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HUANCAVELICA

Huancavelica Info

The Huancavelica department is the least developed and poorest department of Peru. Despite this, the department has a rich history and maintains evidence of this history through beautiful colonial architecture and archeological monuments. This department was inhabited by the Waris and the Chancas before being conquered and incorporated into the Incan Empire. Following this, with the Spanish conquest of Peru, Huancavelica became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. The Spanish established themselves in this area because of silver and mercury mines found in the region. They left magnificent colonial mansions and churches in the capital city, also known as Huancavelic. Huancavelica Tourist Information The department of Huancavelica features one of the roughest terrains in the country, formed by valleys, deep gorges, towering mountains, sinuous roads, and mesas. The city of Huancavelica is bordered by fertile fields and green pastures where cattle graze. These highlands were inhabited by the Waris and later by the warring Chancas. The area was finally incorporated into the Inca Empire and became a military center. Following that period, the Spanish discovered silver and mercury mines, a reason for establishing themselves there. Currently, the city preserves its mansions and magnificent Colonial churches. In the surrounding areas, there is the town of Santa Barbara with its old church and mines that have been used since Colonial times. You can also visit Izcuchaca, a center for pottery located seventy-eight kilometers from Huancavelica where there are hot springs and an archeological site.

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Map of Huancavelica

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Huancavelica Photo Gallery

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Huancavelica Accomodations

Huancavelica - Peru hotels directory Hotel directory with a comprehensive listing of the most important bed and breakfast, homestay, hostel, hotel, lodges, haciendas, estancias, and other establishments where you can stary during your visit. Hotels│Hostels

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Huancavelica Useful information

altitude Capital: Huancavelica (3,676 m.a.s.l.)   Lowest point: 1,900 m.a.s.l. (Ocoyo) Highest point: 5,303 m.a.s.l. (Mount Huamanrazu)     Weather The city of Huancavelica, the capital of the region, has a cold and rainy climate. The average annual maximum temperature is 16°C (61ºF) and the minimum is 2°C (36ºF). The rainy season starts in November and ends in April.      Access routes By land: Lima – Pisco – Huancavelica: 499 km / 310 miles (Approximately 11 hours by car) Lima – Huancayo – Huancavelica: 444 km / 275 miles (Approximately 9 hours by car) Ayacucho – Huancavelica via Rumichaca: 244,9 km / 152 miles (Approximately 5 hours by car) Ayacucho – Huancavelica via Lircay: 221 km / 137 miles(Approximately 6 hours by car) By train: Huancayo-Huancavelica: 128 km / 79 miles (Approximately 6 hours by regular train)     Distances from Huancavelica to the following cities: - Acobamba (Province of Acobamba) 106 km / 3 hours and 30 minutes - Licay (Province of Angaraes) 75 km / 2 hours and 30 minutes - Castrovirreyna (Province of Castrovirreyna)116 km / 4 hours - Churcampa (Province of Churcampa)259 km / 7 hours - Huaytara (Province of Huaytara192 km / 7 hours - Pampas (Province of Tayacaja)147 km / 6 hours via Huancayo.     Railroad Huancavelica Station. Avenida Augusto B. Leguía. Huancavelica Telephone: (067) 75-2898. Route: Huancavelica – Huancayo – Huancavelica     Overland Transport There are no bus stations, but most of the transport companies are concentrated around the Santa Ana Plaza. There are taxis that drive to Huancayo in Junin that depart 24 hours a day.     Health Centers Departmental Hospital. Avenida Andres Avelino Caceres. Yanamaco Neighborhood Telephone: (067) 75-2991. Hours of attention: 24 hours.     Local Police Station Huancavelica Police Station. Santa Ana Plaza. Santa Ana Neighborhood Telephone: (067) 75-3041. Hours of attention: 24 hours     Craft market Central Market. Jiron Victor Garma, block 4. Civic Center Gate. Avenida Manchego Muñoz, block 2     Postal Service Avenida Pasaje Ferrua. Huancavelica. Telephone: (067) 75-2750 Hours of attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M     Tourist Information Regional Government of Huancavelica www.regionhuancavelica.gob.pe IPerú, Tourist Information Email: tourism@peru.com or click here.

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Huancavelica Transportation

Huancavelica is serviced by a train which runs between it and Huancayo known as "el Tren Macho". According to popular saying, this train “leaves when it wants and arrives when it can...”. In 2009, the line between the break-of-gauge at Huancayo to Huancavelica is being converted from 914 mm (3 ft) gauge to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) gauge. For complete Information about schedules visit :www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe

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Huancavelica Cuisine

Typical dishes : The typical dishes that must be tried are: Ropa vieja: Beef stew with beans, potatoes, rice, and cabbage. Apanado de alpaca: Breaded alpaca meat, served with rice, potatoes, and salad. Pachamanca: Different types of meat, potatoes, corn cooked in a pre-Hispanic style underground among super hot stones and seasoned with aromatic herbs. Chuño passi. Chicharrón. Picante de cuy. Panes: pumpkin buns, cheese pastries, wheat and achita breads Typical desserts: Mazamorra de maiz. Ayarampo (llipta). Sea food - Cebiche

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Huancavelica Tourism Info Headquater Lima Guzman barron st. 3816 SMP-Condevilla -------------------- p.(51-1)4564144 f.(51-1)5650016 p.(51-1)5680834 Email: tourism@peru.com Southamerica - Tours – Peru -------------------------------

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