Day 1: Around Huancayo & Torre Torre
We got into Huancayo at 5:45am Tuesday morning after an overnight bus ride from Lima. We were able to check into our hotel right away, and went right back to sleep. Later in the day, Heather and I explored the sites around Huancayo, including their main square, market and a short hike to the Torre Torre rock formations. The highlight was definitely our 10 year old “tour guides” at Torre Torre, who met us along the trail and offered to show us the way. In exchange for an orange and 1 sole, we were treated to the walk, some history of Torre Torre and photos.
Day 2: Artisan Tour with Incas del Peru
Wednesday was a full day of touring the Mantaro Valley outside of Huancayo. The small towns scattered throughout the valley are all known for making different handicrafts, which are shipped all over Peru to be sold to tourists. I can’t think of anyone better to go shopping for crafts with than my sister! We oohed and aahed! The stop in Cochas, where they carve gourds, was probably the best demonstration and the best quality goods. We also saw weaving and silver filigree shops.
We also stopped at the Parque de la Identidad Huanca, an amazing Gaudi-esque park in Huancayo. Every bit of the park is representative of the Huanca culture, up to the street lights and specific plants.
Our last stop was at a convent, which was old and pretty, but we couldn’t take pictures inside. The convent was founded to “Peruanize” and convert tribes in Peru’s jungles. It has a room dedicated to the missionaries who died “because the natives confused them with conquerers”. Heh.
Day 3: Historical/Archeological Tour of Mantaro Valley
Today was our last day in Huancayo. We took another tour of the Mantaro Valley, this time focusing on its archeological and historical sights. We saw two sets of ruins, one from the Huari culture and one from the Wari.
In more recent history, we stopped in at one of the oldest colonial churches in the Huancayo state. In a nearby plaza was a cross from the same time period, seen in the photo below.
People from the valley come to this cross every Friday to ask for blessings. They have to come 7 weeks in a row. Each time they light a candle, and then sit until the candle goes out. We just so happened to be there on Friday and got to see this. Note: The cross really does lean like that in real life.
We’re headed to Ayacucho tomorrow!
[...] Historical Tour around Mantaro Valley. [...]