Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Huancaya is a district in the province of Yauyos, in the Lima highlands, located within the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. At 3,554 m altitude, this picturesque village was recognized by the UN as one of the best tourist villages in the world in 2024, thanks to its impressive natural heritage and living culture. Its turquoise waters, terraced waterfalls, and colonial stone bridges make it an essential destination for nature and photography lovers.
Huancaya is located in the province of Yauyos, 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 towards 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 recommended to travel during the day, as the road is unpaved on several sections and has no nighttime lighting.
The village is located at 3,554 m altitude. 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 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 and rich Andean tradition. Its turquoise lagoons, such as Laguna Huallhua, its terraced waterfalls of Cabracancha, and its colonial stone bridges are among 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 tourist 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 AM) to arrive before nightfall and avoid driving in the dark in mountainous areas.
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 an extended weekend tour or a multi-day package. Several agencies in Lima offer excursions to Huancaya and the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Reserve, including transportation, a guide, and in some cases accommodation. This is the safest and most comfortable option to discover the main attractions.
This is the most famous lagoon in the region, known for its intense turquoise color due to minerals dissolved in its waters. It is located a few minutes from the village. You can rent rowboats to explore it (approximate cost S/ 20 per person). The surroundings offer natural viewpoints from which you can take unforgettable postcard photos.
Located a short distance from the inhabited center, these terraced waterfalls form natural pools with crystal-clear waters. The water descends through a series of rocky terraces, creating a landscape reminiscent of a giant staircase. You can walk alongside them and, during low water periods, even swim in the upper pools. The trail is short and well-marked.
In the village, several stone bridges built during the colonial era are preserved. The most emblematic is the Calicanto Bridge, which spans the Cañete River and is part of Huancaya's typical landscape. These places are ideal for photography and for understanding the historical importance of the route connecting the coast to the highlands.
The Huancaya Main Square stands out for its basin adorned with a stone-carved trout sculpture. Around it are the colonial church, the town hall, the House of Culture, and a small museum. The cobblestone streets and crystal-clear water channels that run through the center are one of the village's identity markers. Traditional stone and earth houses with Andean tile roofs complete the Andean atmosphere.
From the village, trails lead to natural viewpoints offering panoramas 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), where Papacocha Lagoon and the Forest of Love, an area of native vegetation, are located.
Trout is the flagship product of the region. In the lagoons and local fish farms, you can practice sport fishing (with authorization) and then enjoy fresh fish in the village's restaurants.
Just 4 kilometers from Huancaya lies Vitis, a charming Andean village perched at 3,608 meters above sea level. Nicknamed the "Ciudad de los Vientos" (City of Winds), this small hamlet is a true gem of the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, still preserved from mass tourism.
What awaits you in Vitis:
Access: From Huancaya, Vitis is accessible in 10 minutes by car or 1 hour on foot along a nature trail. The hike between the two villages is an experience in itself, offering preserved Andean landscapes.
🔗 To discover all the treasures of Vitis, check out our complete village guide: Vitis, Peru: Village in the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Reserve near Huancaya
Huancaya's cuisine reflects its Andean tradition and use of local resources. The most representative dishes and products are:
Restaurants are concentrated around the main square. Menu prices vary between S/ 15 and S/ 35 per person.
Huancaya offers a modest but sufficient range of accommodation for passing visitors. Options are mainly concentrated in the village center, near the Main Square. During high season and long weekends, it is strongly recommended to book in advance.
Most of the offering in Huancaya consists of small guesthouses run by local families. Rooms are simple but clean, with private or shared bathroom, hot water (limited in some establishments), and warm blankets, essential given the nighttime temperatures. Prices vary between S/ 40 and S/ 80 per night for two people.
A few establishments offer slightly higher standard services, with more spacious rooms, private bathroom with hot water, television, and sometimes heating. Expect between S/ 80 and S/ 150 per night for two people.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are designated areas for camping near the village and along the shores of Laguna Huallhua. Rates are very economical, generally between S/ 10 and S/ 20 per person per night. It is essential to bring a mountain tent and a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures near 0°C, as nights are very cold.
In Huancaya, hospitality is a tradition. Some locals rent a room to visitors, offering an authentic immersion in Andean life. Generally affordable rates: S/ 30 to S/ 50 per night. Inquire upon arrival at the Main Square.
Entry to the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve costs S/ 10 per person (may vary by season). It is paid at the checkpoint at the entrance to the village.
Yes, there are designated areas for camping near the village and along 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 you have enough cash to cover food, accommodation, entry 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 Pumacocha and Chanchacocha lagoons. You can also continue to Yauyos and the Capillucas Viewpoint.