The Mantaro Valley, of Peru: Another Wonder of the World (Edited and Revised by Dennis L. Siluk)

ENGLISH Short VERSION


THE MANTARO VALLEY, of Peru
ANOTHER WONDER OF THE WORLD

Written by: Jose Arrieta
Translated by Rosa Peñaloza de Siluk & Edited and Revised by Dennis L. Siluk


Note: as you read through this synopses of a trip through the Mantaro Valley, keep in mind not all these locations can be gotten to by train, it may take buses or cars, but in Huancayo, there are travel agencies.

Through this brochure (by reading it, it will guide you through the REGION of JUNIN); what we hope it will do is: help you become aware, with your eyes, ears and mental images (imagination) to capture the majesty and splendour of one of the marvels of the world, the “MANTARO VALLE (of Central Peru within the magnificent Andes) which is becoming known throughout the world as another marvel.

“I wish I would be a great Shaman or a powerful Andean person to possess the power of the spell and the charm, and in this moment to transform and to transport all of you for a few minutes to see, to feel, and to enjoy the charm, marvels and tourist attractions of my majestic Mantaro Valley.”

By: Miguel Antignani.


Believe it or not, there is a restless power, vitality, energy in the Mantaro Valley that will captivate you, it is almost like magic, it draws you into it, into its Wanka history, its unconquerable legacy, with its celebrations year round, beautiful sun, and delicious assortment of foods, it is like a spell, in that it will fascinate and spoil those who try to possess her; her being, the Mantaro Valley with all its old time customs, traditions, and culture.

In the process of coming to the Mantaro Valley from Lima, you may wish to visit the Valley of Hatun Mayo also: so let’s present here an imaginary trip for a better understanding:

It is possible to get there using different means of transportation but I suggest, for the first time travellers to this area (and for a beautiful view), take the Central Railroad a portion of the way (and buses and other transportation as needed), and celebrate its 100th year anniversary of its operation and construction.

Assuming you will be taking the train a portion of the way, you come aboard at “Desamparados”; next, the train will ascend to higher altitudes ((close to 16,000 Feet)( busses will also do this)) and throughout this journey, it will also pass through some sixty-tunnels, and a number of zigzags, to include crossing forty-five bridges, thus, we end up almost touching the clouds at the famous city called Ticcllo. Beyond this point, the train will take you even higher, in the process one can see towering summits and lagoons, and then through the renowned city of La Oroya, where here lays the bowels of the Andes, and where precious metals are transformed into human wealth.

As we continue on this course (via, train)to the famous Hatun Mayo, one will see typical highlands, beautiful landscapes; and enmeshed within this excursion, one will hear the tranquilizing sounds of the flowing waters of the Mantaro River. Along this passageway, it will be somewhat possible to see Old Inca Roads, and perhaps capture some old Inca and Wanka stone walls, with your cameras.
Further on, is the dark and telluric snow-capped mountain called Pariacaca.
There at Pariacaca, one can hear the endless flow of the rivers Cochas and Pachacayo, and see the surrounding forest called ‘Raymondi’ in Canchayllo
.
(Check to see if the train runs this way, or you may take a trip from Huancayo to this location by car or bus.)

As we continue on this journey, there is an abundance of vegetarian and the climate abruptly changes; hence, we are now entering ‘Jauja.’
(Incidentally, this is the way earlier settlers went, when visiting, settling or seeking to settle in this country style haven; here one wakeups to a hearty breakfast of rolls of corn, hot bread, and eggs, at many of the hotels and restaurants.)

Laguna de Paca
(In The Mantaro Valley)


Still in the Mantaro Valley (in the province of Jauja) one may wish to visit the famous Laguna de Paca, it can be reached coming back from another destination (heading into the Huancayo area), or from Lima through the Andes, and into the valley. It has been said (by legend, and the editor of this article has seen one of the ghosts) there is a sunken city in the lake, and a ghost or ghosts thereabouts linger about the edge of the lake at night, and people have said they hear them howl at night, and the bells of the sunken church rings at midnight.

Also, the valley has the lake called Tragadero, which the Wanka race is very proud of.

