Seven hours from Lima, Huancaya awaits you, one of the most beautiful natural refuges in the country. Located within the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, here you can enjoy a fascinating landscape full of waterfalls and emerald-colored lagoons.
Huancaya is one of the most beautiful and magical destinations in the department of Lima. In this amazing place you will have the opportunity to learn about its natural beauty, history and culture. For this reason, redBus has prepared 5 activities for you to enjoy this experience to the fullest and tells you how to get there.
Where is Huancaya located?
Huancaya Peru is located in the southern highlands of the Lima department, within the province of Yauyos, at about 3500 meters above sea level. It is part of the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, a protected area known for its stunning landscapes of turquoise lagoons, tiered waterfalls, and Andean valleys surrounded by mountains.
From the city of Lima, getting to Huancaya requires a road trip of about seven hours, passing through Andean villages and scenic routes that anticipate the natural beauty of the destination. Its location in the Andes makes Huancaya an ideal refuge for contemplating nature, doing ecotourism, and enjoying photography.
What to do in Huancaya?
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Tour the town center of Huancaya
Huancaya is one of the destinations with the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. This is due to its proximity to the Cañete River, where you can see countless waterfalls and lagoons that are characterized by the turquoise color of their waters. Likewise, another of its attractions is its populated center, a place full of stories and traditions. Among its greatest cultural and architectural attractions are the main church, the municipal palace, the Atao waterfalls and the site museum. In the latter, you will learn the history of the ancient inhabitants of Huancayawain. Inside you will see everything from ceramic pieces to preserved human remains, which allow you to reconstruct the pre-Hispanic past.
Likewise, touring the town center of Huancaya Lima is an activity in which you can learn about the history of this area through the testimonies of its inhabitants and its architecture. Similarly, the warmth of its people is another reason to visit this town, since together with them, you will enjoy a pleasant and unforgettable stay.
Finally, within the district you will find several places to stay and enjoy the most exquisite dishes of the region's gastronomy. Among the most popular are the cancha with cheese, parboiled potatoes, tripe, fried trout, and other delicacies.
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Take a boat ride through the Huallhua lagoon
Another activity that you cannot miss during your visit to Huancaya is to take a relaxing boat ride.
This majestic lagoon with turquoise waters is part of the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve. Therefore, during the tour you will be able to contemplate the beautiful landscapes that characterize this area. Similarly, you will meet some amazing waterfalls that are near the lagoon, which are a complete natural spectacle.
For its part, Laguna Huallhua has a large number of animal species such as trout, grebe, herons, yanavicos, huallata and wild ducks. In addition, its surroundings have exuberant vegetation that covers the path of the lake, giving the illusion that the water springs from the sky.
Also, in this immense lake you can practice other aquatic activities such as canoeing in artisanal canoes in the company of the inhabitants.
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Walk through the Nor Yauyos Cochas Reserve
If you are a nature lover, you should not miss out on a tour of the Nor Yauyos Cochas Reserve trails. One of the most recommended routes is the Cotosqui War trail, which will take you through the lower area of the Carhuayno waterfalls. In this part, you will have the privilege of witnessing the waterfalls and the colors of the lagoons that shine with the glare of the sun.
Likewise, the fresh air and the colorful landscape make this trip an incomparable experience, which you will want to repeat.
For this activity we recommend that you follow the instructions of the park ranger to avoid any inconvenience. Remember that the weather is somewhat cold and it is necessary to wear the appropriate clothing and shoes to fully enjoy this activity. Do not forget to take advantage of this tour to take several photographs and portray the best of these attractions.
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Visit the viewpoints of Vilca
One of the unmissable plans during your stay in Huancaya is to get to know some of the attractions of Vilca. One of the most famous is the San Cristóbal viewpoint, which is located more than 4,000 meters above sea level. To get to this attraction, you must climb some stairs and then a cobbled path until you reach its peak. The road is somewhat demanding and requires a good physical condition. But, we assure you that the view from this point is so beautiful that it is worth the sacrifice.
Another of the viewpoints that you should not miss is Canta Gallo. From this point you will have a privileged view of the 'Forest of love'. Here, you will see the Laguna Papacocha from where its waterfalls flow until you continue with the path of the Huarqo River. In addition, you will see the abundant vegetation that beautifies this forest.
Finally, if you wish, you can go down to the forest of love to walk its trails, which are ideal for oxygenating the body. -
Make camping in Huancaya
One of the most recurring plans for tourists who come to Huancaya is camping next to the Cañete River. It is a wonderful experience in which you can enjoy the sounds of nature, while recharging energy to continue the journey. Also, at night you can make a small fire to warm up or prepare a hot drink to recover heat.
The best thing about camping in this area is waking up in the middle of beautiful waterfalls and turquoise lagoons. A view with which you will want to wake up more than once, do you dare to try it?
#thedata
- In the Papacocha and Huallhua lagoons you can do sport fishing, since in these places there is a great variety of trout.
- In Huancaya you can buy some souvenirs and different clothes made with alpaca wool.
- Another of the activities that you can do in the district of Huancaya Lima is to visit its beautiful viewpoints. In them you will have a privileged view of the lagoons and waterfalls that are part of the landscape.
- Some places where you can spend the night are: Hospedaje Las Lagunas, Las Brisas de Mayo and Hospedaje Rojas.
- The camping area has an approximate cost of 5 soles.
How to get to Huancaya?
By car: There are two main routes from Lima:
- Via the Central Highway: the journey is about 290 km to Huancaya.
- Via the Southern Pan-American Highway: the distance is about 322 km.
Both routes cross paved sections that in some parts are narrow and have sharp curves, so it is recommended to drive with caution and, if possible, travel during the day to enjoy the scenery and for greater safety.
By bus: Various companies offer daily and weekly departures from Lima to Huancaya:
- Turismo Rochaz – Daily departures at 6:00 a.m. / Price: S/. 50.00 / Address: Jr. 28 de Julio 1115, La Victoria.
- Bus Reyes SAC – Daily departures at 6:00 a.m. / Price: S/. 50.00 / Address: Jr. 28 de Julio 1115, La Victoria / Phone: 989 122 602.
- Nova Express – Departures on Saturdays at 6:00 a.m. / Price: S/. 40.00 / Address: Av. Nicolás Ayllón 1352, San Luis / Phone: 684-2890.
Where to Stay?
- Don Pedro's Inn. 348-9013
- Lodging My Tradition. 6000-300.
- Houses Lodging Huancaya. 966462598
- Lodging The Enchantment of Huancaya. 954884416
- Houses that offer lodging and camping areas are also enabled.
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