Lunahuaná

Lunahuaná
Plaza de Armas of Lunahuaná
Lunahuaná
Coordinates: 12°57′49″S 76°08′28″W / 12.96361°S 76.14111°W / -12.96361; -76.14111

Lunahuaná is a small village in the Cañete Province in Peru. The town lies about 187 km south of Lima in the Lunahuaná valley at the bank of Cañete River. Lunahuaná is located 476 meters above sea level . Due to the unique landscape Lunahuaná is a very popular destination for both Peruvians and foreign tourists. According to the 2007 census, there were 4.567 inhabitants.

In Lunahuaná you can taste local dishes prepared in clay pots and wooden stoves such as: Shrimp (various styles), chola soup, duck with rice, tamales, chicharrones, adobo pork, carapulcra, pachamanca, guinea pigs and rabbits.

The history of Lunahuaná dates back to the origins of Peru. There is evidence that the first settlers arrived in this area between 6000 and 2000 BC. However, it was during the expansion of the Inca Empire that Lunahuaná became the second largest city led by Pachacútec.

The name Lunahuaná might be derived from Quechua (runa man, mankind, wana punishment). The Lunahuaná valley was the target of Inca conquests. First, the Guarco, or Huarco, settled in the valley. Due to the natural obstacles of the wild Cañete River the campaigns of the Inca took three to four years. Still today there are the ruins of the fortress Inka Wasi eight kilometers from the successful conquest. Tupac Yupanqui was part of these campaigns. Lunahuaná was officially founded in 1821 as a market town of Don José de San Martín.

In the center of the village there is a Catholic church, situated at the main square, which was built by the Order of the Franciscans in 1690. In 1972 the church was declared a historical monument.

The main attraction of Lunahuaná is the Cañete river. It is a popular destination for whitewater boat tours (rafting). Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and fishing. Inka Wasi is situated about eight kilometers from Lunahuaná. The complex is divided into three sections, the area of the Inca (El barrio incaico), a religious center called Qullqa (Colcas, El barrio de las colcas religioso) and finally there is the palace of the Inca (El palacio del Inca).