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Huancavelica
The department of Huancavelica features one of the roughest terrains in the country, formed by valleys, deep gorges, towering mountains, sinuous roads, and mesas. The city of Huancavelica is bordered by fertile fields and green pastures where cattle graze. These highlands were inhabited by the Waris and later by the warring Chancas. The area was finally incorporated into the Inca Empire and became a military center. Following that period, the Spanish discovered silver and mercury mines, a reason for establishing themselves there.
Currently, the city preserves its mansions and magnificent Colonial churches. In the surrounding areas, there is the town of Santa Barbara with its old church and mines that have been used since Colonial times. You can also visit Izcuchaca, a center for pottery located seventy-eight kilometers from Huancavelica where there are hot springs and an archaeological site.
ALTITUDE
Capital: Huancavelica (3,676 m.a.s.l.)
Lowest point: 1,900 m.a.s.l. (Ocoyo)
Highest point: 5,303 m.a.s.l. (Mount Huamanrazu)
CLIMATE
The city of Huancavelica, the capital of the region, has a cold and rainy climate. The average annual maximum temperature is 16°C (61ºF) and the minimum is 2°C (36ºF). The rainy season starts in November and ends in April.
ACCESS ROUTES
By land:
Lima – Pisco – Huancavelica: 499 km / 310 miles (Approximately 11 hours by car)
Lima – Huancayo – Huancavelica: 444 km / 275 miles (Approximately 9 hours by car)
Ayacucho – Huancavelica via Rumichaca: 244,9 km / 152 miles (Approximately 5 hours by car)
Ayacucho – Huancavelica via Lircay: 221 km / 137 miles(Approximately 6 hours by car)
By train:
Huancayo-Huancavelica: 128 km / 79 miles (Approximately 6 hours by regular train)
DISTANCES FROM THE CITY OF HUANCAVELICA
- Acobamba (Province of Acobamba) 106 km / 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Licay (Province of Angaraes) 75 km / 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Castrovirreyna (Province of Castrovirreyna)116 km / 4 hours
- Churcampa (Province of Churcampa)259 km / 7 hours
- Huaytara (Province of Huaytara192 km / 7 hours
- Pampas (Province of Tayacaja)147 km / 6 hours via Huancayo
Natural Tourist Attractions
San Cristobal Neighborhood Hot Springs Pool
Hot springs well known for their medicinal properties, perfect for helping skin conditions. There has been a recreational center built in the place that has a swimming pool for children and adults, private rooms, and a café. Avenida 28 de Abril. San Cristobal Neighborhood. Telephone: (067) 75-3222
Sacsamarca
It is located 3,780 m.a.s.l. Here you can appreciate homes built with stones from the area, the bridge, the church, and a Mixed-style small main square. The Andean countryside is surrounded by huge mountains, and the town is divided by the Disparate River. 3.5 km southwest of Huancavelica (45 minutes on foot 10 minutes by car)
Tucumachay Gorge and the Huancavelica National University Production and Research Center for South American Camelids
Impressive vistas made even more so by the presence of vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and other animals, whose populations are managed by the university. You can also be awed by the perpetual snows of Mount Andres (5,170 m.a.s.l.), at whose peak glide condors. 19 km from Huancavelica (45 minutes by bus)
Mount Chonta
A wonderful spot for all types of adventure sports. 64 km from Huancavelica (1 hour and 45 minutes by car)
Lake Pultocc
Plenty of wild animals call this home like trout, wild ducks, and flamingos. It is also a watering hole for the local cattle herds and the nearby areas are covered with snow. 68 km from Huancavelica (Approx. 3 hours by bus) and 4 km from the town of Choclococha
Lake Choclococha
It is perfect for trout fishing and an inexhaustible source of water for the crops in the valleys of the Ica Region. 72 km from Huancavelica (10 minutes from the town of Choclococha by the horse trail and 15 minutes from Santa Ines by bus)
District of Izcuchaca
Here, hot springs are found in the places of Paucari, Huaspu, and Aguas Calientes. In the highest parts, the oldest known traces of a pre-Andean human presence exist, predating the Incan and even pre-Incan epochs. 78 km north of Huancavelica (2 hours by packed dirt road) and from Huancayo (1 hour and 30 minutes by packed dirt road)
Virgin of Lourdes Stone Labyrinth
This place is wonderful for taking walks in the country, rock climbing, and trekking. There is the Quillimachay (Cave of the Moon) rock art and petroglyphs, which were carved by the inhabitants 6,000 before Christ. 4 km from Acobamba (30 minutes by bus, horse trail)
Huapa Hot Springs
This possesses a comfortable temperature and offers the visitor a normal sized swimming pool. Its curative waters are basically composed of sulfur and iron. 6 km from Lircay
Ocopa
A lively place of green countryside that is located on the banks of the Lircay River. You can visit the fish farm, the hanging bridge, the plantation house, its fields, and the milk production plant. 4 km east of Lircay (20 minutes by bus)
The Sleeping Virgin
It is located at the top of Mount Santiago (4,676 m.a.s.l.). In the center of the chest, there is a lake with a large amount of trout as well as the burial spot of the Cursed Cross that according to the story was created for the destruction of Castrovirreyna. 4 km from Castrovirreyna by horse trail (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Santa Ines
