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Huancayo

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This article is about the Peruvian city. For the Peruvian province, see Huancayo Province
Huancayo
The Plaza Constitución in Huancayo
The Plaza Constitución in Huancayo
Flag of Huancayo
Flag
Official seal of Huancayo
Seal
Motto(s): 
La Ciudad Incontrastable
(The Uncontrastable City)
CountryPeru
RegionJunin
ProvinceHuancayo
DistrictHuancayo
Founded1 June 1572
Government
 • TypeDemocracy
 • MayorFreddy Arana Velarde
Elevation
3,259 m (10,692.26 ft)
Population
 • Total323,054
Time zoneUTC-5 (PET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (PET)
Area code64
Websitewww.munihuancayo.gob.pe

Huancayo (Spanish pronunciation: [waŋˈkaʝo]; Wankayu’, originally Wankayuq, '(place) with a sacred rock' in Quechua) is the capital of the Junín Region, in the central highlands of Peru. It is located in Huancayo Province, of which it is also capital. Situated near the Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,271 meters, it has a population of 323,054. Huancayo is the cultural and commercial center of the whole central Peruvian Andes area.

Overview

The area was originally inhabited by the Wankas. At around 500 CE, they were incorporated into the Wari Empire. Despite efforts to defend its independence, the Wankas were eventually subdued by the Inca leader Pachacutec in 1460 and the region was incorporated into the Inca empire. It subsequently became a notable stopping point along the Inca Camino Real.

After the Spanish colonization (1534), Huancayo was overshadowed by Jauja, 18 km to the north, which the conquistador Francisco Pizarro established as a provisional capital of Peru until Lima took over that role.

In 1570, the viceroy Francisco de Toledo established the site as the center of his encomienda Guancayo. The town was officially established on 1 June 1572 with the title of Santísima Trinidad de Huancayo. During the war for independence, Huancayo was liberated on 20 November 1820. Construction on the cathedral commenced in 1831.

In 1854, when Peru officially ended slavery, the accord was made law in Huancayo. There is a statue in the Plaza de Armas commemorating this.

In 1969, two earthquakes struck Huancayo, destroying hundreds of homes, damaging in bridges, railways and killing 800-1,000 people. Landslides killed an additional 300 people in suburban districts and near the Huaytapallana mountains.

Today, in addition to its importance as a center of commerce, Huancayo is known for the crafts and the many festivals of the surrounding towns. Having rapidly expanded in recent decades, it has few remaining colonial buildings; the cityscape is dominated by modern constructions. The city is served by the Francisco Carle Airport located in Jauja but travelers usually use the Limean Airport.

Transport

Huancayo was a break-of-gauge from 914 gauge to 1435 gauge; for the 147 km extension to Huancavelica. In 2009, this line was being standardised.[1]

Education

List of universities located in Huancayo.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ Trains, March 2009, p68

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