Huancayo, Commercial metropolis in Mantaro Valley, Peru.
Huancayo is a city in the Mantaro Valley in central Peru. Buildings spread across a wide plain with streets full of shops and small markets.
Spanish settlers founded the town in the 16th century as a religious and trading center in the Andes. Later it became a junction for the railway that connected the highlands with the coast.
The name comes from a Wanka word that refers to the indigenous roots of this place. Local vendors bring their produce to the market and sometimes still wear traditional clothing made from colorful fabric.
Most travelers arrive by bus or take a taxi from the airport in Jauja, which is about one hour away. The elevation can cause discomfort for some visitors, so it helps to arrive slowly and drink plenty of water.
In nearby villages craftsmen carve patterns into dried gourds and create small decorative pieces that are made only here. This technique has been passed down through generations for centuries.
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