleasure. I once received a French tourist named Joseph. During his stay, my dog ​​Boby, who usually accompanies me on tours, became very fond of him. Boby walked by his side, protected him, and guided him along the trails, as if he were an extra guide. Boby is very loved in Huancavelica, he accompanies tourists on routes like the Santa Bárbara mine, the stone forest, and the lagoons, always looking for safe paths. His sense of direction and charisma have made him famous among those who visit the region.

Joseph and I really hit it off and we've kept in touch ever since. It was precisely Joseph who gave me the idea for the name of a mountain I had 'discovered': 'The Slide in the Blue Sky'. This anecdote reflects the spirit of Cielo Azul: an authentic encounter, a dog that takes care of you, a friendship that crosses oceans, and a name born from that special connection between a traveler and our place."

"I recommend four unmissable things:

• The Santa Bárbara mines and the ghost town: For their incredible historical value and the views from the viewpoint.
• The turquoise river of Vilca and Moya: For its unique natural beauty and the opportunity for canoeing.
• The route of the mirror lagoons: A lesser-known but fascinating circuit, with lagoons that reflect the mountains like mirrors.
• The Puka Puncho mountains, 'The Slide in the Blue Sky', Cerro Bandera and Cerro Apu Antanque: For their great beauty that gives color to the mountain, silence becomes light.

And if we talk about archaeological sites, Huancavelica has several of great importance: Ccaccasiri in Acoria and Uchkus Inkañan in Yauli, an important administrative and religious center at 3713 m altitude with terraces and water mirrors carved into rock for astronomical studies; the Sachapite Stone Forest, located at about 3900 m, 40 minutes from Yauli; the Killa Machay caves (Quechua Killa moon, machay cave, 'moon cave') and the pre-Hispanic tombs of Allpas in Acobamba; and the Inca Wasi archaeological complex in Huaytara, with Inca buildings including squares and astronomical observatories."

"The most common mistake is not asking for permission before taking photos of people or their belongings. Always ask first. Another mistake is not knowing how to politely refuse when a local offers food and you don't want or cannot accept it. You must do it respectfully, kindly explaining the situation. The key is respectful communication at all times."

"Honestly, we do not observe a particularly strong demand in that regard yet. Huancavelica is a little-known region, and most travelers who come are adventurers seeking nature. However, we already integrate experiential tourism naturally into our circuits, such as in Tansiri with herranza. We believe it is the right path to offer something authentic and differentiated."

"Travelers can contact us directly by WhatsApp or email. We do not have a special discount system for direct bookings, but we guarantee that the treatment will be personalized and that all the information they need will be obtained directly from us, without intermediaries."

"Yes, we actively seek alliances, especially with tourism agencies and operators, both national and international, who share our vision of responsible and solidarity tourism. However, we currently have few consolidated partnerships. We are very open to meeting French-speaking operators or those specialized in community tourism who would like to include Huancavelica in their routes and help us spread this beautiful destination and our solidarity model."

Thank you very much, José Antonio, for sharing with us the beautiful work of Cielo Azul and for showing us the solidarity heart of Huancavelica!

⚖️ Non-profit · Founded: 2007

Mission: To support children aged 6 to 17 living in poverty and social difficulties (school lag, vulnerability).

Actions: Tutoring classes (French, English) with volunteers from Solidaile (France), payment to local teachers, meals.

Link with Cielo Azul: The agency (Pukullawa's tourism program) channels voluntary donations from travelers to sustain educational projects.