Things to Do in Huanuco
Top 9 Things to Do in Huanuco
Huanuco is a city in the Andean region in the north-central part of Peru, it is the capital of the Department of Huánuco. The city of the knights of León de Huánuco, is located at 1894 meters of altitude, in the valley formed by the Huallaga river. Fray Martín de Morúa, points out that the word “Huánuco” comes from the Quechua word “Huanu” or “Guanu”, and that on the occasion of Huayna Cápac’s tour of this region, his wife, La Coya, when observing some people, that sowed their plots without fertilizing them previously, gave them a sack of manure or “guano” saying “guanuco”, which in Castilian means “fertilize the land”, in order to improve and increase agricultural production. Since then, this place has been called “Guanuco”. In this blog article, we present you 9 incredible things to do in the department of Huanuco.
How to get to Huanuco ?
There are two ways to get to the city with the best climate in the world:
- By plane, from Lima the trip lasts about 1 hour.
- By land, from Lima the trip lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
Where to sleep in Huanuco ?
In Huanuco you will find from really cheap hostels to much more comfortable hotels from 1 to 5 star. Most of the accommodations are located around or close its main square.
One of the most important things, if not the most important of the trips, is the lodging. Normally this represents 50% or more of your expense and can make your stay unforgettable, in a good or bad way.
To book a hotel always keep the following in mind:
- Location.
- Access to public transport.
- Cleaning.
- Breakfast.
- Free WIFI.
- Room size.
- Treatment of staff.
- Quality of service.
- Read reviews from other travelers.
Things to do in Huanuco ?
The department of Huanuco has a spring climate throughout the year. Here we show you the best things to do in this beautiful region.
If you would like to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu; click on the following link: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by train.
Huanuco city
City that houses temples, mansions and estates from many centuries ago; Among them are: the main square of the city of Huánuco, the cathedral of the city of Huánuco, the Leoncio Prado regional museum, the Calicanto bridge and the Shismay hacienda house.
The house of Perricholi
Perricholi is a colorful but controversial figure in Peruvian history, known mainly as the lover of Viceroy Amat. According to tradition, she was born in this little town and lived here for a few years before going to Lima. The house is not very big; one large room which have a few bits of old furniture, the area is well-preserved and is very informative, with lots of information about Perricholi on the walls.
Kotosh or Temple of the Crossed Hands
It is an archaeological complex with more than 4,000 years old. The Temple of the Crossed Hands stands out: two pairs of sculptures in high relief, with crossed arms, worked in raw clay. The high hierarchical level of the priestly caste of Kotosh and the ritual representations and pilgrimage of a religious type is undoubted.
Tingo Maria
It is located 3 hours from the city of Huanuco; It is one of the gateways to the Peruvian jungle, it is surrounded by incredible landscapes and picturesque places, such as the Sleeping Beauty mountain range. In this city you can visit: the hill of San Cristóbal, the zoocriadero of the National Agrarian University of La Selva, the Alcantarillas spa, the sulfurous waters of Jacintillo and the cave of the Pavas.
Tingo María National Park
This is the perfect place for bird watching due to the diversity of species it houses. It has magnificent attractions that embellish this exotic destination. Within this national park you can also visit: the Cueva de las Lechuzas and the Gloriapata waterfall.
Carpish Mist Forest
The mist constantly covers this region of great biodiversity, this area links, in a certain way, the mountains with the jungle of Peru. Within this cloud forest you can visit: the Santa Carmen waterfall, the San Miguel waterfall and the veil of the nymphs.
Huanuco Pampa
This majestic Inca archaeological complex is located in the province of Dos de Mayo at a height of 1,697 meters above sea level.
Garu Archaeological Complex
It is the most important pre-Inca archaeological monument in the upper Marañón, it is located around the Cóndor Waganan hill (Where the condor cries). In times of its maximum splendor it would have been the administrative political headquarters of the Yaros or Yarowilca.
Churubamba City Hall
This town has a small but interesting museum, which houses lots of ceramic relics and mummies.
What are the top attractions to visit in Huanuco ?
- Huanuco city
- Kotosh or Temple of the Crossed Hands
- Tingo María National Park
What are the most popular things to do in Huanuco with kids ?
- Huanuco city
- The house of Perricholi
- Kotosh or Temple of the Crossed Hands
- Tingo María National Park
If you would like to get to Machu Picchu hiking; click on the following link: Machu Picchu Treks.
5 typical and exotic dishes from Huanuco
