The long weekend for National Holidays offers an opportunity to travel, disconnect from the stress of the city, and recharge in paradisiacal destinations, full of nature and cultural richness near Lima. One such destination is Huancaya, a trending spot that has been rightfully recognized as one of the
Heart of Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve
Located in Yauyos province, Lima region, at 3,800 meters above sea level, the town of Huancaya is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
As the heart of the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve, Huancaya features breathtaking turquoise lagoons, deep canyons, waterfalls, and ancient Inca constructions.
World's Best Tourism Village
This international recognition is a testament to the efforts dedicated to promoting tourism-oriented towns in Peru.
The selection of Huancaya, Leymebamba, Maras, Quinua, and Sibayo as some of the globe's best tourism villages is a source of pride for all Peruvians and reaffirms our commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
Charming Town
The resolution was based on a report by the General Directorate of Tourism Strategy of Mincetur, which informed the Huancaya District Municipality that, according to the corresponding evaluation and verification, the town effectively meets the six minimum conditions established in the guidelines for granting this recognition by the Peruvian State.
What types of tourism can be practiced in Huancaya?
Visitors can explore endemic species, native plants, and unique floating cages used for aquaculture. The town's captivating landscapes and historical significance make it a perfect destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
This picturesque town offers visitors a variety of ecotourism activities, birdwatching, community-based and experiential tourism, as well as adventure tourism, including boat rides, kayaking, paddle boarding, sport fishing, and zip-lining. These activities provide immersive experiences that connect visitors with the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the region.
Its most notable attractions include its colonial bridge, the Huallhua Lagoon, and the Cabracancha viewpoint, all of which showcase the region's remarkable beauty and biodiversity.
Community-based tourism and sustainable development
As part of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism's (Mincetur) Community-based Tourism Strategy, Huancaya actively promotes the sustainable development of the area.
Local entrepreneurs have received training to improve the quality of their tourism services, enabling them to offer authentic experiences based on the region's rich cultural and natural heritage.
How to get to Huancaya
From Lima, the only way to reach Huancaya is by land on well-maintained roads. If you do not have a private vehicle, you will need to take an interprovincial public bus to the city of Cañete.
Once there, you take a shared taxi to the district of Imperial and then transfer to another vehicle bound for the city of Yauyos. Finally, you board transport to Huancaya.
The entire trip takes between seven and eight hours.
(END) LZD/MAO/JMP/MVB