In Huancavelica, discoveries range from religious festivals and archaeological sites to highland lagoons and unusual rock formations. The city’s cultural heritage is particularly evident during its Semana Santa (Holy Week): Andean and Catholic elements come together in its religious character, and the celebration draws substantial participation from the population of the district, province and department of Huancavelica.

Festivals and Cultural Heritage

The city’s Semana Santa was declared Cultural Heritage of Peru on October 25, 2013. The celebrations include processions and floral displays along the processional routes. Another tradition in Huancavelica is the Baile de los Negritos. A comparsa (dance troupe) of 20 pairs dances through the main streets, led by Waqrasenqa and María Rosa. Traditional foods and handicrafts are sold at the Feria de Semana Santa on Sábado de Gloria (Holy Saturday).

Village festivals also shape local food culture in Sacsamarca. Foods and drinks consumed or offered there include Picante de Papa, wheat, grilled trout, Chicharrones, Mondongo, Chicha de Jora and Maní, as well as soft drinks made with Airampo and Tumbo. If you are planning to travel specifically for a festival, check the exact dates in advance.

Sacsamarca: Squares, Bridge and Circuit

Sacsamarca’s main square was recognized as Cultural Heritage on February 28, 2003, its monumental urban setting on January 28, 2005, and its stone bridge on February 28, 2002. The town therefore has several protected heritage features, each with its own designation. Sacsamarca is also part of the Azogue, or Santa Bárbara, tourist circuit.

Sacsamarca can be reached on foot from Huancavelica’s main square via a 4 km mule trail, taking approximately 40 minutes. This route description gives both a specific distance and an estimated travel time. It helps place Sacsamarca as a destination in its own right, with a historic town center and a place on the aforementioned circuit.

Highland Landscapes and Wildlife

East of the city of Huancavelica, Bosque de Piedras Cceroncancha lies between Centro Poblado Sachapite and the Chacarilla community. The consolidated volcanic tuff formations are located in the Suni region at an altitude of 4,030 meters and cover 15 hectares. The figures they form include a fist, a couple, a turtle, a nun, a llama and a tourist, among others.

Wetlands are part of the landscape around Laguna de Pultocc. Huallatas, wild ducks and Ujujuy are found there, along with numerous alpacas and llamas. The surrounding rocky overhangs provide a habitat for Vizcachas. Pultocc is also part of the Ruta de los Espejos (Route of the Mirrors) tourist route.

Lagoons Along the Ruta de los Espejos

Laguna Orccococha lies in the provinces of Castrovirreyna and Huaytará and is part of the Ruta de los Espejos circuit. The route links it with lagoons including Choclococha and Pultocc. After 27 years of pollution, Orccococha was restored. Boat trips and trout fishing are offered at the lagoon.

Boat trips are also available at Laguna de Choclococha. The Choclococha community sells handicrafts there, and trout have been raised in floating cages for two decades. The activities described at the lagoons therefore differ: at Orccococha, the focus is on boat trips and fishing, while Choclococha also offers handicrafts sold by the community and trout farming.

Archaeological Sites and Historic Places

The Uchkus Inkañan archaeological complex was a ceremonial center dependent on the Chavinoid administrative center of Atalla. The Museo Regional Daniel Hernández Morillo offers another perspective on the past: its archaeological gallery includes ceramic and textile objects from the Middle and Late Horizon periods.

Casa Hacienda Santa Rosa can also be included in a named circuit: it is part of the Uchkus Inkañan and Ccaccasiri tourist circuit. Along with Sacsamarca’s inclusion in the Azogue, or Santa Bárbara, circuit and the Ruta de los Espejos, this provides an overview of several different themes, from local history and archaeology to lagoon landscapes.

Discover More Destinations

Huancavelica, Pampas, San Martín, Apurímac, Tumbes, Amazonas, Arequipa, Puno

For the main travel overview: Peru.