Huancayo

Capital of Junín department, in the central highlands of Peru; population (2005) 307,000; urban agglomeration 1,091,600. Situated in the fertile Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,258 m/10,689 ft, it is the major commercial centre of the central Andes, and is noted for its market, to which Indians from the surrounding districts bring their manufactured goods and produce. Huancayo also has several woollen textile mills and a modern city centre. The road from Lima to Huancayo has recently been improved. There is also a rail link to Lima.

Huancayo holds an annual fiesta of the Virgin of Cocharas, which begins on 8 September and involves a week of feasting and dancing.