Huaytara the archaeological capital of Huancavelica

Huaytara is a picturesque town known as the Archaeological capital of Huancavelica. According to its history, the word "wayta" means flower, and the suffix "raq" was added to name it Waytaraq, which means "it will flourish", because it is the hope of its inhabitants to see Huaytará flourish.

The main attraction in the city of Huaytará is the church, an important Inca temple that was transformed into a colonial church. This district holds a testament to the cultural fusion that characterizes Peru. Its quiet streets, its architecture, and its archaeological richness make it an ideal destination to discover a less traveled Peru, but full of authenticity.

Location of Huaytará

Huaytara is located in the province of the same name, within the department of Huancavelica, in the southern highlands of Peru. It is located at 3,200 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level), surrounded by mountains and valleys that offer a unique natural environment. It is located on the route that connects the regions of Huancavelica, Ica and Ayacucho. From the city of Ica, you reach Huaytará in a trip of approximately 4 to 5 hours by road, crossing the impressive geography that unites the coast with the Andes.

Tourist attractions of Huaytará

About the tourist attractions of Huaytara, in this, we can find archaeological attractions such as:

Huaytará Archaeological Complex – This is the main Inca construction in this province. His work is attributed to the Inca Pachacutec. Unfortunately, with the Colonial era comes the extirpation of idolatries, which means that a colonial temple sits on top of that important Inca architectural work: the church of San Juan Bautista.
Incahuasi Archaeological Complex – Complex whose name means “House of the Inca”. This, like the previous one, would have been a work ordered to be prepared by the Inca Pachacutec. There are some scholars who think that the buildings of Huaytará would have had the purpose of being a setting to worship different deities of the Empire.
Manuel Humberto Espinoza'' Archaeological Museum – Where you can see important objects from the Wari, Nazca and also Paracas cultures, including textiles, funerary bundles, ceramics, among others.
Wiracocha Pirqa Archaeological Complex – Which in Spanish means “Walls of the Great Lord”. Where the archaeological remains left by a pre-Inca culture can be seen. In this there is also a rock gap in which there are enormous figures, including birds and others with enigmatic characteristics.
Llaqta Llaqta – Where pre-Hispanic architectural remains are found, in whose surroundings you can also see the Quchu Pata Stone doorway.

In addition to the previous tourist attractions of Huaytará, the province is also important for the festivities it presents, among which we can mention:

Huaytará Interdistrict Carnival Meeting – This is celebrated throughout the month of February where there are troupe competitions between the districts of the province.
Patronal Festival of San Juan – Which takes place every June 24. In the midst of religious celebrations and different activities that encourage tourism in the town.
Patronal Festival of Felipe Santiago – Whose central date is July 25, a date that is known as the festival of animals and shepherds and where superstition and the cult of Wamani is also present.
Patron Saint Festival of Santiago de Chocorvos – Celebrated every August 15 in the district of Santiago de Chocorvos. Where religious fervor mixes with traditional activities.
Anniversary of political creation and tourist week of Huaytará – Celebrated during one of the weeks of the month of September, in which festivals are held, in addition to planning tourist tours to the main sites of interest in the province.

Economic activities of the province of Huaytará

The province of Huaytara is characterized by its primarily livestock economy. The production of milk and dairy products is of great importance, supplying not only the department of Ica, but also the markets of Lima.

The breeding of Andean camelids such as the llama, the vicuña, and the alpaca is another fundamental activity. The meat and wool of these animals have high demand both nationally and internationally, which positions Huaytará as one of the most representative provinces of Huancavelica in this area.

Regarding agriculture, its fertile fields produce potato, a tuber of worldwide prestige due to its diversity and quality. Broad beans, beans, alfalfa, and some fruit trees are also grown, which complement the local diet and regional trade.

Gastronomy

Huayta cuisine is varied and very traditional. Among its most representative dishes are:

Patasca (tripe broth): A nutritious soup prepared with beef tripe, corn, and mint.
Pachamanca: One of Peru's gastronomic jewels, made with various meats, potatoes, cheese, and corn, cooked underground between hot stones and seasoned with aromatic herbs, following the pre-Hispanic tradition.
Typical Desserts

Llipta: A mazamorra based on colored corn, which sweetens the Huaytarina table and reflects the culinary creativity of the region.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more

Salcantay Trek Peru to Machu Picchu 5 days
Palcoyo Mountain Tour
Cusco to Manu Tour
Humantay Lake Day Trip
Huchuy Qosqo Day Hike
Llactapata Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Apurimac River Rafting
Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu Tour
Qoyllur Riti Festival
Apurimac River Rafting
Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu Tour

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