Birdwatching in Huancavelica
Birdwatching in Huancavelica: Discover Avian Treasures Amidst Andean Beauty
Welcome to Huancavelica, a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains in Peru.
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary birding adventure through stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems,
where the skies are alive with the colorful plumage and melodious songs of the region’s unique avian inhabitants.
Huancavelica’s rugged terrain and varied habitats make it a haven for birdwatchers seeking both common species
and rare gems. Whether you’re an avid birder or a novice, the rich biodiversity of Huancavelica offers an unmatched
opportunity to connect with nature and uncover a captivating array of avian wonders.
Explore the misty cloud forests and catch a glimpse of elusive species like the Coppery Metaltail, with its striking
copper-colored plumage glinting in the dappled sunlight. Marvel at the Mountain Caracara as it soars above, its
distinctive markings making it a true Andean icon.
Listen to the enchanting calls of the Rufous Antpitta and the Ash-colored Tapaculo, both masters of camouflage amidst the forest floor.
Journey to the high-altitude grasslands, where the Andean Flicker and Andean Lapwing thrive against the
backdrop of breathtaking vistas. Witness the spectacle of Andean Condors riding thermal currents, their massive
wingspans an awe-inspiring sight against the rugged mountains.
Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their expertise and leading you to the best birding spots,
ensuring you have the chance to observe and photograph these feathered wonders up close. Their deep
understanding of Huancavelica’s avian residents adds an educational dimension to your adventure, enriching your
experience with insights into the intricate relationships between birds and their environment.
Join us on a birdwatching expedition that promises not only incredible bird sightings but also a profound
connection to the natural beauty of Huancavelica.
Let the melodies of its birds and the breathtaking landscapes create memories that will linger long after your journey
ends.
Birdwatching in Huancavelica
BIRDS HUANCAVELICA EARTH IS HOT SPRINGS AND DANCERS OF SCISSORS AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES
Huancavelica: Department
Huancavelica: Province
Location: 12 ° 47’06 ” S 74 ° 58’17 ” W / 12 785 , -74.97139
Latitude: 12 ° 47’06 ” S
Longitude: 74 ° 58’17 “W
Altitude: 3 676 m
Distance: 444 km from Lima Huancayo traveling 449 km from Lima
Area: 514.10 [1 ] km ²
Foundation on August 4, 1571 [2 ]
Population 37,255 (2007 ) [3 ] Inhabitants
Population Density 72.46 / km ²
ACCESS ROUTES:
To reach by road from Lima , there are two routes . One is through Huancayo, which can be reached by the Central
road.
The other route is longer and passes along the road Pisco Los Libertadores . IF you travel by bus , you should be
aware that there is a ground terminal on this destination , but most transport companies concentrated around Plaza
Santa Ana
BIRDS HUANCAVELICA:Birdwatching in Huancavelica .
Located 3,676 meters above sea level , was founded by the Spanish in 1571 under the name of Villa Rica de Oropesa ,
following the discovery of the mercury mine of Santa Barbara. During the Viceroyalty was the second ‘ most
important mining site of America after Potosí in Bolivia today . This situation radically changed the fate of these
lands once dominated by wari and chanca . He began to amass great fortunes in the area and it is from this period
that belong to large mansions and colonial-style temples that adorn the main streets of the city, colorful crib
Cathedral . In the province of Castrovirreyna , archaeological ruins Huaytará remains of nearly 1,200 different
periods in twenty areas – are a fascinating and informative destination. You can not help but mention its spectacular
folk events such as the colorful dance of the Negritos , the Girls, and pallas Mochis . As for cuisine , travelers will find
a variety of dishes from the central Andean region , most notably tripe broth , Patasca Pachamanca and suck
pumpkin and classic style calientitos to Huancavelica , to shelter the cold in the Andean night to the sound of a guitar
and the voices of their huaynos . Browse their people is perhaps the best experience that this area has to offer. Since
there is a mass tourism destination , provides the opportunity for greater interaction with its inhabitants through
experiential tourism : learning their customs and participate in rural activities , for example, in growing panllevar as
livestock. and rituals that accompany them.
