The potential for agriculture and livestock rearing in the Mantaro valley enabled the Huanca culture to flourish until the 16 th century, when it was overcome by the Incas. After the Conquista, the Franciscan convent at Ocopa became a base for evangelising missions into the Peruvian Amazon basin.

Convent of Ocopa – Chapel of La Merced – Cerrito de la Libertad (view) – Sunday craft fair in Huancayo.
In Jauja: Laguna de Paca.
In Tarma: The Guagapo caves. In accordance with an old Easter week tradition, the town streets are decorated with beautiful flower carpets during this holiday.