The city of Jauja, is a metropolis that is located within the province of the same name, which is part of the Junín region. The city of Jauja, was declared by Law No. 29856, as the first capital that Peru had, since, according to historical records, it was founded in 1534, that is, one year before the founding of the city of Jauja. Among the tourist attractions found within the city of Jauja, there are places such as the Main Square of the city, around which the main buildings of the city (both political and religious) are located. One of the buildings that surround the main square of the city of Jauja, is the Matriz de Jauja church. The Jauja church presents a design that mixes colonial and republican architecture. Inside this important Catholic temple, there are two Marian effigies quite venerated by the inhabitants of Jauja, those are the effigy of the Virgen del Rosario, and the one known as the Virgin Chapetona. The church is also important for housing inside, an important collection of pieces such as altarpieces and other furniture, with a marked baroque tendency. Another important church that is located within the beautiful city of Jauja is the Chapel of Cristo Pobre that dates from the second decade of the 20th century. This chapel is a beautiful structure, which draws attention for the sculptures that crown its towers that reproduce the effigies of the twelve apostles. In addition to the above, there is also another temple in Jauja, known by the name of Santa Fe de Jauja, which is one of the colonial structures found within the region; This chapel includes in its interior, the effigy of the Virgen del Rosario, who is considered the patron saint of the city. As part of the respected buildings found within the city, a series of mansions are also recognized, among those, the mansion of Manuel Velasco, which presents a beautiful republican design. Quite close to the city, you can also find other important resources, such as the Laguna de Paca, just four kilometers from the urban area. Visiting this lagoon is a good opportunity to take boat rides in its calm waters. Another alternative is to go horseback riding in its vicinity. Likewise, the popularity of the lagoon has led to a series of resources around it, such as restaurants and accommodation, where, in the first case, they will be in charge of offering visitors the most exquisite gastronomy of Jauja. Whoever has the opportunity to eat the delicious Jaujina food, cannot stop trying dishes such as ajiaco, patasca, the delicious spicy guinea pig, among many others. This city of Junín is located just 255 kilometers from the city of Lima. The way to Jauja can be done by bus and it usually takes between 4 and 5 hours. The land route that is followed to the town of Jauja is through the Central Highway.
Get to know the tourist places of Jauja, the first capital of Peru
Main Square
You can start your tour of the first capital of Peru by going to see the Plaza de Armas. Here you can watch locals and visitors enjoy the sun while resting on the benches. In the center you will find a beautiful cast metal pool surrounded by gardens. In addition, in this space you can see a bust of the heroes Francisco Bolognesi, another monument to former president Andrés Avelino Cáceres, the statue of a peasant woman with her son, as well as a bust of Francisca Pizarro Yupanqui, the first mestiza of Peru, daughter of Francisco Pizarro with Inés Huaylas Yupanqui.
Holy Faith Church
Then, you can go to see the Church of Santa Fe, the main church of the city of Jauja. It was built in 1566 and has been restored on various occasions. Among its main attributes are a marble baptismal font, its beautiful main altar and a dome from which the interior of the religious enclosure is illuminated. If you have time, you could attend a mass to live the full experience.
The Chapel of the Poor Christ
Continuing the tour, you can visit the Chapel of Cristo Pobre, an impressive religious building built in 1920. It is a Gothic-style church that surprises with its details, and was also inspired by the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. Among its attractions are its two towers where small sculptures of the twelve apostles of Jesus lie, the image of the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal, sculptures of San Vicente de Paul and Cristo Pobre, and the pulpit carved in wood. It is considered the first construction of iron and cement in the central Sierra of Peru. Without a doubt, it is a building that deserves to be visited for its historical and cultural value.
Paca Lagoon
You can also visit one of the most famous attractions in Jauja, the Laguna de Paca. It is located 3.5 kilometers north of the city of Jauja and has an area of 21.40 km². The center of the lagoon has a depth greater than 30 meters. It is a very popular tourist spot in the Mantaro Valley due to its scenic beauty and ecological value. Due to the presence of reeds in the lagoon, you can see various wild birds that complement the panorama. There are multiple legends and myths about this magical place, such as that gold and silver are hidden at the bottom of the lagoon. In addition, around you will be able to see 3 islands, that of Divorce, Business and that of Love. On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to see the mountains El Indio dormido and El Lagarto. Definitely, knowing this destination is a very rewarding experience.
Shucto Canyon
The Shucto Canyon is another must-see attraction in Jauja. It is a rock formation product of the erosion of the Piñascocha river. The landscape generated by these huge walls seems to come from another planet, which is why many visitors come here to contemplate the panorama and take many photographs. The walls can be up to 70 meters high, without a doubt, a feature that attracts anyone's attention. Likewise, here you will be able to observe beautiful vegetation such as the kolle, the quinual and the popular puya de Raimondi and, in the distance, the Pariacaca, Tunshu and Runshu snow-capped mountains. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see animals such as the Andean fox, the alpaca, the wild cat and birds such as the Andean condor, the white heron and the hawk. So if you like walks in the middle of nature, do not hesitate to visit this place.
Pichilulí Natural Park
Finally, you can visit the Pichiluli Natural Park, another perfect destination for nature and photography lovers. It is located 20 minutes from the city of Jauja. These are towers formed by the erosion of wind and rain, which, together, form a captivating landscape. The ideal months to visit this place are May and August as the vegetation begins to beautify the park much more. So if you have time on your trip to Jauja, include this destination that will really surprise you.
The Fact
- The climate in Jauja is temperate, with moderate thermal amplitude and partly rainy. The average annual temperature usually ranges between 5°C and 19°C. So include comfortable and warm clothing in your suitcase, a waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- During your visit to Jauja you must try its delicious typical dishes such as Patasca, Ajiaco de papa, Picante de cuy, Puchero, Locro de cuy, Inchicapi, Sopa verde, Pachamanca, Yacuchupe, Chicharrón, Jaujinos tamales, grilled trout and many more. Also, do not forget to drink their traditional drinks such as Chicha de jora and Chicha de maní. You will love them!
How to get to Jauja?
To go from cities like Lima to Jauja, you can travel by bus with companies like Transportes Apocalipsis. The ticket price starts at S/50 soles. The average travel time is 8 hours. Traveling by bus to Jauja is a very convenient option that many users choose, you can take advantage of the journey to rest, watch movies, read a book or listen to your favorite music.
Best Trekking and Tours in Peru
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Sacred Valley Bike Tour
- Honeymoon in Machu Picchu
- 1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley Tours
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- Short 2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- Apu Ausangate Trek 7 days
- 4 Day Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
- Urubamba River Rafting
- 5 Days Salkantay Mountain Trek
- 3 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
