Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Huancaya is a district in the Yauyos province, in the Lima highlands, located within the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. At 3,554 m above sea level, this picturesque village was recognized by the UN as one of the best tourism villages in the world in 2024, thanks to its impressive natural heritage and living culture. Its turquoise waters, stepped waterfalls, and colonial stone bridges make it an unmissable destination for nature and photography lovers.
Huancaya is located in the Yauyos province, 320–330 km southeast of Lima. The most common route takes the South Pan-American Highway to San Vicente de Cañete (km 144), then turns toward Lunahuaná and continues along the road that follows the Cañete River to Huancaya. The drive takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. It is advisable to travel during the day, as the road is unpaved in several sections and lacks night lighting.
The village is at 3,554 m above sea level. The climate is cold and dry for most of the year, with an average temperature of 13 °C. During the day the sun can be intense, but nights are cold, with temperatures dropping to around 4 °C. The rainy season runs from October to April, with January to March being the wettest months. The best time to visit is from April to November, during the dry season, when skies are clear and roads are more passable.
Huancaya is a destination that combines dreamlike landscapes with rich Andean tradition. Its turquoise lagoons, such as Laguna Huallhua, its stepped waterfalls of Cabracancha, and its colonial stone bridges are some of the attractions that have made it famous. Moreover, its recent recognition as a “Charming Village” by the Lima region and its inclusion in the UN's list of the world's best tourism villages attest to its quality as a destination. It is ideal for hiking, boating, trout fishing, and landscape photography.
The most used route is as follows:
Recommendation: Leave very early (before 5:00 a.m.) to arrive before dark and avoid driving at night in the mountain area.
There is no frequent direct bus service to Huancaya from Lima. The most common option is:
The most practical way for those without their own vehicle is to book a long weekend tour or a multi-day package. Several agencies in Lima offer excursions to Huancaya and the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Reserve, with transportation, guide, and sometimes accommodation included. It is the safest and most comfortable option to explore the main attractions.
This is the most famous lagoon in the area, known for its intense turquoise color, due to dissolved minerals in its waters. It is located a few minutes from the village. Rowboats can be rented to explore it (approximate cost S/ 20 per person). The surroundings offer natural viewpoints that provide unforgettable postcard views.
Located a short distance from the town center, these stepped waterfalls form natural pools of crystal-clear water. The water descends through a series of rock terraces, creating a landscape reminiscent of a giant staircase. You can walk alongside them and, during low-flow periods, even swim in the upper pools. The trail is short and well-marked.
Several stone bridges built during the colonial era are preserved in the village. The most emblematic is the Calicanto Bridge, which crosses the Cañete River and is part of Huancaya's typical landscape. These are ideal spots for photographs and to understand the historical importance of the route that connected the coast to the highlands.
The Huancaya Main Square stands out for its fountain with a stone-carved trout sculpture. Around it are the colonial church, the municipality, the House of Culture, and a small museum. The cobblestone streets and the crystal-clear water channels that run through the center are one of the village's hallmarks. Traditional stone and mud houses with Andean tile roofs complete the Andean atmosphere.
From the village, trails lead to natural viewpoints with views of the valley, lagoons, and waterfalls. Among the most accessible are the Laguna Huallhua Viewpoint and the Cabracancha Viewpoint. For those seeking more activity, you can walk to the annex of Vilca (18 km away), where Papacocha Lagoon and the Forest of Love, an area of native vegetation, are located.
Trout is the star product of the area. In the lagoons and local fish farms, you can practice sport fishing (with permission) and then enjoy the fresh fish in the village's restaurants.
The cuisine of Huancaya reflects its Andean tradition and the use of local resources. The most representative dishes and products are:
Restaurants are concentrated around the main square. Menu prices range from S/ 15 to S/ 35 per person.
Entry to the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve costs S/ 10 per person (may vary by season). It is paid at the control post when entering the village.
Yes, there are designated camping areas near the village and by the lagoon. It is recommended to bring a mountain tent and a sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures, as nights are very cold.
In the village, coverage is limited for some operators (mainly Claro and Movistar), but around the lagoons and waterfalls, signal is intermittent or non-existent.
Yes, there are no ATMs in Huancaya. Make sure to bring enough cash to cover food, accommodation, entrance fees, and purchases.
Within the same reserve are the villages of Vilca (with its Papacocha Lagoon and the Forest of Love) and Laraos, as well as the Pumacocha and Chanchacocha lagoons. You can also continue to Yauyos and the Capillucas Viewpoint.