The Gruta de Huagapo in Palcamayo brings together two striking features: rock paintings depicting animals and hunting scenes, and stalactites and stalagmites. The paintings are dated to approximately 10,000 to 6,000 BC. In this same cave, traces of human representation stand alongside the shapes of the rock—a remarkable discovery in Tarma Province.
Caves and Archaeological Traces
The Cañon de Ushto is also among the discoveries associated with the Gruta de Huagapo: together, they form a shared visitor route. Access points between them have been developed by the Palcamayo municipal government. The connection is therefore more than a thematic link; it is part of the local visitor route.
Another archaeological trace is Anashpata, a 5.44-hectare settlement at the foot of Cerro Shayoc-Shayoc. Its architecture and the pottery found on the surface provide the basis for a tentative cultural attribution: the site is thought to belong to the Taruma or Tarama culture of the Late Intermediate Period, around AD 1000 to 1450. Its dating therefore remains uncertain.
Anashpata is currently part of the “Ruta del zorro,” promoted by the Municipalidad Provincial de Tarma, the Municipalidad Distrital de Palcamayo and local travel agencies. If you would like to include this route in your plans, check its current availability locally.
Nature Trails and Practical Information
The tourist and recreational zone of Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa is open to visitors in the Pampa de los Cedros Centenarios sector. There you will find Cedro El Abuelo, which is more than 600 years old, stands over 51 meters tall and has a diameter of 3.5 meters. A signposted hiking trail leads to it; the trail is 2 kilometers long and takes approximately two hours to walk. Both details are useful for planning, since the distance and walking time convey different aspects of the trail.
In Tarma, the trail to Mirador San Cristóbal starts at the main square. The 0.3-kilometer route takes 25 minutes on foot to reach the viewpoint. Confirm these access details locally. At the Museo Municipal de Huaricolca, four collections display different objects found in the district and provide a chronology of several periods in Huaricolca’s history. You can request a guide there when visiting archaeological sites; confirm this option before you arrive.
Local Specialties
Tarma’s cuisine also offers a variety of local tastes. The city is known for Manjar Blanco, a dessert made from cow’s milk. You can also try Pachamanca in Tarma: this traditional dish is prepared with poultry, beef, pork and lamb, as well as potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, corn and aromatic herbs; it is served with Humitas. These offer two different culinary discoveries: a milk-based dessert and a dish featuring various meats and accompaniments.
Discover more destinations: Tarma, Provincia de Tarma, Huancayo, Satipo, La Merced, ConcepciĂłn, Chanchamayo.
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