Watercolor landscapes: Celebrating the beauty of the Junin region

Located in the heart of the Andes, Junin celebrates its anniversary every year on September 13.

In the heart of Peru, where the Central and Western mountain ranges meet and valleys stretch far and wide, lies the department of Junin. This enchanting region spans both the Andean highlands to the west and the lush Amazon jungle to the east. Its capital and largest city, Huancayo, is nestled in the southwest, within the beautiful Mantaro Valley.

Each September, Junin celebrates not only the anniversary of its political establishment but also showcases its rich history and culture with vibrant parades, cultural performances, and bustling food fairs.

Cultural heritage

This region was home to some of the most resilient cultures in Peruvian history, including the Pumpus and Tarumas in the Mantaro Valley, and the Huancas in Jauja. According to the chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega, the Inka conquest of the Huancas was especially challenging, and Jauja went on to become one of the most important cities in the Inka Empire.

Symbol of Independence
On September 13, 1825, Simón Bolívar issued a decree to commemorate the historic Battle of Junin, one of the final clashes with the Spanish forces that paved the way for Peru's independence.

Source: Monument to the Victors of Junin / César Vega / PROMPERÚ

Modern tourism

The department of Junin offers a wide range of tourist attractions that blend the natural beauty of the Peruvian highlands with its rich history and traditions. From stunning waterfalls and picturesque valleys to towns steeped in religious tradition, Junin is sure to captivate you. The region also has a national reserve home to unique Andean wildlife and flora.

Here are some of the most iconic places to visit in Junin, guaranteed to leave you with postcard-worthy memories to share on your social media.

Huancayo: the indomitable city

Huancayo, the heart of Peru's happiest people, is nestled in the Mantaro Valley and boasts a rich, ancient cultural tradition. As the capital of the Junin region, it is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant traditional festivals, and exquisite handicrafts like mate burilado.

If this is your first visit to Huancayo, we highly recommend stopping by Plaza Constitucion. This historic square is where the Constitution of 1839 was sworn in and features a monument dedicated to Marshal Ramón Castilla. While you’re there, do not miss the Cathedral of Huancayo, a stunning example of baroque-neoclassical architecture.

Also, be sure to include emblematic spots like the Parque de la Identidad Huanca in your itinerary. This park honors significant artists of the popular Wanka art and features a prominent mate burilado as its main attraction. This vividly depicts daily scenes from the lives of the local people.

Source: Parque de la Identidad Huanca / Mas Media / PROMPERÚ

For the adventurous at heart, a visit to the Torre Torre Geological Formations is a must. These towering natural structures, reaching over 30 meters high, were shaped by the erosive forces of wind and rain. The surreal landscape offers fantastic photographic opportunities.

For a more relaxing experience, consider visiting Fish Farming Center El Ingenio. This center offers a chance to observe the life cycle of these fascinating fish. Additionally, the surrounding area features numerous restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of delicious trout dishes.

Looking for souvenirs to take with you? Visit the Sunday fair of Huancayo, here you can find handicrafts such as mate burilado or as woven in alpaca fiber, silver filigree and more. It is one of the most traditional attractions of the area and extends over more than 10 blocks.

Source: Elaboration of mate burilado / Renzo Giraldo / PROMPERÚ

This is Jauja!

Jauja, located just 45 kilometers from Huancayo, is one of the first cities founded by the Spaniards in 1534. Among its attractions is the Paca Lagoon, a popular natural destination surrounded by lush reed forests, ideal for boat rides. Local legend adds a touch of mystery, as it is said that a mermaid inhabits the lagoon, enhancing its enchanting beauty.

Source: Paca Lagoon / César Vega / PROMPERÚ

About an hour from Jauja by land, you will find the Shujto Canyon within the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve. This natural marvel features towering walls up to 70 meters high, shaped by water erosion over millions of years. The Piñascocha River winds alongside these impressive formations, creating a vibrant contrast with the surrounding vegetation. It is an ideal destination for trekking and nature enthusiasts.

