On April 25, 485 years ago, Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Jauja, which became the first capital of Peru, then recently conquered by the Spaniards. It was not until 1535 when Lima was founded and has remained the capital of the country since.
According to Diario Correo, Jauja was also the first Peruvian city where the independence of Peru was proclaimed, almost 200 years ago.
“On November 20, 1820, thanks to the montoneros of Jauja and Acolla, the Liberation Expedition of Álvarez de Arenales won the first victory in the glorious Battle of Puchocococha-Acolla. And on November 22, 1820, from the old viceregal town hall, the patriot Alejo Martínez Lira proclaimed the Independence of Jauja, 8 months and 6 days before July 28, 1821,” related the historian Apolinario Mayta.
Jauja is still a point of attraction for tourists, not only for its sights and beautiful landscapes, but also for its popular festivals, such as the ones that take place on April 20 in honor of San Sebastian and San Fabian, also called the Fiesta de la Tunantada, and in which thousands of people from the region and the whole country participate.
“However, the greatest pride today of the jaujinos is the city’s airport, located almost an hour from Huancayo”, wrote Diario Correo. This terminal is the only one located in the center of the country and has recently been improved.