Modernity, tradition , identity, nature and earthy beat of the Andes in Huancavelica converge to give visitors an
unforgettable experience in one of the oldest cities of Peru trip.
SQUARE CITY HUANCAVELICA:
Maintains colonial arrangement with the Cathedral , the Prefecture and the Palace of Justice, typical Spanish
foundational schema. The main square has the old two-story town hall , famous for their portals. There is also the
chapel of the Virgin of Sorrows and the old movie theater.
In the middle, there is a octagonal shaped pool , built with granite stones, and two sources representing Indian and
faces whose mouths water goes .
COLONIAL BRIDGE OF ASCENSION:
Located in the shred Tambo de Mora, this bridge has four centuries. It was built on the edge of downtown with the
district of Huancavelica Ascension. The beautiful monument retains its original ornamental style, with two rails that
frame , resting in an area of massive stone .
LA MERCED CHURCH:
If you are interested in churches and their history . , Please visit the Iglesia La Merced. It was declared a National
Historic Landmark since there the Constituent Congress of General Gamarra was installed. Their address is: 100
Royal Street .
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF SAN ANTONIO:
Facing the Plaza de Armas , the Cathedral is the main church of Huancavelica. It was built between the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries the Baroque style , with its high altar bathed in gold . It has a very unique façade , covered with
reddish stones brought from the Near Puka Rumi. Inside are layers of silver and valuable paintings from the Cusco
School and Huamanga .
SAN SEBASTIAN TEMPLE:
‘s Located at the Plaza Bolognesi . It has a neoclassical facade of the eighteenth century. Their altars are carved wood
covered in gold leaf , like the roof of the right wing . In a small altar , is the Lord of Arrest . It is visited by his
followers during the Easter festivities .
CHURCH AND CONVENT OF SAN FRANCISCO:
It is located in Plaza Bolognesi . It has a style that mixes different trends , both Spanish and locally sourced . It was
built in the eighteenth century. Inside can be seen carved wooden altarpieces and plated with gold , among which
that of San Francisco , which takes its name. According to popular legend of the headless father , that the spirit of a
priest who hanged himself in the convent appears some nights to ring the bells of the Church. Colorful scissors dance
is performed in the atrium during the Christmas holidays and Bajada de Reyes
TEMPLE OF SANTA ANA IN BIRDS HUANCAVELICA:
It was the first church in town flagpole . It is located in the Plaza Ramón Castilla and preserved colonial baroque altars .
In them, you can appreciate works of the disciples of famous European painter El Greco, and colorful ornamental
purposes , as the combination of floral subjects.
TEMPLE OF SANTO DOMINGO:
Located in the plaza of the same name , belongs to the early days of the Viceroyalty , the same as most churches and
temples huancavelicanos . In the temple of Santo Domingo, the faithful worship both Virgin Rosarlo as Santo
Domingo, whose images were brought from Italy. Ancient stories tell that the cloister through secret passages c
ommunicated with the temple of San Francisco.
If you go in January , you can see the traditional dance of the Negritos to be held in the atrium .
HOT SPRINGS POOL OF DISTRICT OF SAN CRISTOBAL:
Visited by its healing properties, the thermal waters of San Cristobal are also recreation center amenities . The place
has a pool for Olympic competitions , besides having other adults and children.
Custodian has the statue of a dancing scissors . Address: Avenue April 28, Barrio de San Cristobal.
CHRIST CHURCH OF ST IN BIRDS HUANCAVELICA:
Located on the highest point of the district of the same name, the Church also has a baroque style . Apart from its
historical and tourism value , has beautiful paintings called Cusco School and murals decorated with motifs from the
eighteenth century Huancavelica .
One of the festivals that are celebrated here is the Child Emmanuel , which takes place during the first days of
February.
TOWN Sacsamarca:Birdwatching in Huancavelica.
