When I first arrived in Huancayo in 2008, I took a tour with a stellar tourist agency in the area: Adrenalina Tours. This past month, I was able to meet the director of that very agency, Katty Mosquera. In the video below, she chats with me about why tourism in Huancayo is so important and what you’ll see on the traditional tour of the Mantaro Valley:
Peru’s main attraction is the pre-Columbian Inca site, Machu Picchu, but there is so much more to experience in this country. Huancayo, where I live in the Central Andes, is rarely mentioned in tourism advertising, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping by!
These are the top four reasons you should include Huancayo on your next trip to Peru and South America:
Huancayo is a mix of old and new.
- What I appreciate most about Huancayo is the mix of old and new. The very first mall in the area opened its doors in 2009 and the main marketplace is right beside it. The city has a population of over 300,000 residents yet is surrounded by farmland. Every Sunday, you can catch the flag-raising ceremony at the main plaza and then head down to the 10-block fair in the middle of the city to meet rural vendors who come in from all the surrounding towns.
- There’s always something to celebrate in Huancayo. In fact, it’s famous for holding more fiestas than days of the year! And the people are so friendly and welcoming that you’ll find yourself invited to all of them.
- Huancayo is certainly off the beaten path, so you’ll learn more about how Peruvians in the sierra truly live without the pretense that exists in touristy areas. No one will ask you to pay for taking a picture or for asking questions, and no one will give you a more expensive English menu; yes, these things happens in Cuzco.
- Katty says that around 90% of her clients are domestic. Since there are so few foreigners and Huancaínos who can speak English, you’ll be forced to whip out your Spanish. Don’t worry! You won’t feel embarrassed because the people are warm and helpful here.
If you’re thinking of taking that 8-hour bus ride from Lima to Huancayo, check out the Huancayo Travel Guide I put together for my good friend, Tony Dunnell, the Peru Travel Guide at About.com.
What are the hidden gems in your area of the world?
I’ve never been to Peru Samantha and up until I met you, it’s never been on my radar.
I have a few other places that I would definitely like to visit in my life so I’m thrilled that you have opened my eyes to what an amazing country Peru is and the culture. I’ve learned so much just from you.
The language would be hard for me but a lot of times I go for the scenery and the experience. Will have to definitely put down as one of those other countries I’d like to visit someday.
Thank you for opening my eyes and for the experiences I’ve already had through you.
Enjoy your day!
~Adrienne
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The same has happened to me, Adrienne! Our global community of bloggers has definitely opened my eyes to the world and has got me itching to see all these beautiful locations! =)
You would definitely love the scenery here! When I first arrived, I went on a few treks and it was amazing to just walk through the valley, mountains and farmland. =)
Samantha,
WOW! I didn’t know that Huancayo was so big! I always pictured a much smaller city or very large town. But the way you describe it, it does seem to have that feel of a very large town. Meaning, people still want to keep their roots alive but have some modern conveniences also. If they can get the right mix of that, they will be a happy city of balanced people.
~Allie
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I know eh! =) Huancayo feels small to me because I can walk to all the major areas. In fact, I often find myself walking 40 minutes to an hour to get somewhere because it feels near whereas I would never think to do so in Vancouver. =P
I totally agree with you on finding the right mix of modern and traditional. Unfortunately, Huancayo is developing really quickly. The first mall that opened in 2009 really changed everything. I hope they’ll be able to hold on to their roots! =)
So, I guess you mean to tell us that we won’t be among the throngs of tourists should we head down to Huancayo. I admit that my (one) trip to Peru did not include it, and I will wait to see what your new President has up his sleeve before I venture within the borders again…
But, it does sound lovely! (I will be counting on you to serve as my translator- my Spanish consists of three words- agua, si, and gracias.)
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA recently posted… Don’t dazzle me with choices- what do I do?