Source: Shujto Canyon / César Vega / PROMPERÚ

Huaytapallana snow-capped mountain

For a more extreme adventure, head to the snow-capped peaks at 5,200 meters above sea level. These towering mountains feed the Shullcas River, the primary source of drinking water for Huancayo and its surrounding areas. In addition to taking in the breathtaking views, you can also enjoy a range of adventure sports.

Source: Huaytapallana snow-capped mountain / BIIP / PROMPERÚ

Tarma: the Pearl of the Andes

The researcher Antonio Raimondi dubbed Tarma "The Beautiful Pearl of the Andes" for its delightful climate, clear skies, and lush vegetation. Tarma is renowned for its picturesque rural landscapes, featuring vibrant flower and herb plantations. One notable spot is the Valley of Flowers, which provides a peaceful setting ideal for leisurely strolls.

Source: Valley of Flowers / Antonio Escalante / PROMPERÚ

Trekking enthusiasts will appreciate the Inka Trail from Huasqui to Tarmatambo, which offers stunning views of the city and the blooming fields of Mullucro. In pre-Inka times, the Taramas, ancient inhabitants of the region, developed an intricate network of agricultural terraces. These terraces are still in use today, helping to conserve moisture and prevent erosion, making them especially important in the face of climate change.

In Tarma, you will find the Señor de Muruhuay Sanctuary, a significant site for Catholic devotees. The local gastronomy is also noteworthy, featuring dishes like manjar blanco, puchero, patasca, and chupe verde, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Chanchamayo: Peru's coffee city

Chanchamayo, renowned for its coffee production, offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. For a picture-perfect experience, do not miss the Bayoz and El Tirol waterfalls. Their stunning beauty makes them perfect spots for cooling off and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

On the other hand, the native Ashaninka communities, such as those in Pampa Michi, provide a unique cultural experience with traditional dance and music performances. You can also explore the National Coffee Park, which celebrates the region's coffee culture. Here, you will gain insight into the history and production process of coffee, from cultivation to your cup.

Source: Villager harvesting organic coffee in the Perené district / BIIP / PROMPERÚ

Let's dance Huaconada

The Huaconada is a traditional dance held during the first three days of January in Mito, Concepción Province (Junin). During this ritual, masked men known as huacones embody the ancient council of elders and serve as the village authority throughout the festivities. The dance features two types of huacones: the elders, who command respect with their traditional masks, and the youths, who wear colorful costumes and adopt playful, mocking expressions. This dance, blending Andean and Spanish influences, has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.

Source: Huaconada Dance / Marco Garro / PROMPERÚ

Tunantero Heart

Who has not felt their heart race to the melody of a Tunantada? In Jauja, every January 20, masked tunanteros take to the streets to perform this vibrant dance throughout the city. As the most popular dance of the region, the Tunantada was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2011.

The Tunantada traces its origins back to colonial times, evolving as a satire of the colonizers and the various social classes of that era. The dance's characters symbolize different ethnic and social groups from the Viceroyalty of Peru. With their costumes and exaggerated gestures, the Tunantada blends humor, social critique, and tradition, serving as a powerful expression of cultural identity and indigenous resilience.

Source: Tunantada Dance / Shutterstock

Also declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2022, the Chonguinada is a lively ballroom dance of Spanish origin known for its humorous and parodic content. It is primarily performed in May, particularly during the Fiesta de las Cruces and pre-carnival festivities, including the Day of the Bachelors and Bachelorettes' Day.

Pachamanca and other flavors
The gastronomy of Junin is a rich blend of Andean ingredients and traditional culinary methods. One of the most iconic dishes is Pachamanca, a feast where meats such as chicken, pork, beef, and guinea pig are cooked underground with hot stones. This is served alongside potatoes, corn, and humitas, a type of corn pudding.

Another emblematic dish is cuy chactado, which features fried guinea pig that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The region is also renowned for its green soup, fried trout, lamb al palo, Cebiche de doncella, and wild pituca.

Source: Pachamanca ingredients / Ernesto Benavides / PROMPERÚ

With its diverse tourist attractions, from lagoons to historical sanctuaries, Junin stands out as a key destination in the Peruvian Andes. Its anniversary serves as an invitation to explore its stunning landscapes and experience the warmth of its people.