With its stone houses built almost four thousand feet , is Sacsamarca , whose name derives from the Quechua words
saksay and marka , meaning ” hospitable and cheerful people.” It has many attractions for the traveler, as Qayara
Puya Raimondi in Kuchu
. The Calvarlo hill is the guardian of the people and Disparate river running through it. Its landscape consists of high
mountains and nature trails. It is just 4 km southwest of the city of Huancavelica, arrive promptly 45 min walk or 10
min by car .
MINE DEATH SANTA BARBARA:Birdwatching in Huancavelica.
Legendary exploited mining center during the time of the Viceroyalty , was the source of extraction of mercury or
quicksilver screed bigger. Due to Inhumane conditions in which they worked , it was considered the ” Mine of Death”
Spain had much interest in this area, as mercury was a necessary mineral in the metallurgical process of purifying
silver, why , Huancavelica neighboring towns were almost alone in terms of the activities of Santa Barbara. To get
there, go 6 km that separate city velica Huanca , about an hour walk or 15 min by car .
LAGUNA Choclococha:Birdwatching in Huancavelica.
This immense mirror in the middle of snow-covered mountains , is the largest lagoon in Huancavelica. It is located
4,600 meters above sea level It is ideal for boating, trout fishing or watching wild ducks. It offers the opportunity to
enjoy the company of vicuña and alpaca approaching the shores in search of food . To access this location, it must
travel 68 km from the city to the community Choclococha , then make a 10 min trip by bus to the town of Santa Ines
and continue the path 15 min.
PRODUCTION AND RESEARCH CENTER OF SOUTH CAMELIDS – Birdwatching in Huancavelica.
Located in Tucumachay Gulch , near the snowy San Andrés , nearly 5,000 meters above sea level and is only 19 km
from the city of Huancavelica or 45 min by bus . It has all the varieties of Andean and South American camelids (
vicuña ,lamas , alpacas and guanacos ) . It is administered by the National University of Huancavelica in
collaboration with specialized institutes . Hopefully , you can see condors flying over the area .
DISTRICT IZCUCHACA:
Le owes its name to a beautiful bridge of lime derived from the Quechua words Izcuchaca ( bridge). The place has
thermal springs located in the towns of Paucari , Huaspu and Aguas Calientes. In the vicinity, you can see remains
that confirm the presence of people in the pre Inca times . The bridge, also known as ” bridge Mantaro ” has a station
in the path of the beloved “male train ” which connects Huancayo to Huancavelica. It is 78 km north of the latter , a 2
hour journey by dirt road .
SECCSACHACA –Birdwatching in Huancavelica .
Known as the ” Sanctuary of Love seqsa – chaca is a Quechua word meaning ” crooked bridge. ” Is also known as”
Villa Cariño . ” In an area of about four acres , is located on the Left Bank bunch grass . a series of geological
formations are volcanic caves. , There are also two hot springs ( the Bath of the Inca and the Three Boas ) . Its tourist
infrastructure is friendly to the environment , because it respects the geology of the area .
ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX Uchkus Inkañan -Birdwatching in Huancavelica .
A 26 km from the city is the center. Ceremonial , administrative and astronomical observations dating back to a
period prior to the Incas. On a platform , is the remainder of the water bodies , whose function was to reflect the
movements of the Sun and Moon . They also highlight a miniature platform , which proves that it was also a center of
agricultural experimentation.
SNOWY CHONTA
Its peak reaches 5085 m and the area is perfect for adventure sports such as mountaineering and trekking. In the
surroundings , you can see a variety of flora and Incredible mountain fauna typical of the range. It is located 64 km
from Huancavelica and 3 km from the beautiful lagoon Pultocc ( probably an extinct volcano crater ) , known , among
other things, the famous rainbow trout .
