ÍNDICE
Let’s get to know the Huánuco region in the beautiful Republic of Peru. The Huánuco region is located in the north center of our country, Peru. It is made up of mountain range territory of the Andes mountain range, and jungle that is part of the Amazon rainforest. A piece of Peru full of archaeological ruins and beautiful natural landscapes hidden among its mountains.
Its limits are to the north with the region of San Martín, La Libertad and Loreto. This region borders in the south with the cities of Pasco and Lima; in the eastern area with the cities of Ucayali and Pasco and in the western part with Ancash.
The territory of the Huánuco region is 37 thousand square kilometers and has a population of approximately 865,000 inhabitants.
Venturing into the captivating realm of Huánuco, Peru, opens the door to a realm of diverse wonders that will undoubtedly leave a profound mark on your travel journey. This region, nestled between the majestic Andes Mountains and the lush Amazon rainforest, offers an unrivaled blend of natural beauty and cultural resonance.
From the mystical ruins of Kotosh that whisper tales of ancient civilizations to the vibrant festivals that pulsate with rhythmic energy, Huánuco is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be embraced. The ethereal landscapes, ranging from cloud-kissed peaks to verdant valleys, beckon adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
With its welcoming communities, each preserving their unique traditions and cuisines, a voyage to Huánuco promises an immersive encounter with the authentic soul of Peru, where history, nature, and local warmth converge harmoniously.
This area is made up of many rural areas, there are places where you will find only two or three houses for spaces of one hectare. The population of Huánuco has access to education and healthcare centers, although if you are not in the city everything is very far away, or at least half an hour away by car.
Provinces of the Huánuco area
The Huánuco area has 11 provinces and 84 districts. The names of these eleven provinces are the following.
- Huánuco.
- Puerto Inca.
- Leoncio Prado.
- Marañón.
- Huamalíes.
- Pachitea.
- Lauricocha.
- Huacaybamba.
- Ambo.
- Dos de Mayo.
- Yarowilca.
The capital of the region
The capital of the Huánuco area is also called Huánuco. The capital has its own airport, which facilitates communications with the rest of the world and the rest of Peru. From Lima, the trip by land lasts between 7 and 8 hours, while the trip by plane lasts 45 minutes. Huánuco is one of the safest cities in Peru, although of course it is not the only one.
Example of Google maps to check the duration of a trip from Lima to the Capital of Huánuco. Due to the road conditions, it takes about 7-8 hours, as I have already mentioned, compared to less than 1 hour by plane.
Two facts about the Huánuco area that perhaps you didn’t know.
➡️ In the Huánuco region, three economic activities are mainly carried out: agriculture, livestock and mining.
➤ More than 40 percent of the papaya produced in the country comes from this department, other products are potatoes, bananas, olluco and corn.
Tourist places in the area of Huánuco
The tourist places to visit in the Huánuco region are varied and impressive. Below I show you a list, with an explanation and images of, in my opinion, are the best places to visit within the region itself or geographically bordering it.
Organize your visit according to the place you want to visit, the departments in Peru are quite extensive and sometimes time is not enough to explore them all.
La Bella Durmiente (Sleeping Beauty)
It is a city at the foot of a beautiful mountain that resembles a young woman lying on her back looking at the sky. This place is marked by the legend of Sleeping Beauty and to this day is part of the cultural history of the place.
It is part of the Tingo María National Park, where you can visit the Jacintillo Viewpoint, the Subterranean River, and the Aguas Sulfurosas natural pool, the waterfall circuit, the Santa Carmen waterfall and the Laguna de los Milagros.
La Fábrica de Chocolate (The chocolate Factory)
In the Tingo María area there are several chocolate ones, the tours usually offer guided tours and in passing visit the Las Golondrinas Waterfall, you will be enchanted.
La cueva de las lechuzas – (The owl cave)
It is a natural cavern inhabited by guácharos and bats, it is located in the skirt of Sleeping Beauty. You will be able to observe beautiful and curious rock formations that will be the charm of every explorer.
El boquerón del Padre Abad (The anchovy of Padre Abad)
This is part of the mountain, the fracture of the rock formation and the erosion caused by the river have created beautiful waterfalls that enchant all visitors, nature preserved for the enjoyment of its visitors. Actually Padre Abad belongs to the area of Uyacali, but it can be easily visited from the area of Huánuco, since it is on the border with it.
La cueva de las pavas (The turkey cave)
Another natural beauty that the Region of Huánuco hides, with beautiful waterfalls and natural lagoons, has become a well-visited spa by tourists.
Huánuco Pampa Archaeological Complex
Archaeological remains of the ancient Inca culture where you can appreciate several buildings. On July 27, the Inti Raymi celebration, also known as the “Fiesta del Sol“, is staged here.
