Huancayo is the capital of the Junín Region, Peru. It is situated near in the Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,271 meters. Its population is approximately 250,000. Huancayo is the cultural and commercial center of the central Andes.

The area was originally inhabited by the Wankas . At around 500, they were incorporated into the Wari empire. Despite efforts to defend its independence, the Wankas were eventually subdued by the Inca leader Pachacutec in 1460 and the region was incorporated into the Inca empire. It subsequently became a notable stopping point along the Inca Camino Real.

After the Spanish colonization (1534), Huancayo was overshadowd by Jauja, 18 km to the north, which the conquistador Francisco Pizarro established as a provisional capital of Peru until Lima took over that role.

In 1570, the virrey don Francisco de Toledo established the site as the center of his encomienda Gauncayo.

The town was officially established on 1 June 1572 and officically called Santísima Trinidad de Huancayo.

During the war for independence, Huancayo was liberated on 20 November 1820. Construction on the the cathedral commenced in 1831.

Today, in addition to its importance as a center of commerce, Huancayo is known for the crafts and the many festivals of the surrounding towns. Having rapidly expanded in recent decades, it has few remaining colonial buildings; the cityscape is dominated by modern constructions.

Notable attractions

• Capilla de la Merced, one of the few remaining colonial buildings in the town.
• Cerrito de la Libertad, a small hill overlooking the city with a panoramic view of the Mantaro Valley.
• Torre Torre, a notable geological formation of sandstone, one km from the Cerrito