Lunahuaná

Lunahuan is a small village in the province of Cañete in Peru. The village is located about 187 km south of Lima in Lunahuan Valley at the raging river Río Cañete. Lunahuan is located 476 meters above sea level. Due to the unique landscape Lunahuan is a very popular destination for both Peruvians and tourists. In census 2007 4.567 inhabitants were counted.

History

The name originates from the Quechua Lunahuan. It consists of the words runa ( humans) and huanac (the one punished ) together. The literal meaning is therefore the one who punishes the people. The Lunahuana Valley was the target of the Inca conquest. First, the valley was settled by the Guarco. Due to the natural obstacles to the wild river Rio Cañete took the campaigns of the Incas three to four years. Still today the ruins of the fortress Incawasi eight kilometers from Lunahuan the successful conquest. Tupac Yupanqui was part of these campaigns. Lunahuan was officially founded in 1821 as a market town of Don José de San Martín.

Attractions

In the center of the village is built by the Order of Friars Minor in 1690 Catholic Church. In the church there is the typical for Latin America 's main square (Plaza de Armas ). In 1972 the church was declared a historical monument.

However, the main attraction of Lunahuan is the Cañete River, which is with rapids up to class 4 a popular destination for whitewater boat tours (rafting). Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and fishing.

Eight kilometers of Lunahuan is the Inca fortress Incawasi. The complex is divided into three areas. First there is the Inca - quarter ( El Barrio incaico ). It follows a religious center or the so-called Colcas (El Barrio Religioso o de las Colcas ). Colcas the Incas called then their goods and warehouses. Finally, there is the palace of the Incas (El Palacio del Inca).