The Department of Huanuco features two very distinct geographies: highland and upper jungle. The Andean zone is marked by the presence of the Huayhuash Cordillera, and the upper jungle spreads out throughout the western side of the Andes.
Huanuco has a rough topography comprising parts of the Sierra and the High Jungle (mountain rim) regions. Being equidistant from the north and the south of the country, it has the privilege of having a mild weather with an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F).
The city of Huanuco, capital of the department of the same name, lies on the banks of the Huallaga River, and the area is known for its fruit, coffee, and cacao production. The oldest evidence of human habitation in Peru was found in this territory: the Lauricocha man and the Temple of the Crossed Hands located in the outskirts of the city in Kotosh. In Huanuco Pampa, there are also interesting constructions from the time of the Incas.
Founded in 1539, the city of Huanuco was the site of an important cultural movement during the Colonial Period and the characteristic buildings of that movement are the Cathedral and the churches of San Francisco, San Cristobal, and La Merced.
In the beginning of the 19th century, during the emancipation process, Huanuco was one of the first cities to promote Peru’s independence. Moreover, a first oath took place in this city on December 15, 1820, after several uprisings in Huamalies, Huallanca and Ambo.In the beginning of the 19th century, during the emancipation process, Huanuco was one of the first cities to promote Peru’s independence. Moreover, a first oath took place in this city on December 15, 1820, after several uprisings in Huamalies, Huallanca and Ambo.
In Tingo Maria, some 120 kilometers from Huanuco, the thunderous Huallaga River runs. The Tingo Maria National Park (4,777 hectares) is located in that area and contains a great variety of flora (orchids, cat’s claw, and dragon’s blood) and fauna (little spotted cats, jaguars, reptiles, sachavacas, oilbirds, Andean cock of the rock, and the howler monkey). It is also the place where the Pumaringri mountain chain is found, also known as the Sleeping Beauty due to its striking similarity to a woman lying down.
The Cueva de las Lechuzas (Owl’s Cave) is home to nocturnal birds while in the Cueva de las Pavas (Turkey’s Cave) you can find pools of crystalline water and abundant vegetation.