Huancayo: The Heart of the Peruvian Andes

• HelloRimaykullayki
  [ree-mai-koo-yai-kee]
• GoodbyeAllinlla
  [ai-yin-yai-ya]
• YesArí
  [ah-ree]
• NoManam
  [mah-nahm]
• Please/You're welcomeJatun
  [ha-toon]
• Thank youSulpayki
  [sool-pai-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryÑuqami
  [nyoo-kah-mee]
• How are you?Imaynallam kashanki?
  [ee-mai-nai-yam ka-shan-kee?]
• Fine. And you?Sumaq. Ñuqan kashanki?
  [soo-mak. nyoo-kan ka-shan-kee?]
• Do you speak English?Inglis simikunata atinchu?
  [ing-lees see-mee-koo-na-ta ah-teen-choo?]
• I don't understandÑuqayku manam uchuyta munanki
  [nyoo-kai-koo mah-nam oo-choo-yta moo-nan-kee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenuyta qaywananmi kay
  [meh-noo-yta kai-wa-nan-mee kai]
• I don't eat meatQaliyta mana mikunchu
  [ka-lee-yta mah-nah mee-koon-choo]
• Cheers!Kanpai!
  [kan-pai]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTukuyta qanpayanmi kay
  [too-koo-yta kan-pai-yun-mee kai]

• Help!Yawarapay!
  [ya-wa-ra-pai]
• Go away!Llaqtaq!
  [ya-kta]
• Call the Police!Sutiyta runakunata llamkay!
  [soo-tee-yta roo-na-koo-na-ta yam-kai]
• Call a doctor!Sutiyta wakchaq!
  [soo-tee-yta wahk-chak]
• I'm lostUchuyta ruraspaq
  [oo-choo-yta roo-ras-pak]
• I'm illRiqsisqan
  [reek-sis-kan]

• I'd like to buy...Allintaqniyta qallarinayki
  [ai-yin-tak-nee-yta ka-li-na-ree-kee]
• I'm just lookingKayan wañuy
  [kai-yan wah-nyoo-ee]
• How much is it?Imaynayki?
  [ee-mai-nai-kee]
• That's too expensiveSunturpi kachkan
  [soon-toor-pee kach-kan]
• Can you lower the price?Qatipayta qaywakuy
  [ka-tee-pai-yta kai-wa-kooi]

• What time is it?Imaynallam kashanmi?
  [ee-mai-nai-yam ka-shan-mee]
• It's one o'clockTaytan pachak
  [tie-tan pa-chaak]
• Half past (10)Chay pachapi
  [chai pa-cha-pee]
• MorningP'unchay
  [poon-chai]
• AfternoonChawpi
  [chow-pee]
• EveningInti
  [een-tee]
• YesterdayIllapa
  [eel-lah-pai]
• TodayKuyay
  [koo-yai]
• TomorrowKutin
  [koo-teen]
• 1Huk
  [hook]
• 2Iskay
  [ees-kai]
• 3Kimsa
  [keem-sa]
• 4Tawa
  [ta-wa]
• 5Pisqa
  [pees-ka]
• 6Suqta
  [sook-ta]
• 7Qanchis
  [kahn-chees]
• 8Pusaq
  [poos-ak]
• 9Isqun
  [ees-koon]
• 10Chunka
  [choon-ka]

• Where's a/the...?Mayqan...
  [mai-kan]
• What's the address?Nispa rimanakuy?
  [neess-pa ree-man-ah-kooi]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mapapiyta qallariniyki?
  [map-pa-pee-yta ka-li-ree-nee-kee]
• When's the next (bus)?Maypi chay...
  [mai-pee chai]
• A ticket (to ....)Chiqan...
  [chee-kan]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the Huancayo region was inhabited by the Wanka people. The Wankas were known for their fierce resistance to both the Inca Empire and later the Spanish conquistadors. They had a rich culture, with advanced agricultural practices and intricate textile weaving. The remnants of their civilization can be seen in various archaeological sites around Huancayo.

In the late 15th century, the Inca Empire, under the leadership of Pachacuti, conquered the Wanka people. The Incas incorporated the region into their vast empire, bringing their own administrative and agricultural techniques. The Inca road system, which connected Cusco to other parts of the empire, passed through Huancayo, making it an important stop for trade and military movements.

In the 16th century, the Spanish arrived and began their colonization of the region. Huancayo was officially founded on June 1, 1572, by the Spanish conquistador Jerónimo de Silva. The Spanish introduced Christianity, which led to the construction of several churches and the conversion of the local population. The city's strategic location made it a vital center for Spanish administration and commerce.

Huancayo played a significant role in Peru's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. On November 20, 1820, the city was the site of a major battle between the Spanish royalist forces and the independence fighters led by General Juan Antonio Álvarez de Arenales. The victory by the independence forces marked a turning point in the fight for freedom. Huancayo was later declared a 'Heroic City' for its contributions to the independence movement.

On December 15, 1839, the Treaty of Huancayo was signed, bringing an end to the Peruvian-Bolivian Confederation. The treaty was a monumental event in the history of Peru, as it dissolved the confederation and restored Peru's sovereignty. This event marked a new chapter in the political landscape of the country and solidified Huancayo's place in national history.

Today, Huancayo is known as the commercial and cultural hub of the central Peruvian Andes. The city hosts numerous festivals, such as the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria Dominical de Huancayo (Sunday Fair), which showcase traditional music, dance, and crafts. The city's economy is bolstered by agriculture, commerce, and tourism, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.

Huancayo is located in the central highlands of Peru. The most common way to reach Huancayo is by road from Lima, the capital city. The journey by bus takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, with several bus companies offering daily services. Alternatively, you can take a train from Lima to Huancayo. The Ferrocarril Central Andino offers one of the highest train routes in the world, with breathtaking views of the Andes mountains. The train journey is slower, taking around 12 hours, but it provides a unique and scenic experience.

Once in Huancayo, you can get around using various local transportation options. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. For a more local experience, you can use the 'combis' or 'colectivos', which are shared minibuses that operate on set routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. Bicycle rentals are also an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Huancayo, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and foreign exchange services can be found in banks and authorized exchange bureaus.

Huancayo is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and bus stations. Some neighborhoods, like Chilca and El Tambo, have higher crime rates and should be visited with caution, especially after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for police assistance and 116 for medical emergencies. Huancayo has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly in the highlands. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive accessories that might attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious festivals and when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' (Good morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (Good afternoon). A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'pachamanca' and 'papa a la huancaína'. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Huancayo like a local, visit the Sunday market, known as 'Feria Dominical', where you can buy fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional clothing. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the 'Parque de la Identidad Wanka', a park dedicated to the local Wanka culture, and take a stroll along the 'Calle Real', the main street of Huancayo, to experience local life. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Wariwillka archaeological site, which provides insight into the pre-Inca Wanka culture.