Jauja

About

Back in the 1500’s, before Lima took the title, Jauja served as the capital of Spanish Peru. It’s known as the “Land of Cockaigne”, a mythical paradisaical place where you can live without having to work. When the Spanish arrived to Jauja they thought they had found utopia in this idyllic small city! It maintains its charm today as an immaculate town just off the beaten tourist track. If you’re there on a Sunday or Wednesday, don’t miss the famous weekly markets to get your hands on local handicrafts for low prices. Regardless of what day you're in town, don't miss the Baroque Juaja Cathedral and the Gothic Capilla Cristo Pobre church, and for an insight into the pre-Incan Xauxa culture, there’s an archaeological museum and a fossil museum in town. Or, just outside of town enjoy a boat ride around Laguna de Paca before tucking into some local cuisine at one of the surrounding lakeside restaurants.