Cerro de Pasco

Cerro de Pasco is a city in the central Peruvian Andes, sitting at roughly 4300 meters elevation. The settlement spreads near large mineral deposits that hold silver, copper, gold and other metals.

Miners found rich silver veins in this area in 1630, turning a small settlement into an important center for metal extraction. Production attracted workers and companies from many countries over the following centuries.

The name comes from the Quechua word pasco, meaning a place where people gather or meet. Residents still use traditional clothing and celebrate local festivals that mix Andean customs with Catholic traditions brought during colonial times.

Travelers should prepare for cold temperatures and thin air, since the city sits at high elevation. Several days of acclimatization help before attempting longer excursions or physical effort.

A huge open-pit mine occupies the central area and has swallowed parts of the old buildings over the years. Residents had to move to new neighborhoods that grew along the edges of the pit.

Location: Pasco Department

Inception: 1578

Elevation above the sea: 4,330 m

GPS coordinates: -10.68359,-76.25611

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:59