Manchay, Slums in Lima, Peru
Manchay is a human settlement in the district of Pachacamac in Lima, Peru. The neighborhood consists of closely packed houses on hilly, partially rocky terrain with narrow streets that stretch across a long, narrow area.
Manchay began developing in the 1960s when worker families from nearby areas like La Molina moved there. In the 1980s, many families fleeing violence from other parts of Peru settled in the area and built homes with available materials.
The name Manchay comes from Quechua and means fear, reflecting the difficult beginnings of the settlement. Today visitors see a lively neighborhood where neighbors chat, children play, and small vendors sell their goods on the streets.
The neighborhood has no regular city buses, so residents and visitors often use motorcycles or walk to get around. The hilly terrain means some streets are steep or uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The acclaimed film drama 'La teta asustada' was shot in 2009 on the actual streets of Manchay and won international awards. The film brought global attention to the area, even though Manchay itself remains overlooked by most travelers.
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