Things to see and do Central Cordillera

These natural turquoise pools are nestled in the hollow of a small canyon and of an incredible purity that has made them so successful. On the other hand, the trip to get there and back (over a day, usually on tour) is rather tedious: waking up at dawn and between 4 to 5 hours of driving there and back. In fact, it is necessary to join the province of Huancaraylla and the small community of Circamarca. Be careful, in principle, swimming is prohibited by the authorities who are trying to protect this small jewel of growing popularity and a little invasive. After the rainy season, the pools no longer have the announced colour. The rest of the year is a real geological highlight.

This small lake, 2 km from Jauja and 3,900 meters above sea level, is sheltered by reeds where herons and cranes nest. Unfortunately, the shores have been invaded by noisy and popular restaurants on weekends, which blurs its wild beauty. You can still canoe, pedal boat or fish here. It is flanked by the Cordillera Oriental, which, seen from the other side of the lagoon, resembles the figure of a reclining man whom the locals call "the sleeping Indian". Around it, the neighborhoods of Paca, Pancan and Chunan.

At 18 km from Huancavelica, nature has torn strange and titanic figures from the rock to draw a forest of bewitched stones. The rock formations are attributed to volcanic emanations and cemented ashes. We are at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The area of the place is actually quite small, but the wind-blown Andean moorland landscapes all around add to the walk, which can easily be done in half a day from the small town.

The convent preserves the original portal from 1548, the rest dating from the 18th century. The juxtaposed styles, including an incredible Gothic-Mudéjar, give it a curious appearance. According to some historians, the convent was used for the Inquisition's auto-da-fes and the arches of the bell tower as gallows. The neighbouring church is surprisingly large and harmonious. If we continue along Jirón 9 de Diciembre, we reach a small square with trees that is adorned by the statue of María Parado de Bellido.

Located at the beginning of the pedestrian street, this church of only one nave, dating from the XVIIth century, is deeply original with its façade of pink and grey stone and flanked by two beautiful towers with bell towers. The interior has everything that makes the richness of Peruvian colonial churches: Churrigueresque altarpieces with floral and zoological motifs from the selva, finely carved wooden confessionals, Renaissance patios and arcades. It is said to be inspired by the churches of Arequipa.

Built between 1631 and 1671, thanks to the tax levied on the Indians, this monumental church, which stands alone along the Plaza de Armas, is astonishing first of all for its pink baroque Renaissance façade, highlighted by two grey stone bell towers. The Churrigueresque altarpieces, the Mudéjar choir, the gilded altar with a silver tabernacle, the carved wooden pulpit and the paintings from the indigenous school of Ayacucho perfectly illustrate the mixed baroque style. This unique jewel is worth a visit during mass time.

There are three pools here with a slide and diving board: enjoy the benefits of the hot springs against the backdrop of the mountains. Be careful, the water is between 18°C and 22°C. On your way out, don't miss the pretty square where the mamas wash their clothes. To go back down, take the staircase decorated with statues representing the characters celebrated in the city throughout the year. Other baths can be found in the Parque Ecológico Seccsachaca or Villa Cariño: caves, caverns and two open-air pools.

On this plaza de Armas, also called plaza Sucre, the statue of the Libertador, nicely decorated with flowers, occupies the center. With many benches and green gardens, it is imposing. Bordered by the Cathedral, its casonas and its charming arcades, the Plaza Sucre competes with those of Cusco and Lima by its beauty. The Municipality (Jr. Cusco 108), the Prefecture and the University San Cristobal de Huamanga are located here, among elegant buildings carefully arranged under the arcades. Inside the Municipality is the very useful I Peru Tourist Office.