The Mantaro Valley surrounding Huancayo is one of the most vibrant scenes of andean life anywhere in Peru.

The Mantaro Valley is filled with vibrant, colorful villages that are world renown for their festive market days. Centered around Huancayo, the capital of the region of Junín, the valley is virtually tourist free and offers astounding insights into Andean culture.

Farmers, craftsmen, schemers, coffee growers, tribal women, and various others descend upon the small towns for some of the most authentic, and tourist free, markets in Peru and all the Andes. Alpaca textiles, silver filigree, carved gourds or mates burilados, can all be found.

Cochas Chico and Cochas Grande

The famous mate burilados, or carved gourds, that are sold throughout Peru come from the Cochas, just twenty minutes east of Huancayo reached by taxi or combi. The most skilled craftsmen sell the best quality and cheapest gourds here, as well as the largest and most expensive. The detailed scenes of Andean life are etched in the gourds much the same way they have been for hundreds of years and can sell for hundreds of dollars.

Market Day: Friday

Hualhuas

Hualhuas is best known for the alpaca textiles that are made on traditional looms. The small village twenty minutes north of Huancayo has several large cooperatives and small and independent craft shops. Shop owners will give loom demonstrations for visitors.

Market Day: Tuesday

San Jeronimo de Tunan

Silver shops and jewelers line the main streets of the pleasant town twenty-five minutes to the north of Huancayo. Colonial style silver pieces, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and various other works are offered at cut throat prices, even for Peru which already sells silver quite cheap.

Market Day: Wednesday

Viequez

Wool and alpaca weavings are also the main craft of Viequez, however, are made on small back strap looms. The village, thirty miles south of Huancayo, is most known for its colorful belts.

Market Day: Wednesday

Jauja

About an hour north of Huancayo is Jauja, once the Spanish capital of Peru before it was moved to Lima. There are a few stunning cathedrals and mansions dating back to the 16th century. The modern architecture is quite bland though. The town really comes alive during the Wednesday market.

Market Days: Sunday, Wednesday

Festivals

The Mantaro Valley is known for having more festivals than days of the years. Many are centered in Catholic traditions, while many are based around crafts and harvests. For a full list contact tour operator Incas del Peru.

Exploring the MantaroValley

Day tours are offered in Huancayo from every tourist agency. Many will take you to a collection of the best craft towns and whichever market days are that day. Many stay for weeks at a time to study gourd carving, weaving, jewelry making, and Spanish.