Yauyos Province: Terraces, Traditions and Nature

Yauyos Province offers a wide variety of discoveries: thousand-year-old terraces, distinctive birdlife and cultural traditions that remain part of the character of its towns to this day. When planning a trip, you can choose from nature experiences, walks around the towns, and insights into history and everyday culture. So when looking for a holiday rental, it is worth first considering which of these interests you would like to shape your stay.

Landscapes and distinctive natural sites

The Andenerías of Laraos are pre-Inca terraces whose history dates back thousands of years. Their form makes them an impressive destination for anyone interested in the region’s long agricultural and cultural history. The tourist walk includes a descent from the entrance to the Huachucho area, which takes about 15 minutes on foot. This estimate applies to this section of the walk.

In and around the Shutco Canyon, you can observe various bird species, including Andean condors, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, buzzards, oilbirds and different kinds of hummingbirds. Travellers who enjoy looking out for wildlife will find a different kind of nature experience here than at the historic terraces of Laraos. Mount Llongote is another distinctive landscape feature: together with Mount Pariacaca, it forms part of the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve. There are trails on Mount Llongote that are not signposted.

Near the town of Vilca, in the district of Huancaya, lies the 16-hectare Bosque del Amor de Vilca. It is part of the Puente Centenario – Bosque del Amor – Laguna Papacocha tourist route. The forest offers a distinct connection with nature along this named route. For another activity on the water, visit Laguna Huallhua de Huancaya, where visitors can paddleboard, kayak or go boating.

Culture, history and experiences in the towns

The province is also shaped by its traditions and history. The Danza de las pastoras yauyinas, from Yauyos Province in the Department of Lima, has been declared part of Peru’s National Cultural Heritage. Another trace of history leads to the archaeological site of Ñaupahuasi, considered the ancient capital of “JATTUM YAUYOS.” Together with the pre-Inca terraces, these examples reveal different aspects of the region’s cultural heritage.

In the town of Yauyos, tourist walks introduce visitors to its ancient history and traditions, as well as its agricultural production, handicrafts and typical local dishes. This lets you combine several interests on a visit rather than limiting it to a single attraction. The Huangua viewpoint is also in the town of Yauyos, about 500 metres from the main square and at an altitude of 2,922 metres.

In Huancaya, both the Museo Municipal and the Casa de la Cultura de Huancaya are located around the central square. If you are interested in local history and culture, you can include both institutions in your travel plans. Huancaya also celebrates the Negrería on January 1. The region’s diverse cultural and nature-related interests offer plenty to talk about and discover for families travelling together, even when not every family member shares the same interests.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When choosing a base, you can focus on the experiences that matter most to you: the tourist walks in the town of Yauyos, the terraces of Laraos, or the cultural and natural attractions of Huancaya and Vilca. Choosing a clear focus for your trip can help you tailor your holiday rental search to your travel interests.

The destination area also includes the town of Chunguy. Other destinations to explore separately include: Canta, Cusco, Huaral, Barranca Province, Canta Province, Cañete and Huaral Province.

For the broader travel overview: Lima.