I had no idea that you’ve visited before, Roy! =) It’s probably a good idea to wait and see what Ollanta will be up to. There’s a general feel that he’s against foreign involvement, but I wonder what the translates to when it comes to how he treats foreigners within his country. =P
Those are some key words you have there, Roy! =) As your translator, I’ll make sure that you pick up a bit more vocab too. Hehe! =)
Thanks for promoting Huancayo,Samantha. I hope that many of your readers take your advice and visit Huancayo. It is a wonderful and fascinating place to visit. Having been there, I’ll agree with everything that you said. I’d add this, though. For anyone who wants to get there, I’d recommend the railway trip from Lima. As I remember it, it’s a nine hour journey that goes up the Andes mountains and provides many hours of breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Further, the trip passes trough dozens of tiny pueblos that will provide anyone with an excellent take on rural life in the Peruvian mountains. And as an added bonus, you’ll be taking a trip on the world’s highest railway line. It’s an absolutely incredible journey, but I’d caution any traveller to purchase 1st class tickets that will assure cushioned seats instead of those made solely of wood.
Ooh! I always forget about the amazing train ride up because I’ve never been on it before! =P Thanks for mentioning it, Vinny! I had some expat friends from Lima take the train and they said it was just as beautiful as they imagined it would be. =)
I apologize. Actually, the railway to Huancayo is the 2nd highest railway route in the world, the highest being one in Tibet. But don’t let that stop you, the trip by train from Lima to Huancayo us absolutely incredible
Maybe take an 8 hour tour in bus from Lima to Huancayo didn’t sound interesting -even as the city is, as Samantha points out-. But 9 hour railroad trip, with wonderful landscapes and the highest railway on America… it’s sound a great complement… Thanks for the idea.
Saludos.
Gonzalo.
Gonzalo J. Suárez recently posted… No era lo que buscaba
Hehe! Even if it’s the second highest, as you say, I imagine it still provides an incredible view of the Andes! And you’re so right, Gonzalo — it’s the icing on the cake!
Hello Samantha, How are you love? I trust all is well with you.
I truly hope I get to visit there someday my friend. It seems like it is such a fascinating place. Your description of Huancayo actually make it come alive every time I’ve read a post you’ve written about it.
If I am to ever visit though I’d better take some crash courses, because I don’t know a lick of Spanish. Si, would probably be the most that I can manage at this point. And I think the natives would look at me strange if I just go around saying yes to everything.
As a matter of fact, I’m glad that you translate in your videos. That’s very helpful of you.Thanks for that my friend.
I’d hate to have missed such an informative introduction of Katty. I know I’ll need you and her by my side whenever I get the opportunity to visit.
All the best to you Chica, and enjoy the rest of your week. =)
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I’m doing really well! Thanks for asking, Deeone! =)
Aww, I’ve always hoped that my writing could be descriptive! =) And hey, “Sí” is a good start when it comes to Spanish. At least you’ll sound agreeable in more ways than one. =)
Wow! Thanks so much for recognizing my effort in putting in the subtitles for the videos! =) It’s so important to me that they be accessible to English speakers too!
Lovely video and interview. I was surprised how much of the language was understood by this chica who speaks predominantly Mexican espanol.
Talk about mixing old and new–Katty did say rolls of film, did she not? Now, up until about 18 months ago I was a proud gold-card-carrying-member-of-the-Luddite-club, but even esta mujer ya usa cosas digitales…Ay!!
Thank you Samantha for the brief illusion of leaving Los Angeles for the rugged beauty of South America:).
Linda Esposito (@TalkTherapyBiz) recently posted… Are You A Suburban Alcoholic?
I had no idea that you’re a hispanohablante too, Linda! =) Haha! Katty definitely said “rolls of film.” =) I’m actually surprised she said that because most people I know, even the not-so-well-off families, have digital cameras these days. =P Either they have digital cameras or they hire photographers that mill around in the plaza.
So glad I could give you a glimpse of my adopted city! =)
Hi Sam,
I was happy to see you write this post! I hope you will share more about Huancayo as most travelers do love places that are off the beaten path. I travel a fair bit but have still to make my way to South America. It would definitely be an experience and Peru will be on the list
All the best,
Diana
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I know what you mean, Diana! Whenever I travel to a new country, I always try to find the towns off the beaten path. =) Can’t wait for you to make it over to South America! =)
If a board of tourism is not seeking you out to work for them, they are really stupid.
I always learn so much through you.
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Hehe! Aww thanks, Stu! =) I should really try and see if I can strike up a partnership. =)
Hi Samantha!
