Happy TravellerWelcome to Huancayo, the cultural and commercial center of the central Peruvian Andes area. Located in the Junín Region of Peru, Huancayo is a city with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Situated in the Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,271 meters, Huancayo is the fifth most populous city in Peru, with a population of around 380,000 people. In this travel guide, we will explore the geography, history, demographics, transport, education, and notable people of Huancayo.
Geography:
Huancayo is located in Huancayo Province, of which it is also the capital. It belongs to the Quechua region and is situated in the Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,271 meters. The agglomeration has a population between 340,000 and 380,000 and is the fifth most populous city of the country.
History:
Huancayo has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era. The area was originally inhabited by the Huancas, who were incorporated into the Wari Empire around 500 BC. The Huancas were eventually subdued by the Inca leader Pachacutec in 1460, and the region was incorporated into the Inca empire. After the Spanish colonization in 1534, Huancayo was overshadowed by Jauja, a provisional capital of Peru, until Lima took over that role. In 1570, the viceroy Francisco de Toledo established the site as the center of his encomienda Guancayo. The town was officially established on 1 June 1572 with the title of Santísima Trinidad de Huancayo. During the war for independence, Huancayo was liberated on 20 November 1820. Today, in addition to its importance as a center of commerce, Huancayo is known for the crafts and the many festivals of the surrounding towns.
Demographics:
According to the National Census of 2007, the three main districts of Huancayo have a total population of about 340,000. However, the continuous settlement area has already reached periurban districts, resulting in the agglomeration’s population to be at least 380,000 people. Amerindian and Mestizos (Amerindian and Spanish ancestry) are the two largest ethnic groups in the city. Asian (mainly descendants of Japanese and Chinese immigrants) and European descendants are important minority groups.
Transport:
Huancayo has transportation connections by road and rail. The Francisco Carle Airport at Jauja offers daily connections to Lima and is located 45 minutes via car from Huancayo. Current airlines include LATAM Peru, LC Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. To travel by road, the Carretera Central links Huancayo with La Oroya and Lima, which generally takes 7 to 8 hours. Multiple bus carriers operate between Lima and Huancayo daily. The Ferrocarril Central Andino enables transport by rail. Huancayo was a break-of-gauge from 914 mm (3 ft) gauge to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) gauge for the 147 km (91 mi) extension to Huancavelica. In 2009, this line was being standardized. There was a plan Metro Wanka to use the railway line as a local metro; however, this never came to fruition.
Education:
Huancayo has several local universities, including Universidad Nacional del Centro del Peru (UNCP), Universidad Peruana Los Andes (UPLA), Universidad Continental (UC), and Universidad Franklin Roosevelt (UFR). It also has branches of other Peruvian universities, such as Universidad Alas Peruanas (UAP), Universidad Los Angeles de Chimbote (ULADECH), Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión (UNDAC), and Universidad de Huanuco (UDH). Language institutes in Huancayo include Instituto Cultural Peruano Británico, Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano – Región Centro (ICPNA), and Alianza Francesa de Huancayo (French Alliance, AF).
Notable People:
Huancayo has produced several notable people, including Damaris Mallma Porras, a Peruvian folk singer, Josué Sánchez, a painter, Rodolfo Cerrón Palomino, a linguist, Víctor Alberto Gil Mallma, a musician, Juan Parra del Riego, a poet, and Enrique Bernardo, a tenor and pianist.
Huancayo is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s colonial past, experiencing its vibrant festivals, or simply enjoying its stunning natural beauty, Huancayo has something for everyone. So why not plan your next adventure to this enchanting destination today?
