Huancayo
Heart of the Peruvian Andes | Peru Discovery

Huancayo is an ideal destination to discover Peruvian Andean cuisine. The city offers a variety of culinary options, ranging from traditional restaurants to street stalls and local markets. You can enjoy typical dishes from the region, rich in flavors and adapted to the Andean climate.

Local Specialties

• Pachamanca: A traditional dish cooked underground with meats (pork, lamb, chicken), potatoes, beans, and local spices.
• Caldo de cabeza: A comforting soup made from sheep's head, perfect for warming up at high altitudes.
• Cuy chactado: Roasted or fried guinea pig, often served with potatoes and a spicy sauce.
• Fresh trout: Sourced from Andean rivers, it is often grilled or fried and served with rice and vegetables.
• Chicha de jora: A traditional drink made from fermented corn, often served in markets and local festivals.

Where to Eat?

Huancayo Market

A must-visit spot to try local dishes at affordable prices. The stalls offer soups, stews, and fresh fruit juices.

Traditional Restaurants

Many establishments serve typical regional dishes, such as pachamanca, cuy, and trout, in a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Street Stalls

Perfect for an authentic experience, try the anticuchos (beef heart skewers) or tamales (corn filling wrapped in banana leaves).

Around Laguna de Paca

The restaurants near the lake offer dishes made with fresh trout, with a stunning view of the water and mountains.

Practical Tips

• Quality and hygiene: Prioritize establishments frequented by locals, often a guarantee of freshness and quality. Observe if dishes are prepared on demand and if hygiene standards are respected.
• Meal times: Peruvians usually have lunch between 1 PM and 3 PM and dinner between 7 PM and 9 PM. Restaurants are often busier during these hours.
• Budget: Markets and street stalls are economical, while traditional restaurants offer good value for money.
• Local advice: Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations, as they can guide you to places that suit your preferences and budget.

Huancayo offers a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and types of travelers. Whether you're looking for an economical stay, a cultural immersion, or superior comfort, you'll find options to meet your needs.

Types of Accommodations

• Hostels and budget hotels: Ideal for budget travelers, these establishments offer simple and functional rooms, often located near the city center or local markets.
• Guesthouses: For a more authentic experience, opt for a guesthouse run by locals. This allows you to immerse yourself in Andean culture and benefit from personalized advice for exploring the region.
• Mid-range hotels: These establishments offer good value for money, with comfortable rooms, basic services like Wi-Fi, and sometimes breakfast included.
• Lodges and high-end hotels: For a more luxurious stay, some hotels offer spacious rooms, stunning mountain views, and additional services like on-site restaurants or relaxation areas.

Practical Tips

• Proximity to tourist sites: Choose accommodations close to the city center or main attractions (such as the Plaza de la Constitución or the Huancayo Market) to make your travels easier.
• Altitude acclimatization: Huancayo is located at 3,259 meters above sea level. Prioritize accommodations with comfortable common areas to rest and acclimatize.
• High season: During the tourist high season (June to August), it is recommended to book in advance, as availability may be limited.
• Useful services: Check if your accommodation offers services like breakfast, luggage storage, or local excursion organization, which are particularly convenient for transit travelers.
• Local advice: Don't hesitate to ask locals or your host for recommendations to find places that suit your budget and preferences.

Bookings and Logistics

• Bookings: During the tourist high season (June to August), it is recommended to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular sites like Laguna de Paca or take the Andean Train.
• Transportation: Huancayo is accessible from Lima by bus (approximately 7 hours) or by the Ferrocarril Central Andino (train). For local travel, taxis and colectivos are available.
• Itineraries: Plan your days considering the distances between tourist sites. For example, Laguna de Paca and the Monasterio de Santa Rosa de Ocopa are a few kilometers from the city center.

Altitude and Health

• Acclimatization: Huancayo is located at 3,259 meters above sea level. Take time to acclimatize by avoiding intense physical activity in the first few days. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
• Altitude sickness: If you experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness, rest and consume coca leaf infusions, a traditional method to relieve these discomforts.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies are available in the city to purchase basic medications or treatments for altitude sickness.

Budget and Currency

• Currency: The local currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). It is recommended to carry cash for small purchases (markets, street stalls), although credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
• ATMs: ATMs are available in the city center for cash withdrawals.

Safety

• General safety: Huancayo is a relatively safe city, but it is recommended to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas like markets or train stations.
• Valuables: Avoid displaying valuables (cameras, jewelry, money) in public and keep your belongings within sight.
• Night travel: Prefer taxis recommended by your accommodation for nighttime travel.
• Local advice: Ask your host or trusted locals for advice on areas to avoid and precautions to take.

• Visit early in the morning: To enjoy sites like Torre Torre or Cerro de la Libertad without the crowds and under ideal lighting for photos, start your day early.
• Sunday market: Don't miss the Sunday Fair, a lively traditional market where you can buy local products, crafts, and textiles directly from artisans.
• Market bargaining: As in many Andean markets, bargaining is common, especially for crafts. Stay respectful and keep in mind that the work of artisans holds great value.
• Try local dishes in markets: Street stalls and markets offer typical dishes at affordable prices. Observe where locals eat to identify the best spots.
• Attend a weaving demonstration: Although Huancayo is less known than Chinchero for weaving, some local communities offer demonstrations of traditional craft techniques. It's a great opportunity to learn more about Huanca culture.
• Bring warm clothing: Due to the altitude (3,259 meters), temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evening. A jacket or sweater is essential, even during the day.
• Local transportation: To explore the surroundings, colectivos (shared minibuses) are an economical and practical option. Check schedules and departure points in advance to avoid long waits.
• Respect local traditions: If you take photos of locals, always ask for permission. Some people may refuse or ask for a small compensation, especially market vendors in traditional attire.
• Explore the surroundings: Take advantage of your stay to visit nearby sites like Laguna de Paca or Chupaca, known for its pottery crafts.
• Learn a few words in Quechua: Although Spanish is widely spoken, a few words in Quechua (like "Allin p’unchay" for "Hello") can be appreciated by locals and enrich your experience.

Huancayo, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, is a destination rich in culture, history, and spectacular landscapes. Between its lively markets, natural sites like Torre Torre and Laguna de Paca, and its living traditions, the city offers an authentic and diverse experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural discoveries, or simply relaxation, Huancayo will charm you. With good preparation and by following local advice, your stay in this Andean region will be unforgettable.