What a great post! It really made me want to go and visit Hancayo someday. How about the gastronomy? Here in Ecuador, Peruvian cuisine is very well considered. I think I have heard about “Papas a la huancaina” to be very good. Am I wrong?
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Great question and you totally knew the answer, Gustavo! Papas a la Huancaina is our trademark dish. =) In fact, all kinds of potatoes are really popular here in the Andes. There are tons of potato farms.
You know what I remember most about Ecuador? The empanadas!! =)
Thanks, Ganzalo, but I’d avoid that 8 hour bus trip like the plague.I’ve found those bus trips to be extremely dangerous and even terrifying. More than once I was certain that my bus was going to fall of the edge of a cliff assuring me a quick and messy death. The train trip to Huancayo would be much safer and undoubtedly more relaxing to the average tourist and for me, at least, the preferred way of getting there.
I’ve definitely had my fair share of bus scares too, Vinny! As you suggested, I’ll have to put together a post on that! =)
Hi Samantha,
Huancayo sounds cool. Like that not a ton of non-domestic tourists visit. I went to a place like that in France. It’s true that one gets a completely different flavor of a place. Fiestas sound fun, too. thx, g.
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Ooh! You’ll have to tell me about the place you went to in France! I should collect a list of must-see towns that are off the beaten path! =)
I have the itchiest feet right about now!
Janine recently posted… A Richer, More Colorful Life for the Color Blind
See you soon in Peru! =) Hehe!
I just had to watch the video again to see if I read the subtitles right. Rolls of film and batteries for a camera? It’s been ages since I heard that, Samantha! Hehehehe!!!
But what Katty said was true. Lots of tourists are caught up with the popular tourist spots without even realizing that they’re not even scratching the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much each country provides. Hopefully, when I get the chance to visit Peru, you can show me around beyond the tourist spots.
Adeline recently posted… An Un-Snobbish Wine Tasting Event at Enderun Colleges
Haha! I know what you mean, Adeline! Hey, we can still be pretty old school here at times. =P But the truth is, I haven’t seen many of those cameras around. I wonder what she’s talking about. =P
Ooh! I so hope to see you here in Peru soon! Speaking of which, I’m planning to head to the Philippines next summer. Where in the Philippines are you? =)
Really?! Coolness! Hope we could meet up when you head over here. That would be sooo cool! =) I stay here in Paranaque City in Manila.
About the cameras, I have to admit that I do miss the challenge of using film cameras. Up to about 10 years ago, there were still quite a few film cameras being sold here. In a way, It’s pretty nostalgic for me. I learned how to take pictures with a film camera. I remember back when I was in college, we were taught to do everything, from taking pictures to actually developing the pictures. It made me really appreciate photography as a form of art.
Adeline recently posted… Catch Nicholas Sparks Live in Manila
Sweet! I’ll probably be staying mostly in Davao where my dad’s side of the family is, but I’ll see if I can head up to Manila too! =)
Wow! You’re such a photographer, Adeline! =) You should definitely go back to film camera use and try for more artistic shots! =)
Or I can schedule a trip down to Davao. I haven’t been there yet, so you being there just gives me one more reason to visit the city.
Thanks so much for the sweet compliment! There are a lot of upcoming events that would give me the chance to practice that.
Adeline recently posted… Everything about Wine Glasses
Whoa! That would be soo cool, Adeline! =) Let’s be in touch about meeting in the Phils! =) Hugs!
Peru is on my husband’s and my bucket list. It will definitely be a spot we some day visit. After reading this great post, however, I want to be there NOW!!
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Haha! =) Aww I always hoped to be able to write powerful posts like that. =P Can’t wait to meet you in person, Sherry!
Thanks for bringing this up.
The owners of BWLC where I work came back from Peru last year, and like you said, spent most of their time at Mach Picchu. If they had known someone who has lived in Peru like yourself, I’m sure they could have seen even more amazing sites like Huancayo.
Just goes to show that our world is full of interesting places. Sometimes we let the big stars overshadow some truly brilliant locations.
