Tarma – Andean Valley, History and Discoveries

On the eastern slope of the Andes, Tarma lies in the valley of the river of the same name. Rural landscapes, a central square steeped in history and the starting point of the Pampa Hermosa hiking trail give this destination its varied character. Tarma is also considered a connecting point between Peru’s central coast, the central Andean provinces and the central rainforest. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Tarma, you could first consider whether city history, hiking landscapes or nearby places will shape your stay.

Plaza de Armas and the City’s History

The Plaza de Armas is home to the Santa Ana Cathedral, the Centro Cultural Fortunato Cárdenas and the Capilla del Señor de la Cárcel. The square dates back to Tarma’s Spanish founding on 26 July 1538 under the patronage of Saint Anne. Another historic turning point followed on 29 November 1820, when Tarma’s independence was proclaimed in the square. The square’s design is also part of its character. It features a three-tiered bronze fountain and eight flower gardens.

Those interested in the city’s history and culture can explore the archaeological, ethnographic and historical-artistic collections at the Museo de la Cultura de Tarma. Each floor has a different focus: the first floor displays photographs relating to the city’s viceregal and republican heritage; two rooms are devoted to the intangible heritage of Tarma Province. The second floor exhibits pre-Columbian cultural artefacts from Peru. The museum’s listed visiting hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Valley of Flowers and the Pampa Hermosa Hiking Trail

The Tarma Valley is known for its rural scenery and extensive plantations of flowers and aromatic herbs. That’s why it is also called the “Valley of Flowers.” The Pampa Hermosa hiking trail offers a different perspective: it begins in Tarma and passes through the Quechua, Suni, Puna and Yunga ecological regions. It also crosses the Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa, considered one of Peru’s last cloud forest areas. If you’re particularly interested in the trail and this landscape, you can make them a priority when choosing a holiday apartment and planning your stay.

Nearby Places and Experiences

About 8 kilometres south of the city lies Tarmatambo, an administrative centre dating to the Inca period. Colcas, terraces, squares, stairways, paths and kallankas are arranged in a planned layout on a hillside. Nearby, the Santuario del Señor de Muruhuay is a religious site of historic and architectural significance. Each year, from 2 May to 15 June, it hosts the Fiesta Patronal del Señor de Muruhuay. Dance groups come every day to venerate the sacred image.

The nearby Mirador San Cristóbal has a platform with eight balconies and panoramic views. The illuminated, multicoloured letters spelling “TARMA,” about 10 metres high, also define the site: at night, they can be seen from various points in the city and its surroundings. Together, Tarmatambo, the Santuario del Señor de Muruhuay and the Mirador San Cristóbal offer further cultural and scenic points of interest for your trip.

Regional Cuisine in Tarma

One of the dishes you can try in Tarma is pachamanca. It includes chicken, beef, pork and lamb, as well as potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, corn and aromatic herbs. It is cooked together with humitas in underground pits heated with hot stones. Manjar blanco is also part of the city’s culinary character. This sweet is made from cow’s milk, and Tarma is known for producing it.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Tarma, it helps to have a personal focus: will your stay centre on the historic squares and the museum collections, or is the hiking trail through several ecological regions your main priority? If you’d also like to visit nearby places, you can include Tarmatambo, the Santuario del Señor de Muruhuay and the Mirador San Cristóbal as discoveries of your own.

For the overarching travel overview: Tarma.