This town has the characteristics of a mining camp. It is located at the crossroads of the highway to Castrovirreyna and the route to Ayacucho. Close by, you find the Lake Orccococha, Lake San Francisco, and Lake Pacococha. 74 km from Huancavelica (Approximately 30 minutes by bus) and 2 km from Choclococha
City Tourist Attractions
Main Square, Huancavelica
It is a legacy of the Colonial court. On one side is the city hall, two-stories tall with eleven arches in its portal that long ago served as the site for the city council. Also there is the Chapel of the Sorrowful Virgin, and in the middle of the square is an octagonal stone fountain where the water comes out of the mouths of two carved Indian faces.
Cathedral of San Antonio
Built in the seventeenth century, the front is impacting for the contrast between its white prismatic towers and Baroque style facade that is carved from Indian red, volcanic rock. Inside the church, the dominating feature is the Baroque upper altar, yet the pulpit and the side altars, covered in gold leaf, catch the eye, as well as the paintings from the Cusco and Huamanga Schools. Main Square, Huancavelica. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 7:00 A.M. – 5:15 P.M. Sun. 5:30 A.M., 8:00 A.M., 9:30 A.M., and 5:15 A.M.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
The church, built in 1774, is preserved nearly intact despite all the earthquake activity of the past. Like the majority of Andean churches, it is a mixed style construction, and inside you can appreciate Baroque shrines and wood carvings, covered in gold leaf, like the impressive image of San Francisco.
The convent is linked to popular tales like the one about the “headless priest” which, according to the legend, is a Franciscan priest who hung himself in one of the cells and now haunts the place, walking out at night and ringing the church bells. Plaza Bolognesi
Church of Santo Domingo
Built in the sixteenth century, it is the center for prayer to the Virgin of the Rosario and Santo Domingo, whose images were brought over from Rome. According to tradition, the Church of Santo Domingo was connected to the Church of San Francisco via secret passageways. Of distinction is the painting completed in 1666. The principal facade during the month of January, the celebration of the Adoration of the Niño Dulce Nombre de Jesus takes place in which for two days He is worshipped through different dances, most importantly by the dance of the Negritos. Jiron Carabaya, Plaza Santo Domingo
Church of San Juan de Dios
Plaza San Juan de Dios
A seventeenth century church that on the inside paintings from the Huamanga School are preserved. This church is characterized by its charity towards the poor indigenous people who mainly worked in the Santa Barbara mine. Plaza San Juan de Dios
Church of San Sebastian
It was built in the eighteenth century. The flat ceiling of the right hand nave is completely covered in gold leaf. The highlight is the image of the Señor del Prendimiento, whose worship gathers together thousands of believers during Holy Week. Plaza Bolognesi
Colonial Bridge of the Ascension
It was built in the seventeenth century and is currently the boundary between the Huancavelica downtown, known as “el cercado”, and the District of La Ascension in order to facilitate the transportation of goods. The bridge has maintained its original structure with arches on both sides that frame the gentle curve of its center, even though it has been remodeled on various occasions. Jiron Tambo de Mora
Church of San Cristobal
The church was built around 1770 in the neighborhood of San Cristobal in the highest zone of the city. There are two towers crowned with cupolas on either side of its Baroque entrance. In the side niches you find mixed style murals representing the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Plaza San Cristobal
Church of Santa Ana
This was the first church built in the area, and it dates from the end of the sixteenth century. On the inside of the church, you can appreciate paintings from the students of El Greco and a canvas from the Cusco School. Plaza Ramon Castilla
Colonial Church of San Juan Bautista
Built between the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The construction mixes Baroque and Churrigueresque styles, and its front is impacting for its stone work. Inside, there are altars and very unique wood carvings. Located in the neighbourhood of Pueblo Viejo (15 minutes from the central plaza)
Lircay
It is the capital city of the Province of Angaraes. The climate is temperate, and it is known for its lovely countryside as well as its cultural and archaeological heritage. In the neighborhood of Pueblo Viejo, the traditional structure and Colonial style buildings are still preserved. 75 km southeast of Huancavelica (2 hours and 30 minutes by car)
Public Cemetery
Here are the mausoleums of the most important ranchers of the seventeenth century in good state of preservation. Main gate in the city of Lircay (very close to the Lircay Police Station)
Trout Production Center
It is the second largest production center for trout, eggs, and alevins in the country. Here, trout for exportation are raised. Located in the neighbourhood of Pueblo Nuevo close to the Perseverancia Recreational Center on the banks of the Sicra River.