Bryce
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What a coincidence! =) I hope they enjoyed their time at Machu Picchu. Believe it or not, I still haven’t been there. =P
I love how you say: “Sometimes we let the big stars overshadow some truly brilliant locations.” It’s why I love our global online community! =) We let each other in on the secrets. =)
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> you’ll be forced to whip out your Spanish
I think the stuff I would end up whipping out wouldn’t pass for Spanish, more like a mash up of odds and ends
J.D. Meier recently posted… The Creative Problem Solving Process
HAHA! =) Maybe they’ll still understand your mashed up Spanish? =) They understood me when I thought I was incoherent! =P
I would so love to visit! There are so many places I’d like to travel to, but I’m really big on wanting “real” experiences instead of “touristy” experiences . . . Huancayo sounds perfect for that
Dayle Fraschilla recently posted… Banned Books Week: Flowers for Algernon and Harry Potter
Me too, Dayle! It seems like a richer way of traveling. =) Hope to see you here soon, friend!
I’m sold! Huancayo is now on my “To-Do” list. I love the mix of the old and new and I love celebrations. That’s what I loved about Mexico so much–all their wonderful celebrations! Also loved the video and I’ll be back!
Sandra McLeod Humphrey recently posted… DARE TO DREAM BIG!: From Shoeshine Boy to Celebrated Sports Hero
Wow! I had no idea that you’ve traveled to Mexico before, Sandy! You’ll definitely love Huancayo. =) There are so many crazy traditions to learn about. =)
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Now I want to go to Huancayo! In all my time in Peru, I have only been outside of Lima once and it was to Arequipa. I’m hoping to travel more this next year since I am a little bit more settled and I think you just sold me on a trip to the sierra.
Meghan recently posted… Point for Peru: Empanadas
You should visit, Meghan!! It’s not too far away! =) You can take cheaper buses from Yerbateros. =) I hope you’ll visit while I’m still here! Roy and I are planning to move to Trujillo in the new year. =P
I want to go to Huancayo, I’ll move it to the top of my travel list. And a move to Trujillo? How exciting! Yet another place that I need to travel to. I’ll just use you to help plan my city tours as I move through Peru, you’re becoming quite the expert.
Meghan recently posted… Bringing your pet to Peru
Haha! =) Sounds good to me! =)
Peru is one of the places that I’ve heard so much while I was growing up and I’ve been doing a lot of research lately to plan my trip there for next year. Will include Huancayo in my itinerary.
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So great to meet you, Sheila! =) That’s so great to hear that you’ve heard a lot about Peru. I didn’t know anything about it (not even about Machu Picchu) until I actually arrived here. =P Hope you do get a chance to visit Huancayo!
Man, I’d love to travel down there. I think I’m going to have to add this one to my eventual travel plans.
I like that you included a video too. I’ve only done that once in my blog, but it seemed to get some good results. I’ll have to use them more often.
Take care and I’m glad I found your site.
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Wow! What an honor to have you stop by, Fred! Thank you so much! =)
Yeah, it seems like video makes a huge difference, especially when I talk about what it’s like to live in another country. =)
So glad that we’re in touch and can’t wait to see you here in Peru one day! =)
Hi Sam,
My two years of living in Spain helped me to understand the video better than I expected but I still wanted to say well done on the sub titles!
I have travelled a lot and I am not done yet, probably never will be. The more I hear about Huancayo, the more I want to visit so thanks for sharing the treasures as you experience them Sam.
~Marcus
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Wow! =) So cool! I had no idea that you were a hispanohablante as well. =)
Huancayo would be perfect for a seasoned traveller like yourself. =) Can’t wait to see you here one day, Marcus! =)
Thanks for introducing us to your current home town. (For how long and how do you feel about your portending move?) Now I have another good reason to go to Peru. Huancayo sounds ideal and in many ways, I’m sure it will remind me of similar towns/small cities in Mexico. However, each one has its individual charm, character and sights and Huancayo appeals because of its blend of old and new, and also, its geographical situation.
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Great question, Pennie! Roy and I are thinking of moving to Trujillo in the new year before classes start in March and I’ll reeeally miss Huancayo! I love living here and I would really love to stay, but I also feel my heart calling me to different parts of South America. =) I can’t wait to experience other towns’ “individual charm” too. =)