Cerro de Pasco, Mining city in central Peruvian Andes.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Pasco Department).
This collection includes towns established above 3,000 meters altitude, mainly located in the Andes and on Asian highlands. These urban centers house several million inhabitants who live daily under conditions where oxygen is scarce. La Rinconada in Peru reaches 5,300 meters, making it the highest...
Kotosh
83.7 km
Siula Grande
81.9 km
Junin National Reservation
25.1 km
Huagapo
82.8 km
Chacamarca Historical Sanctuary
67 km
Yerupajá
84.8 km
Cave of Lauricocha
59.5 km
Puente Calicanto
83.6 km
Estadio Heraclio Tapia
82.7 km
Warawtampu
39.2 km
Jirishanca
86.8 km
Huayllay National Sanctuary
30.8 km
Rasac
85.9 km
Pumpu
26.6 km
Rondoy
88.5 km
Cordillera Huayhuash Reserved Zone
74.1 km
Iglesia de San Cristóbal, Huánuco
83.8 km
Waqurunchu
39.3 km
Auxilio
88.3 km
Iglesia San Pedro de Ninacaca
24.8 km
Shillacoto
83.2 km
Aguar
80.8 km
Huacshash
84.3 km
Huacrish
88.5 km
Rajucollota
90.2 km
Archaeological Center of Ichu Yanuna
92 km
Suerococha
90.3 km
Goñicutac
31.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes