Whatsapp
 Discover the best of Huanta, the emerald of the Andes
Salkantay Trek Machu
Sustainable Tourism Operator
+51 912 891560

Discover the best of Huanta, the emerald of the Andes

Home / Travel Blog / Discover the best of Huanta, the emerald of the Andes
Discover the best of Huanta, the emerald of the Andes

If you still do not know the attractions of Ayacucho, then this article is especially for you. This department has 11 provinces where you can appreciate the beauty of the Peruvian Andes, as well as part of the country's history and culture. On this occasion, we show you the main tourist places in Huanta so that you are encouraged to visit this beautiful province of the department of Ayacucho. Take note and start planning your next adventure!

 

Huanta Tourism

This area is perfect for the most daring and those who like the adventure that mountaineering and trekking can provide. A walk that takes you to discover the beautiful Andean landscapes characteristic of the high Peruvian mountains. A beautiful valley that represents an unforgettable experience and that will allow you to know the following places:

 

Discover the main tourist places of Huanta, the emerald of the Andes

Plaza de Armas and Mother Church

You can start your visit to Huanta by visiting its Plaza de Armas and its main church. Go ahead and have breakfast in one of the places near the square to try their delicious pork rinds, then you can rest for a few minutes in the main square and contemplate the daily chores of its inhabitants. There you can see the San Pedro de Huanta Church dating from 1724, which has two Gothic-style towers, as well as two clocks and two French bells.

 

Laupay Stone Forest

This incredible stone forest is located 3 hours from the center of the city of Huanta. It is a magical space where you will perceive a dream landscape; polyform figures made of stone stand out, as well as virgin nature. Here you can have a mystical experience observing the various stones that resemble humans, animals, plants and curious objects. Among the most striking activities to do in this destination are trekking and camping. A point to note is that during the night you can see the stars very clearly.

 

Razuhuillca Lagoons

The Razuhuilla lagoons are very close to the snowy Razuhuillca. A beautiful snow peak whose peak is located at 4800 meters high. A place that stands out for being the origin of a set of beautiful lagoons. Some of them are Chacaqucha, San Antonio, Yanaqucha, Lampaqucha, among others; The same ones that stand out for being at more than 4000 meters above sea level.

Definitely, another tourist place that you should visit is the Razuhuillca Lagoons. They are located an hour on average from the city of Huanta. Here you will be able to see the snow-capped Razuhuillca and the beautiful Chacaqocha, Escoqocha, Yanaqocha and San Antonio lagoons. The altitude during the trekking through these places can reach 4100 meters above sea level. So include a lot of clothing in your backpack since the itinerary is usually long and the weather is very cold. Despite this, it is a truly gratifying experience due to the contact with the flora and fauna of the area.

 

Remember that to go sightseeing in this high-altitude mountainous area, you must follow certain recommendations and bring the appropriate equipment. Being a risky sport, it is also important to seek the help of a guide or expert so that you can enjoy these natural beauties without putting your safety at risk.

 

Occochaca Waterfall

This waterfall is one of the most famous attractions in Huanta. It is located approximately 20 minutes by car from the city center. The entrance fee to the waterfall is S/1 sol. Here you can feel fully connected with nature and relax while you soak your feet in the icy water of this beautiful waterfall. You can also take advantage of the visit to visit the Chanka Culture Museum, where you will learn in a didactic way about the history and contribution of this civilization.

 

Viewpoint of the White Christ

This place is an iconic site in Huanta since the White Christ is located here, a giant sculpture that can be seen from any part of the city. From this viewpoint you will be able to see the city of Huanta from the heights and enjoy the beauty of the town, the geography of the mountain and the different shades of the vegetation.

To get here you can take a bus that takes approximately 20 minutes or go up on foot. Undoubtedly, at this point you will be able to take wonderful panoramic photographs and admire nature in its splendor.

 

Pikimachay cave

This place is located in the district of Pacaycasa. A cave that seems to have been inhabited between 20,000 and 13,000 BC. Its approximate length is 60 meters. Something interesting about this site is that tools and lithic material from the years 20,000 BC were discovered inside; probably made by human hand. Likewise, skeletal remains of animals have been discovered. According to experts, these materials come to be considered the oldest in Peru.

