Huancayo is the most important commercial center in the Andes. With tourists, it is mostly known for the train from Lima to Huancayo. The train is generally used as a freight train in the mining industry, but is open for tourists once or twice a month, in regular coaches. During the ca.13 hour journey between the capital and Huancayo, travelers can admire 58 bridges, 69 tunnels and one of the world’s highest train stations, La Galera (4781 m above sea level). The best way of exploring Huancayo is to venture outside the city limits: make sure to plan a visit to the beautiful village of Cochas Chicas, Hualhuas or San Juan de Tunán, with the famous Santa Rosa de Ocopa-church. The church contains a library with over 25 000 volumes, some of which stem from the 15th century.

Highlights:
Capilla La Merced,
the Sunday marketplace,
the ruins of Huarivilca,
the sandstone towers of Torre Torre