EL TREN MACHO –
Way you will know the train that connects Huancayo to Huancavelica, because ” when I wanted and came out when
he could .” Beyond the irregularity of his travels, he has become an icon of the area by the beautiful scenery that can
be seen in transit. Along the way, passing through the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes and colonial Izcuchaca bridge
Characteristically terminals sellers find potato with cheese or corn and cheese , snacks characteristic of the
mountains, and biscuits and fizzy drinks to waiting passengers . The male train is being remodeled and, for now , is
inoperative Recognized as Cultural Patrimony of the Nation , for many, the scissors dance is an impressive full color
and dexterity artistic display , . , But to the inhabitants of the region Andean center is primarily a ritual.
BIRDS HUANCAVELICA TRADITION -Birdwatching in Huancavelica .
The origin of this dance goes back to colonial times . Some say that the resistance movement emerged in Taki Oncoy (
Singing disease ) against the cultural domination and assimilation of Spanish customs and beliefs . It says that the
Temples gave them strength to the followers of this movement to sing and dance. Others claim that in the sixteenth
century and the descendants of the Chanca , indigenous people of Huancavelica , Ayacucho and Apurimac , took
advantage of Good Friday , the day that the Christian God does not see what happens in the world , to celebrate. That
day , his Andean divinities , in alliance with the devil, the dancers granted supernatural powers , giving them the
opportunity to perform superhuman fates as those performed during the dance . Because of this alliance as it was
originally known supay wasi Tušak or dance the devil’s house . ” Beyond what theory is taken as true, it is Important
to highlight that this is a mestizo ritual. It is a cultural expression where is , choreography , representing the spirits of
the gods prehispáni.cos region . , and that is atavistic religious – ritualistic character .
THE DANCERS – Birdwatching in Huancavelica .
Dansaq also known as ‘or’ gala , trained from young to play the role of mediators between the gods and men. As
mentioned , during the colonial period were believed to have links with the devil , which had enabled them to
perform such feats of flexibility and fakirs . This belief caused them to be persecuted by the extirpation of idolatries
campaign conducted by the Inquisition. Among the skills that a person should have to be dansaq ‘ physical strength is
needed to support the comprehensive performing acrobatic routines . They also receive spiritual training , in which
they perform rituals in comendándose the apus , and are taught to read the coca leaves . Upon completion of the
learning process , they go through . An initiation ceremony that takes place during Easter. Scenario is taken as a
sacred place, which may be a hill or a lake, for learners to show their teachers the skills acquired . When you run the
ball you can not miss them scissors in the right hand . These are two independent steel sheets having a ring on one
end that simulate superimposed scissors. The longest is 26 inches and is called ” male”, weighs a pound and is issuing
the deeper sound , the ” female” of 24 inches , is always perched on the male. These instruments , as they also go
through rituals. When male ” , he bathed in the blood of animal or is covered with grease east. ” Female “is subject to
the winds of the plains and dive in brandy is in the middle of a lake or taste
DRESS – Birdwatching in Huancavelica .
Onsite flashy clothes of the dancers. In the head, will overburden representing the dominant position of the condor.
The illpuy red handkerchief tied around his neck to Prevent dancer forces from escaping. About the white suit ,
wearing a poncho with embroidery apu which instructs the dancer . In the hand , carries a red cloth scarf in keeping
land in square dancing . Spells to prevent
DANCE OF SCISSORS -Birdwatching in Huancavelica
Takes place in religious celebrations and employers are celebrated in the central and southern highlands of the
Andes.
Traditionally, in the dance from April to December just in the dry season and the start of the rainy season ,
very important dates for agricultural villages: Be performed skills in participating composite crews , each for a dancer
, a violinist and a harpist who the beat of different tunes face in a competition known as hapinakuy , as it is called in
these lands. The challenge is to propose increasingly difficult movements in order to prove their superiority .
Contendorla on scissors dance follows a sequence which varies according to the music and be progressively increases
the risk of the dance steps .
These spectacular reach their maximum during the test and . Pasta . In testing the dancer displays his acrobatic
flexibility through movement at the time of executing the pastas, the dancer enters a trance also lets you perform
incredible magic resistance tests or pain. Among them, this swords introducing your esophagus or a violin hanging
his tongue through a thread. Even ‘ made to appear ‘ toads or eat live snakes .
