JUNIN CITY
THE HEROIC JUNÍN
Altitude
3,271-m/10,695 ft. above sea level.
The Department of Junin is located in the central region of the Peruvian Andes. Due to its geographical position, it comprises Sierra and Jungle zones. The weather is cold and dry in the Sierra, with marked differences between day and night, and the rainy season being from November through April. It limits with Pasco, Ucayali, Cusco, Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Lima. It has an extension of 43,384 km² and a population of over 100,000 people. The capital is the city of Huancayo, at 3,271 m.a.s.l., located in the middle of the Mantaro Valley and at the left margin of the river with the same name. Other important cities are Jauja, Concepción, La Oroya, Tarma, Satipo and Chanchamayo.
A Brief History
The department of Junin is located in what in the past was a region inhabited by the Huancas, a fierce community that was conquered by the Inca Pachacutec in 1460. Huancayo then became the main regional tambo (inn) of the Caminos del Inca or Inca Trail. In 1534, the Spaniards occupied the region. On April 25 of that same year, under the command of Francisco Pizarro, the first capital of Peru, Jauja, was founded. On July 26, 1538, after defeating the Collas, Chancas and Incas, the conquerors founded the city of Tarma, which later on became the biggest contributor to the Spanish crown. In 1571, the town of Huancayo was founded. During Colonial times, the locals rebelled against the Spanish rule. Huancayo proclaimed the national independence on November 20, 1820. Afterwards, on August 6, 1824, in the Pampas of Junin the final battle to banish the oppressive Realists took place. On that day the Battle of Ayacucho, one of the most important battles in the Continent was won.
Main Attractions in Junin
La Merced Chapel
The chapel where the Constitutional Congress assembled in 1830, is considered a National Monument for being one of the only Colonial vestiges left. It houses a great collection of Cusqueño style paintings.
Torre Torre
Very near from the Cerrito de la Libertad, it is a geological formation of enormous towers of clayey soil molded by winds and rain.
Huancayo Sunday
Fair Week after week, this fair on Huancavelica St. offers local crafts, livestock, farming and industrial products.
Santa Rosa de Ocopa Convent
Located at 25 km from Huancayo, this convent was built 250 years ago as part of the mission to evangelize the Amazon people. The library holds over 25,000 volumes, some from the 15th century. There is also a Museum of Natural History and a church, reconstructed in 1905, housing wood carved altarpieces.
Ingenio
A trout-breeding center on a pleasant countryside. Delicious fish dishes are served outdoors.
