Discover Huillapima

Huillapima offers cultural points of interest in the town, as well as other destinations at the municipal and departmental levels. For planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these levels: the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Luján and the Chaya are part of Huillapima’s cultural character; campgrounds and nature destinations can also be found in other towns in the municipality or in the wider Capayán Department.

Church and Cultural Heritage in Huillapima

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Luján is located opposite Huillapima’s main square. It is a very old structure made of stone and adobe. Inside, the church has a central nave and two side aisles; two towers stand at the front. The bell tower is on the southern tower and was built at almost the same time as the rest of the structure. The bell dates from 1854.

The Biblioteca Popular building and the Casa Parroquial are also among the buildings declared of cultural interest because of their traditional architecture. Together with the church, they offer concrete points of reference for anyone interested in the town’s architectural history and built heritage. The church’s location opposite the main square also gives you a clear sense of orientation between two important local landmarks.

Chaya as a Cultural Tradition

Chaya is a Huillapima tradition and part of the region’s cultural heritage. At a 2024 edition, participating dance groups brought color to the celebration with their stage design and costumes, accompanied by the aroma of basil. These details give an impression of the cultural elements that came together at that edition. If you would like to include a future edition in your travel plans, check the specific event dates.

Campgrounds in the Municipality

Outside the town of Huillapima, but within the municipality, campgrounds are located in Concepción and Coneta. Camping Municipal Concepción is in the town of Concepción. Its listed facilities include electricity, a canteen, barbecue grills, toilets, showers, benches, tables, three swimming pools, parking, and a basin for washing clothes and dishes.

Camping Municipal Coneta is in the town of Coneta, on the Río de Miraflores. Its listed facilities include drinking water, a dining room, 30 barbecue grills with benches, four quinchos, changing rooms, and two swimming pools. The listed features may help you compare the two sites: Concepción, for example, has showers, parking, and a washing basin, while Coneta’s facilities include 30 barbecue grills and four quinchos. Check the current availability of the sites and their facilities before making plans.

Nature Destinations in the Capayán Department

Within the municipality of Huillapima, the Reserva Natural Municipal Mogote de la Cruz includes a river and an arrayán forest. In 2026, a management plan is being implemented there, the associated trails are being upgraded, and environmental wardens are being trained. These measures concern the protected area at the municipal level and should be distinguished from the cultural points of interest in the town of Huillapima.

The wider destination of the Capayán Department is also home to the Reserva Natural Municipal Los Capayanes. It includes sierras and native flora and fauna, and offers hiking trails for nature tourism. Another regional nature destination is the proposed Arrayanes de Concepción protected area. It includes southern remnants of montane Yungas forests and cloud grasslands. About 200 bird species are reported in the area, including migratory birds. Hot springs are also among the tourist attractions in the proposed Parque y Reserva Nacional Arrayanes de Concepción.

From the town of Concepción, the Bosque de Arrayanes can be reached on foot or on horseback via a moderately difficult, 11-kilometer route, accompanied by an authorized provider or guide. The route runs between two ravines, along the Río Pampichuela and the Arroyo del Bosque stream. Check trail conditions before planning; river conditions can vary seasonally.

Fiesta Nacional de la Mandarina in Chumbicha

The Fiesta Nacional de la Mandarina is also part of the wider destination of the Capayán Department. It has been held annually in Chumbicha since 1974 and was declared a National Festival. The festival celebrates the rural work associated with growing mandarins. Its listed features include craft fairs, stalls selling regional products, and a courtyard serving regional dishes, where you can sample local flavors. If you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates of the relevant edition in advance.

For the wider travel overview: Capayán Department.