Waterfalls and valleys with landscapes in their purest form, towns with a deep religious vocation, and a national reserve with Andean animals are some of the many characteristics that surround Junín and make it a region full of surprises. Dare to go further and try adventure sports such as canoeing on the Chanchamayo River or trekking on the Huaytapallana snow-capped mountain. Don't miss out on all this and plan now your trip to Peru!
Tourist Attractions
The Junín region has tourist attractions in most of its provinces, among which the following stand out:
Huancayo City
Plaza Constitución It is located in the center of the city of Huancayo, named in honor of the Cádiz Constitution of 1812. The 1839 Constitution was sworn in here and houses a monument in honor of Marshal Ramón Castilla, who decreed the abolition of slavery for Afro-Peruvians in 1854.
Huancayo Cathedral. Located in Constitution Square, this neoclassical-style temple was elevated to the rank of Cathedral in 1955. It was consecrated to the Holy Trinity, to whom the city of Huancayo was dedicated.
Libertad Hill. A picturesque hill from which one can observe the panorama of the city of Huancayo and part of the Mantaro Valley. It has a recreational park, a swimming pool, a small zoo, and a grotto in honor of the Virgin of Lourdes. Its name comes from the confrontation between the Cáceres and Piérola militias during the Civil War in 1894, which was won by the "Libertad" battalion of the Pierolistas. It is located northeast of the city of Huancayo.
Huanca Identity Park. Built in memory of the most prominent exponents of music, art, and culture who identified with Huanca folk art. Its interior features plantations of native species and a varied display of crafts, with more than 10 statues of artistic figures.
Mantaro Valley
Torre Torre. An attractive geological representation, formed by a group of towers with a height ranging between 10 and 30 meters, whose origin is related to the action of wind and rain. It is located 2.5 kilometers from the city of Huancayo.
Warivilca Sanctuary. An archaeological site built between 800 and 1200 AD by the Wari culture. This ancient sanctuary was discovered by Dr. Federico Gálvez Durán in 1935. It is located 6 km south of the city of Huancayo.
Huaytapallana Snow-capped Mountain: This snow-capped mountain is located at 5,200 meters above sea level. The snows of Huaytapallana feed the Shullcas River, the main source of drinking water for the city of Huancayo and surrounding areas. Adventure sports are available here.
Ñahuimpuquio Lagoon: Located in the province of Chupaca, its name means "eye of water" in Quechua. It is a gigantic spring where locals rent horses and boats for rides. It is characterized by its cold, crystal-clear blue-green waters, surrounded by small totora reed forests and beautiful scenery suitable for camping. It is located 15 kilometers from the city of Huancayo.
Piedra Parada Located in the province of Concepción, this natural viewpoint is home to the statue of the Virgin Immaculate Conception, from which a large part of the Mantaro Valley can be seen.
Tunanmarca Archaeological Complex Located in the province of Jauja, this pre-Hispanic archaeological site is considered the capital of the Huanca culture; it was populated between 1200 and 1400 AD. It features circular stone buildings and a complex hydraulic system.
Laguna de Paca Located in the province of Jauja, it is nestled among beautiful landscapes and bordered by totora reed forests. Various services are available, such as the sale of typical regional dishes and boat rentals.
Selva Central
Jardín Botánico El Perezoso Located 15 kilometers from the city of La Merced, Chanchamayo province, on the road to San Luis de Shuaro, it was created to preserve and exhibit the widest variety of plant species in the area and the country. Currently, there are more than 10,000 varieties. Among the most representative are the parrot's beak, the emperor's staff, Adam's rib, Eve's rib, lotus flower, royal palm, aguajes, and coconut palm.
Bayoz Waterfall and Bridal Veil Waterfall. Located 31 kilometers from the city of Perené, Chanchamayo province, these two waterfalls are located near the road and are easily accessible via pedestrian paths. A small natural pool forms where the Bayoz Waterfall falls.
Kimiri Bridge is located 3 kilometers from the city of La Merced, in the province of Chanchamayo. This suspension bridge, the oldest in the province, is a place where canoeing is practiced.
Fundo Verde. Located 15 minutes from the city of Satipo, this site showcases the production of citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, tangelos, and other fruits.
Suitable for agrotourism and experiential tourism, the Bosque Verde is located within the bridge. This is a suitable place for exploring and observing wild birds, wild animals, insects, and butterflies, making it ideal for developing educational tourism activities in entomology.
Province of Tarma
Sanctuary of the Lord of Muruhuay is located 11 kilometers from the city of Tarma, in the district of Acobamba. This church was built in 1972 on the hill where the image of the crucified Christ is said to have appeared. The main altar is decorated with large tapestries
made by artisans from the city of San Pedro de Cajas, Tarma province.
The Guagapo Grotto is located 33 kilometers from the city of Tarma, in the district of San Pedro de Cajas. The term "guagapo" means "weeping grotto," because a stream of crystal-clear water flows continuously from its interior throughout the year. Inside the grotto, stalactites and stalagmites can be seen, and an underground stream flows through it, cascading down into a wetland covered with local flora.
Junín Province
Junín National Reserve. Located on the Bombón Plateau, Junín province, it covers 53,000 hectares and is located at 4,100 meters above sea level. This is where Lake Junín, or Chinchaycocha, is located, the second largest in the country. It is home to numerous birds, including the wild duck, the huachua, the heron, the moorhen, the gull, the huaco, the flamingo, the yanavico, and the grebe. Various species of frogs and wild mammals have also been recorded.
Chacamarca Historical Sanctuary. Located on the Bombón Plateau, near Lake Junín, is the site of the Battle of Junín, fought on August 6, 1824, between the pro-independence and royalist troops. The latter were defeated, marking a momentous event in the emancipation of Peru.
