Weekend in Huanuco

A 16th-century Franciscan church with a striking ochre facade and detailed wooden altarpieces inside. The adjacent convent has a quiet courtyard.

Tip: Look for the small catacombs entrance on the left side of the nave. The guide might let you in for a small tip.

Small museum housing pre-Columbian pottery, textiles, and mummies from the Kotosh and Chavín cultures, plus colonial-era art.

Tip: Free entry on Sundays. Ask the guard to show you the back room with the stuffed condor—it's not labelled but worth seeing.

A landscaped park with native plants, walking paths, and a small amphitheatre. Often used for local craft fairs and Sunday performances.

Tip: Come on a Saturday morning for the weekly artisan market where you can buy handwoven textiles directly from makers at half the tourist price.

The main square, dominated by the Cathedral of Huánuco and a statue of the Mariscal Cáceres. A good spot to people-watch and see the city's public life.

Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the colonial buildings. Vendors sell cheap fruit and empanadas on the north side.

A hilltop viewpoint with a large cross, offering panoramic views over the Huánuco valley and the Huallaga River. A short but steep climb from the city centre.

Tip: Go just before sunset for the best light and cooler temperature. Bring water and wear decent shoes—the path is rocky and unlit after dark.