Characterized by clusters of non-descript concrete buildings and streets crowded with buses, Huancayo is a visually unspectacular town. What it lacks in optical allure, however, it more than makes up for in cultural draw. Located in the heart of the Mantaro Valley, the city has garnered a reputation as the center of Andean artesanía. Although tourism to the area dwindled from late 1980 to early 1990, when the region was the stage of a bloody conflict between the Shining Path and Peruvian army, the town and its vibrant inhabitants seem to have recovered. Huancayo has re-emerged as a bustling commercial hub and cultural center that draws people from around the world for its food, crafts, dancing and music.
The town's Sunday Market on Huancavelica Street is worth a wander, though you’re probably better off heading to one of the local villages for handicrafts. If you don’t make it into town for Sunday’s market, there is also a daily market located behind the railway station, and a handicrafts market between Ancash and Real, which are both worth a look.
Besides shopping the town has a couple of interesting sites, which can be reached by taxi or on foot. Some of the highlights include the sandstone towers of Torre Torre and the Parque de la Identidad Huanca, which boasts interesting surrealistic sculptures dispersed among a variety of indigenous plants and markers highlighting the history of the Mantaro Valley. There are also a variety of good value Peruvian restaurants located in this area. The Cerrito de la Libertad offers a good view of the city and a small park.
The city makes a great base for exploring the surrounding Mantaro Valley, which is lined with vibrant villages and attractive artesian communities. The craftspeople of this region produce an amazing variety of high-quality handicrafts and artwork. If you've been to Lima, Cusco, or any hotel with a gift shop, you'll recognize these Andean treasures.  Visiting the towns around Huancayo is easy—they're surprisingly close—and fun.  You'll get a better price than in the big cities, plus the awareness that your money is going directly to the artist and not some middleman.   
In addition to its fine crafts, Huancayo and the Mantaro Valley are also famous for their local festivals. In particular the Festival de Apóstal Santiago is a can't-miss occasion if you're around for it. Kicking off on July 25^th, the festival presents an eclectic mix of Christian and pre-Hispanic traditions, featuring spectacular dances and ritualistic cattle branding.   
Plan on staying a couple of days in Huancayo—see our Huancayo Hotels section for lodging advice—and day trip out to see the small artisan towns in the region. Try to arrange your trip so that you can see the Sunday market.
Be aware that Huancayo has one of the highest crime rates in Peru: locals blame it on youth gangs. Take extra caution during visits.
See our getting there and away page for more information.