Things To Do
in Concepción
Concepción is a highland town in the Junín region of Peru, set in the Mantaro Valley with a backdrop of Andean peaks. It offers a relaxed pace, friendly local culture, and a gateway to rural exploration and nearby natural beauty. The town sits within easy reach of Huancayo, making it a convenient base for experiencing central Peru’s agricultural heartland.
Visitors should expect cool temperatures, vibrant markets, and opportunities for memorable mountain scenery and traditional Andean hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Concepción. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh bread and coffee. Stroll through the vibrant streets, soaking in the rich history and culture that surrounds you.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, head to the Museo de Historia Natural, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the region's diverse flora and fauna. Spend some time walking through the historic streets, visiting artisan shops and local markets. Don't miss the opportunity to try some local sweets like 'turrón' as you wander.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a popular local eatery, sampling dishes such as 'aji de gallina' or 'lomo saltado'. After dinner, take a relaxed walk along the scenic riverside, where you can enjoy the night views of the city. End your day with a drink at a cozy bar, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Start your day with a guided food tour that explores the local markets, learning about traditional ingredients and dishes. Sample fresh fruits, cheeses, and native grains as you chat with friendly vendors. This immersive experience will give you a deeper understanding of Peruvian cuisine.
Join a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like 'ceviche' or 'pachamanca' under the guidance of a local chef. Enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created, paired with a refreshing 'chicha morada'. This hands-on culinary adventure will leave you with skills to replicate these flavors at home.
As night falls, take a seat at a renowned restaurant specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine. Enjoy a multi-course meal that highlights the region’s ingredients and culinary innovations. Wrap up your evening with dessert, perhaps a decadent slice of 'torta helada' or a traditional 'alfajores'.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| 🚕Local transport (short ride) | $1-5 |
| 🛒Groceries for a day | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Autentic highland Peruvian culture with welcoming locals
- Access to scenic valleys, markets, and rural experiences
- Limited big-city nightlife and nightlife options
- High altitude can cause initial discomfort for some travelers
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quisiera una mesa para dos" - I would like a table for two
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
- "¿Qué recomienda?" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Concepción
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square with colonial buildings and the main church; ideal for sunrise or golden-hour photography and street life.
A classic example of local religious architecture; capture its façade from the plaza and from nearby lanes for different light.
Riverside overlooks just outside town offer reflective water scenes and mountain backdrops, especially at dawn.
Golden terraces and farmlands provide compelling compositions of land, sky, and seasonal crops.
Food in Concepción
Concepción Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried guinea pig served with potatoes and corn, a traditional Andean specialty often found in local eateries.
Must-Try!
Meat and potatoes slow-cooked in an earth oven, typically featuring pork, lamb, and beef with Andean herbs.
A hearty quinoa soup with vegetables and sometimes chicken, perfect for warming up in cooler weather.
Potatoes in a creamy yellow cheese sauce with a mild spicy kick, a staple on many menus.
A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can taste fresh produce, local herbs, and prepared snacks, plus a glimpse into everyday life.
Tasty, inexpensive snacks such as empanadas, tamales, and roasted corn sold from stalls around the market area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake is standard; in rural areas friends may greet with a cheek kiss. Use formal language with elders and when meeting strangers.
Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; some individuals appreciate a small tip or a note of thanks after the picture.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid overly revealing clothing in traditional settings to respect local sensibilities.
Spanish is dominant; Quechua is still spoken in some communities. If you don’t speak Spanish, polite gestures and basic phrases help a lot.
Safety
Tipping in Concepción
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 10% tip is common if a service charge isn’t included. Round up taxi fares and leave small tips for hotel staff if service was helpful.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries. Card payments are increasingly common in larger establishments; carry some soles for smaller vendors and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, sunny days with cool nights; occasional afternoon showers. Comfortable daytime temps but evenings can feel chilly at higher elevations.
Gradual cooling and dry conditions; good for hiking and outdoor photography with clear skies and fewer crowds.
Colder and breezier; temperatures can dip near freezing at night; occasional frost on higher ground; mostly dry but expect chilly mornings.
Rising temperatures with a transition toward the wet season; chance of brief showers but longer daylight hours for exploration.
Concepción at Night
Hiking in Concepción
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic day-hike along the valley edge with views of terraces and distant mountains.
A modest ascent offering panoramic views of Concepción and the Mantaro watershed.
A gentle loop through cultivated terraces and rural homesteads, ideal for photography and easy walking.
Airports
How to reach Concepción by plane.
Closest regional airport serving the area; connects to Lima and other Peruvian cities. Ground transfers from Jauja to Concepción are available by car or bus.
Main international gateway to Peru; from Lima you can fly domestically to the highland region or travel overland to Concepción.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of mestizo and Indigenous heritage, with Quechua-speaking communities in surrounding villages and strong agricultural traditions.
Young professionals and families in the town center, contributing to a lively market and cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Peru, with local matches and community games common in towns.
Played in schools and community centers, often during festivals and gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Concepción.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most eateries; look for caldo de verduras, papa a la huancaina without meat, and vegetable stews. At markets, request 'sin carne' or 'con verduras' to tailor dishes.