* Click Image to Enlarge
Located on the left bank of the Mantaro River lays a fertile valley, rich in land and culture. Huancayo is the capital of the department of Junin and the main commercial center of inland Peru. It is the home of the Huanco nation, known for their tenacious, warrior spirit. Tradition would say that this Mantaro Valley began as a lake with a rock island, or haunco that was inhabited by an amaru (snake). The rainbow god, Tulumanya, created another amaru, and the two amarus became embattled in many fights over the control of the territory. The god, Viracocha, was angered at this and decided to flood the land. After that the firt Huanca people appeard.
About 1000 years ago the Huanca people built the Warivilea temple in the midst of three large trees, along the banks of a sacred stream. The temple was discovered in 1935 and the trees still remained intact until 30 years ago when one of the trees was destroyed be grave robbers. There is a marvelous museum at the site where you can observe some of the artifacts, pottery and even some deformed skulls.
The Huanca, who were a warrior people, fought for many years to keep their territory from being invaded by the Spaniards, but by June 1, 1572, the city was taken over. On November 20,1820, Huancayo officially declared its independence from sovereign rule. Because of the Huanca warrior spirit the city earned the name “Insurmountable City”, making an obvious statement as to its strength and determination to be a free and uncontrolled city. In 1879 another war rose up against this strong city as Chile came upon its borders. From the battles of Pucara and Marcavalle came the victor, General Andres Avelino Caceres who earned the title “Wizard of the Andes”.
On August 24, 1908, the first train arrived in Huancayo. It connected the central highlands with the capital, Lima. It is one of the most spectacular train routes, with over 100 curves 67 tunnels and 54 bridges along the nine hour route through the Andes. It crosses the world’s highest railway bridge “The Stove” at a height of 4780 meters above sea level. The impact of the train, in this region, is still ongoing, but unfortunately the route is closed to passengers.
One of the more popular traditions of Huancayo is the endless amount of festivals that go on in this region. It is said that there is a festival every day in any given area of the Mantaro Valley. January 20 is the La Tunantada in Jauja and Yuayos, in honor of St. Sebastian and St. Fabian. February holds carnivals all month long, and in March and April they celebrate the Semana Santa festivals, with dancers decked in masks and colorful costumes to commemorate the wedding of a Spaniard to a beautiful native of the town, in an elegant parody of the French minuet. Festivals to honor the Sanctified Virgin of the Cocharas are celebrated on September 8. At the same time they also re-enact the capture and death of the Incan Kig Atahualpa in a ceremony known as El Apu Inca. The harvest celebration is displayed with El Huaylas, and depicts the cultivation of the potato. It has a somewhat intimate flare to it, as couples dance the “flirtation of the fox”, referencing the strength and virility of young men in search of wives. These people like to party! Come and join the fun and learn more of this incredible culture.
Going from the festive to the natural, one can see that this beautiful area is filled with abundance. Among the many different crops you will find fields laden with corn, artichokes, carrots and potatoes. The agreeable climate makes for good agriculture, having the rainy season from November to April, winter from May to July and the dry season from August to October. The crops are irrigated by the Mantaro River off the left bank, while the right bank is cultivated only with rain and smaller streams and tributaries.
Because Huancayo is a major link between Lima and the Southern Highlands and the jungle, it has become a focal point for business. In 1572 the Feria Domincal (Sunday Fair) was instituted as a venue for local markets to display their handicrafts, produce and livestock. It is still one of the main events today for local commerce. You can buy traditional items at the market, or visit the nearby towns where they are produced. Each town has its own specialty. Intricately crafted silver, textiles, ceramics and weavings can be found in these local areas. Check out the carved gourds that are created into carefully designed bowls, displaying different scenes that tell a story. You can find these outstanding works of art in Cochas Grande and Cochas Chico. Metal artistry is also popular because of the high demand for religious accessories used in festivals, and also for personal religious purposes. San Jeronimo de Tunan is the heart of the metal working trade, known for its many silver products. While you are there you could stop in at the 17th century church with its hand carved altars.
There are many other places to visit and explore while you are in the Mantaro Valley. A travel agent or tour guide can help you out in determining other places to put on your list of things to do. The possibilities are endless, and you don’t want to miss a beat in this amazing region of the Andes. Come and relive history with the incredible Huanco people. Bring your dancing shoes and a festive heart as you learn how to celebrate life in its purest form.