In addition to these two lakes you may wish to become familiar with some of its legends and folklore, perhaps you will find a guide to tell you some of them; they make for a good past time, socialization, and are very interesting and entertaining.

The Monastery & Blue Valley


The next city, before the Blue Valley (a valley within the Mantaro Valley), is Ocopa, a must see place, its monastery, and library with antique books making it a most interesting historical site. Here you will see layers of culture, Christendom as it was developed in this region, and the hardships depicted on old paintings.

While in the Mantaro Valley, you are in the Central Region of Peru; here resides the Blue Valley I previously mentioned, that is, the valley within the valley, with a most handsome river running through it, and restaurants with delicious trout, and women doing their laundry the old fashion way, in the river itself, while pigs, dogs, cats donkeys pace along the river’s edge idly.

Furthermore, we must not forget the famous and rich artichokes this area is known for, and the land of the trout, a delicious fish, that will satisfy most anyone’s appetite.


The City of Concepcion
(And the Second largest Statue in South America)


In another city called Concepcion, a tinge larger than most of them in the Mantaro Valley, excluding, Huancayo, they have a fiesta in July, of the bread, and the renowned ride of the donkey who carries a number of baskets of bread through the city.
By all means, there is much to see in the valley, to keep the busy person active, and for the more tranquil person, there are ruins and museums, among other sites, where one needs not be as active.
Let me talk a little more on the city of Conception, it has what is called the Ugarte House (predating the Pacific War with Chile and Peru); across the street is the Main Church, where there was a great battle in front of it; and its famous fountain of water in the Plaza de Arms, just a few steps across the street.
“Stone-Still, “perhaps can be considered a lookout point, for the view there is overwhelming, it captures almost the whole valley, and you can rest numerable times on your walk up to the point, and there normally are a number of handcraft sellers on the ascension. On top of the hill is the second largest statue in South America, of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Concepcion. Perhaps if you are lucky, you can enter the statue, climb up its several flights, and look through her eyes, looking out upon the city and valley.


Huancayo
(City of the Wanka and the Treasure of Catalina Wanka)


Just before you enter Huancayo, seven miles to Huancayo you will pass the silver city of the world, San Jeronimo; do not pass this city up, for kings have ordered their gold carving from this little village. This also is the land of the dancing Los Avelinos, where in August of each year there is a big fiesta.
Also in San Jeronimo, the most famous lady of the Mantaro Valley once lived here, “Catalina Wanka” most famous for hiding a treasure she was going to give to the Spanish to free the last Inca King. Well, no one has found it, yet…and her house can still be seen in San Jeronimo, and so for the treasure hunters, good luck.

Now let me introduce you to Huancayo. There is a saying, and street, referred to as “The Little Way” and perhaps if you drive into Huancayo during daylight you will notice it.
Huancayo has a lot of history behind it, and you can get most everything you need there, if not in the other smaller cities in the Mantaro Valley; they even have a large hospital, and a number of good restaurants, and hotels (three Stars) to chose from, and a famous Sunday market that you can buy most anything you wish, and bargain for it, it is a shoppers paradise, a must for a hunter of odds and ends.
The Cathedral and Plaza de Arms, have a profound history. Here slavery took place, and was abolished, also it is the place in Peru, where the First Constitution was proclaimed, and that was in 1839. Huancayo dates to around 1572 AD, as a city, and predates that as far as being inhabited by the valley folks. And when you walk the downtown area, you cannot miss the famous ‘Real’ street. It is an artist haven, or poet’s corner.

Pachamanca

As Peru is well known worldwide as a place for different tastes of food, the Mantaro Valley has its own also (for it is a world sit aside from the world). That is to say, it has a particular food called: Pachamanca, which is only possible to get in the Mantaro Valley. And also, the famous soup for breakfast “Mondongo.”


THE MANTARO VALLEY can boast of many things, but let’s simply say, it has come to the edge of its awakening age, its people wish to welcome you, and are very hospitable to strangers, and visitors. Come one, come all and join in the land of mystic, dance, songs, fiestas, foods, and the Andes, come to the Mantaro Valley, it is a different world, you may never want to leave once you see and experience its magic.