Tarma: Cave Art, Archaeology and Nature

Cave paintings, archaeological remains and a centuries-old cedar tree offer different ways to explore Tarma. The places and themes range from Palcamayo and Huaricolca to hiking trails in the Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa. You can organize your stay around your interests: cave and settlement history, nature, views or regional cuisine. Details about a hiking trail and a viewpoint also provide specific time estimates to help with planning.

Caves and Early Settlement

The Gruta de Huagapo in Palcamayo contains stalactites and stalagmites, as well as cave paintings depicting animals and hunting scenes. The paintings are dated to approximately 10,000 to 6,000 BCE. Geological formations and early visual motifs are thus found side by side in the cave. The Cañon de Ushto and the Gruta de Huagapo also form a combined visit route: access points developed by the Palcamayo municipal government connect the two places. You can include this connection if you would like to explore cave and landscape themes together.

Anashpata is a 5.44-hectare archaeological settlement at the foot of Cerro Shayoc-Shayoc. Based on its architecture and the pottery found on the surface, it is thought to have belonged to the Taruma or Tarama culture of the Late Intermediate Period, around 1000 to 1450 CE. This cultural attribution therefore remains tentative. Anashpata is currently part of the “Ruta del zorro,” promoted by the Municipalidad Provincial de Tarma, the Municipalidad Distrital de Palcamayo and local travel agencies. Check locally whether the route is available for your visit.

Hiking and Views

The Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa lies partly within the province of Tarma. In the Sektor Pampa de los Cedros Centenarios, the tourism and recreation zone is open to visitors. This is where you will find Cedro El Abuelo, which is over 600 years old, 51 meters tall and 3.5 meters in diameter. A signed, two-kilometer hiking trail leads to the tree; the walking time is approximately two hours. These details give you a concrete basis for planning your hike.

Mirador San Cristóbal can be reached on foot from Tarma’s main square via a 0.3-kilometer path; the listed walking time is 25 minutes. Confirm the route information locally before setting out. For another perspective on the area’s history, visit the Museo Municipal de Huaricolca: four collections of various objects found in the district present a chronology of several periods in Huaricolca’s history. You can request a guide at the museum to take you to archaeological sites. Confirm this service before your visit.

Regional Cuisine in Tarma

Tarma is known for Manjar Blanco, a dessert made from cow’s milk. You can also try Pachamanca in Tarma. This traditional dish includes poultry, beef, pork and lamb, as well as potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, corn and aromatic herbs; humitas are prepared to accompany it. The city thus offers both a milk-based dessert and a savory dish with a variety of meats and sides. If regional cuisine is among your travel interests, these two specialties can add to your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Tarma, Satipo, Concepción, La Merced, Chanchamayo, Provincia de Tarma, Huancayo

For the main travel overview: Junín.