Huánuco
Huánuco is a midsize town located in the Huallaga Valley. It provides travelers with a good place to stay while en route towards destinations in the Amazon Basin.
Set an elevation of 6,200 feet (1,890 m), Huánuco is located along the road to Pucallpa. The townspeople claim that Huánuco has the best climate in Peru—it’s fairly warm throughout the whole year, although it can see cooler nights in the winter and some rain during the summer. The town is bordered by the Río Huallaga and surrounded by forests and mountains.
Huánuco was founded in 1539 by Spanish conquistador Gómez de Alvarado. The town’s Spanish roots can still be seen in the architecture of buildings and churches. What’s more, the area around Huánuco once hosted some of Peru’s earliest human settlements; some extremely old ruins were found nearby at Kotosh and Lauricocha. Incan ruins and relics are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains.
12 miles outside of town you can visit the Lagunas de Pichgacocha. These waterfalls and lagoons can be reached on foot or by car and are very picturesque. For more post-hike bliss, visit the nearby hot springs.
Where to stay in Huánuco
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Huánuco accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Grand Hotel Huanuco
A shared lounge and casino offers enterainment while a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool help you keep your body in top shop for rugged adventures. Grand Hotel Huanuco in Peru’s Central Highlands is an excellent choice for a bit of luxury before trekking through the Amazon Basin. Treat yourself for a delightful stay in a pleasant town with moderate weather and friendly people.
Casa Hacienda Shismay
Set 10.5 miles (17 km) from the town of Huánuco, Hacienda Shismay is located on 8,650 acres (3,500 ha) of wide-open Pillco Valley. This part of central Peru boasts warm, sunny weather almost every day of the year.
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