Huayllay Grande
This is a typical Colonial period Andean town. Its streets are cobbled and a stone canal bringing water runs through its center. Its main square is surrounded by Colonial entrances and arches and at the western edge is a lovely church with one tower and in whose interior is the effigy of the Señor de Huayllay. 6 km from Lircay (25 minutes by bus)
Palace of the Inca
It was originally an Incan building that served as the foundation for the Church of San Juan Bautista de Huaytara during the Vice royal period. Its walls are constructed of pink, polished sillar stone. The distinctive features of Incan architecture are seen in them as well. To one side of the Colonial church’s atrium, you can see the Baths of the Inca. At the Baths are also two granite stones, very unique because of their pink color, and in the center there is another stone, larger and darker, with two gutters carved at the top. Located 5 minutes from the Main Square by a horse trail
Historical Tourist Attractions
Santa Barbara Mine or the Mine of Death
It is an ancient mine delved during the Vice royal Period and considered “the precious gem of the Spanish Crown” from which mercury was mined for purifying silver. Because the work was so difficult, it was named “the mine of death”. You can still find ruins of old, Colonial settlements and in the stone of the main entrance to the mine is the graven image of the Spanish royal crest.
6 km southeast of Huancavelica (1 hour and 15 minutes on foot)
Uchkus Inkañan Archaeological Complex
This was an important administrative, religious, and astronomical study center. On one of the platforms, there are small pools of water that could allow for the movements of the sun and the moon to be followed. Also, you can see an area set aside for farming with agricultural terraces that might have been used for experimenting with different crops.
Approximately 26 km from Huancavelica (Around 1 hour and 45 minutes by car)
Willka Puquio Baths of the Inca
This place has rock formations in feline and anthropomorphic shapes, statues of mythical characters, and the throne and bath of the Inca whose crystal clear waters were used for several centuries.
2 km from Acobamba (20 minutes from the Main Square of the neighborhood of Pueblo Viejo by a horse trail and 10 minutes by bus)
Allpas Archaeological Complex
It is located in the village of Allpas and composed of four parts: Atun Rumi Ceremonial Center, the hundred windows or niches, the circular homes, and the Ichu Wasi and Inkacucho circular platforms. 2 km from Acobamba 7.5 km from Acobamba (1 hour and 30 minutes on foot by a horse trail and 45 minutes by bus)
Incahuasi Archaeological Ruins
Located over 3,700 m.a.s.l., it features several rooms, plazas, palaces, warehouses, canals, and cisterns. Some of the most distinctive constructions were probably used as astronomical observatories like the intihuatanas, or solar calendars and clocks. Throughout the construction, the Incas used perfectly shaped stones. 20 km south of Huaytara (30 minutes by car) following the Los Libertadores Highway
Museums
Daniel Hernandez Regional Museum
The location possesses a varied collection of pieces from mollusk fossils and other marine species from the Tertiary and Quaternary to pre-Incan objects, Vice royal pieces, and artifacts form the War for Independence. Jiron Arica, block 2 (Location of the National Cultural Institute)
Plaza San Juan de Dios. Telephone: (067) 75-3420 Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Manuel Humberto Espinoza Archaeological Museum
More than 1,000 objects are exhibited here with pieces of pottery, gold and silver jewelry, fossils, mummy bundles, and textiles from the pre-Columbian cultures of the Nazca, Paracas, and Wari. Located behind the Huaytara City Hall. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.