Kótosh
Visit the thousand-year-old remains of the Kotosh Temple, it is one of the first to be made from stone and mud, in it were found remains of handicrafts and other objects that showed that this was a place where trade was practiced and unions were performed in the temple religious.
The Climate in the Huánuco region
The Huánuco area is blessed in terms of water, since it is crossed by the Marañón and Huallaga rivers, and has land at various levels above sea level, which makes its climate varied; So, in its mountains the climate is temperate, it is not very cold, and in its valleys it is warm. Its climate contributes a lot to the success of the crops.
Flora and Fauna of the region
In Huánuco there is great biodiversity since its climate and hydrography contribute to the vegetation and the conservation of natural habitats that are home to many species.
In Tingo María, a city of Huánuco, the Tingo María National Park has been located since 1965, which is an ecological reserve that protects a large jungle vegetation and a natural network of underground caves that are one of the main tourist attractions in the region.
As we have said before, the variety of plants and animals that we will find here is immense, renowned timber trees such as the Altura Cedar and floral and medicinal plants such as orchids, Cat’s Claw and Dragon’s Blood.
Among the most sighted animals we have ocelots, guácharos, jaguars, reptiles, sachavacas, cock of the rocks, among others; but the one you will hear about the most will be the Andean Condor, the largest scavenger bird in the world and which is in danger of extinction.
Typical food from Huánuco and surroundings
From the Huánuco area comes one of the most renowned dishes in Peru as a dish that everyone should try at least once, it is “pachamanca”. Although as in other districts of the jungle of Peru, the representative dishes are the same, however, here in Huánuco, they give their own peculiar dressing to the meats that makes their taste unique and exquisite. Let’s see what they consist of.
Pachamanca
This dish is prepared in an oven made in the earth, as you hear, this is very important when it comes to obtaining that smoky flavor of the meat. “If the Pachamanca that you have eaten has not been baked in an oven on earth, you have not tasted the real Pachamanca”.
Based on tender lamb and suckling pig, tubers and legumes, it is a very typical meal of the region and it is delicious.
Picante de cuy (Guinea Pig)
Prepared the guinea pig with a special dressing based on panca chili, it is served with rice and parboiled potatoes.
Locro de gallina
It is a soup whose main base is chicken meat, potatoes and other different tubers easily available to farmers in the area. Very rich and as they say here “raises the dead.”
Humitas de maíz
As in many South American countries, they have dumplings made from native corn, which can be sweet or savory, accompanied or alone, they are very delicious. They are prepared wrapped in the same corn leaves.
Chicha de Jora
This is a drink prepared from the Inca culture to the present day. It is made from malted and sprouted corn on jorapanka leaves, then dried, ground and cooked. This drink reaches different levels of alcohol depending on the thickness of the corn grinding. It is a fermented drink.
Festivities of Huánuco and the rest of the Region
In the month of February the Carnivals of Huánuco are celebrated. Arriving in March and April, it is typical of this and other areas of Peru to celebrate Holy Week.
On May 1, the Feast of the Lord of Chacos is celebrated. This festival is especially typical in the district of San Rafael, which belongs to the department of Huánuco. It is a religious festival where it is typical to have a meal with neighbors and friends. The celebration honors the Patron Saint of Chacos.
From the first to the seventh of the month of May, the Patronal Festival of the Lord of May is celebrated. The Patron of the Lord of May is also known as the Patron of Solitude.
On June 24, the Festival of San Juan is very typical of this area of Peru. This festival is very traditional especially in the Amazonian part of Huánuco. Traditional dishes are prepared on this festivity, especially the Pachamanca, which we have already discussed earlier in this article.
In addition to this, traditional dances and artistic performances are performed at the San Juan de Huánuco Festival. You can learn more about this beautiful and family celebration by watching the following video.
⮞ Other Dates of Interest in Huánuco
- On July 16, the Festival of the Virgin of Carmen is celebrated in some cities and towns of Huánuco.
- On the 27th of every July celebrating the Festival of the Sun is something typical among the people of the area.
- On August 15, the anniversary of the Spanish Foundation and the Huánuco Tourism Week are honored.
- Every August 30 is the patron saint’s day of Santa Rosa de Lima.
- On September 24 of each year are the Festivities of the Virgen de las Mercedes.
- From October 27 to October 30, the Festival of the Lord of Burgos takes place in the region
- And finally, on December 24th, what is known as the “Brotherhood of Negritos” is celebrated.
This is just a list of some of the most important festivals, however in the Huánuco region each province has its tourist week and its own celebrations. And so we come to the end of this short tour that leaves us wanting to visit all the natural beauties that Huánuco has for you.