 

Other Attractions

  • Laupay stone forest: A place where you can see various rocks and stones that come to form zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures and certain objects.
  • Incaraccay or Azángaro: These are archaeological remains located in the district of Huanta. According to experts, this construction could be a tambo of Inca origin.
  • Tiyaq: Inca archaeological remains of a reservoir located in the district of Iguain.
  • Huanta Viewpoint: Offers a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings.

What to see and do in Huanta?

Many activities can be done in Huanta or in the surroundings. It is a quiet town with a temperate climate, which can be visited to interact with the inhabitants and get to know its streets. The Plaza de Armas is a beautiful green space, planted with tall, slender palm trees and a well-cared fountain, and it is a good point to start exploring.

  • Visit the Matriz de Huanta temple. Dedicated to Saint Peter, the temple was built over two centuries. It has two simple stone towers and a central gate under an arch. The dome over the altar was completed in 1815.
  • Tour the Central Market. One of the greatest attractions of Peru is its gastronomy and Ayacucho is no exception. In the market you will find an entire aisle dedicated to pork rinds, fried and served with corn.
  • Climb the White Christ. On a hill to the east of the city, stands the White Christ, the highest of its kind in Peru. It is surrounded by a colonnade and there are benches to sit on. From there you get magnificent views of the city and the valley.
  • Approach the temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On the sixth block of Jirón Ayacucho, stands the temple dedicated to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a simple pink stone building, with a central tower where a system of bells brought from France in 1927 is housed.

Festivities

If you manage to make your tourism trip in Huanta at the end of November, especially on the 22nd, you will be able to live with the culture of this town. This is because during these dates the city's anniversary festivities are celebrated.

 

Another very interesting date to visit this city, especially for parishioners, is May 3. This is because the Fiesta de las Cruces is celebrated, especially in the Lauricocha district. During this event you should look for the crosses that are distributed throughout the district.

 

How to get to Huanta?

The route that takes us to Huanta starts from the city of Ayacucho. This is a trip that will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, since it is located 47 km from the capital of Ayacucho.

 

To go from cities like Lima to Huanta, you can travel by bus with companies like Antezana, arriving at the Terminal Terrestre de Huanta. The ticket price starts at S/50 soles. The average travel time is 11 hours. Traveling by bus to Huanta is a very convenient option that many Peruvians choose, you can take advantage of the journey to rest, watch movies, read a book or listen to your favorite music.

 

#TheDate

  • The climate in Huanta is temperate, the average annual temperature ranges between 9ºC and 22ºC. So include comfortable and warm clothes in your suitcase, as well as lighter clothes for the day since the sun usually rises. Also add trekking shoes, waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • The city of Huanta is located at 2627 meters above sea level.
  • If you can take advantage of your trip to Huanta to visit the city of Ayacucho and its surroundings (Huamanga province), we recommend visiting attractions such as its Plaza de Armas, its churches, the Pampa de la Quinua, Titancayoc, among others.
  • On your walk you must try the delicious typical dishes of Ayacucho such as the spicy Puca, the Uman broth, the Patachi, the Pachamanca, the Chicharrón, and many more. Also, visit the Huanta market so you can try and get to know the best supplies in the area.

Recommendations:

  • Wear a hat and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun. It is also recommended to use sunscreen.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The best way to discover the towns of Peru is walking. You will be able to tour the town and go up to the White Christ.
  • Try the chicharrón in the Central Market of Huanta. The pork rinds at the Huanta Central Market are considered to be one of the best in Peru. For eight soles they will serve you a good portion.
  • If you go to the Puzapaqcha waterfall or canoeing, use insect repellent.
  • Please do not leave garbage in any of the natural sites. To dispose of waste, use the appropriate containers.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

Request information



Date of travel:

Number of people:
How did you hear about us:



Most Popular Trips
Home

Peru Destinations

Activities & Travel Styles

Responsible Travel

Before You Go

Travel Blog

Contact us

Why Salkantay Trek Machu?

BOOK NOW

Write a review

Write a review in Tripadvisor


Salkantay Trek Machu Facebook
Salkantay Trek Machu Twitter