Huancavelica

Huancavelica stands at 3,676 meters above sea level in central Peru, surrounded by mountain peaks and deep valleys in the Andean highlands.

The city, founded in 1571 as Villa Rica de Oropesa, developed into a major mercury mining center that supplied essential materials for silver extraction throughout colonial Peru.

The population maintains strong Quechua traditions through local markets, where traders sell leather goods, alpaca products, and agricultural items from the surrounding region.

Travelers reach Huancavelica via a narrow-gauge railway from Huancayo or bus services that connect the city to Lima through mountain roads.

The Santa Barbara mine complex represents one of the highest elevation mercury extraction sites in South America, operating continuously from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Location: Huancavelica Province

Inception: August 4, 1571

Elevation above the sea: 3,676 m

GPS coordinates: -12.78500,-74.97139

Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:27