Things To Do
in Cerro de Pasco
Cerro de Pasco is a high-altitude city located in the Andes mountains of Peru, sitting at approximately 4,330 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level. Known for its rich mining history, it is one of the highest cities in the world and serves as a vital hub for mineral extraction. The city is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including rugged mountains and expansive mineral-rich plains.
With a diverse cultural heritage, Cerro de Pasco offers visitors a unique glimpse into life in one of Peru's most challenging environments.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Daniel Alcides Carrión, the main square, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and take photos of the surrounding colonial architecture.
Visit the Museo Regional de Cerro de Pasco to learn about the area's mining history and see artifacts from the region.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying traditional dishes, followed by a stroll through the streets to experience the local nightlife.
Take a short trip to the Huayllay National Sanctuary, where you can explore the unique rock formations and rich biodiversity.
Return to the city and visit local markets to shop for artisanal crafts and souvenirs.
End your day with a visit to a local bar or café to enjoy live music and socialize with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at a local restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🚌Public transport fare | $0.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-30 |
| 🛍️Souvenir from local market | $2-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning high-altitude landscapes and unique geological formations.
- Rich cultural heritage and history related to mining.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
- High altitude may cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
- Limited dining and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Cold temperatures at night can be uncomfortable without proper clothing.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está...?" - Where is...?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Cerro de Pasco
Visit one of these nice places.
The main square offers beautiful colonial architecture and vibrant local life, making it an ideal spot for capturing the essence of Cerro de Pasco.
Famous for its stunning rock formations and diverse flora and fauna, this sanctuary provides dramatic landscapes for nature photography.
The expansive mining area presents a unique opportunity to photograph the scale of mining operations against the backdrop of the Andes.
Food in Cerro de Pasco
Cerro de Pasco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish where meats and vegetables are cooked underground with hot stones, offering a unique flavor and experience.
Must-Try!
A popular street food made of sliced sausages served with fried potatoes and various sauces.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food vendors offering various snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time, and using first names is often acceptable after an introduction.
Showing respect to older individuals is important; it’s customary to stand when an elder enters a room.
While locals can be friendly, maintaining some personal space is appreciated, especially in crowded areas.
Safety
Tipping in Cerro de Pasco
Ensure a smooth experience
It is customary to tip around 10% in restaurants if service is not included; for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are becoming more common in larger establishments. ATMs are available in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm days and cool nights, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring local attractions.
Temperatures start to drop, and the weather is generally mild, great for enjoying cultural events and local festivals.
Cold nights and warm days characterize this season, with possible snow at higher elevations, ideal for photography but requiring warm clothing.
Temperatures begin to rise again, with blooming flora making for beautiful landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities.
Cerro de Pasco at Night
Hiking in Cerro de Pasco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging hike that takes you through stunning landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Huaytapallana mountain range.
This moderate hike leads to a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
Airports
How to reach Cerro de Pasco by plane.
Located approximately 90 kilometers from Cerro de Pasco, Jauja Airport is the nearest airport offering domestic flights, mainly connecting to Lima.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cerro de Pasco is home to various indigenous groups, particularly the Quechua, who maintain traditional customs and languages.
Given the city’s mining history, many residents are involved in the mining industry, shaping the local economy and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is immensely popular in Cerro de Pasco, with local teams and community matches being a common sight.
With its varied terrain, cycling is a favored sport, both for leisure and competition among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cerro de Pasco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional dishes often include meat, many restaurants offer vegetarian options. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs to ensure suitable meals.