Canta: Discover Andean culture and landscapes

Canta combines a historic town center with experiences in the Andean landscape. The Plaza de Armas de Canta lies at an altitude of 2,819 meters in the Quechua natural region and is the provincial capital’s main urban center. A central ornamental fountain, footpaths, green spaces, and street furniture define the plaza. Canta is also a starting point for visits to the Cordillera de la Viuda. When choosing your destination, you can weigh up town history, local traditions, and nature experiences.

Plaza de Armas and town history

The Plaza de Armas dates back to the viceroyalty and was laid out in a grid based on the Spanish urban model. It is lined by the Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción and other institutional and heritage-listed buildings. The Iglesia de Canta is also part of the town’s history: built in the 18th century, it preserves an Andean colonial style. These details represent different historical aspects of the town; the plaza and the church can be explored as separate stops in Canta’s cultural history.

A special event in the annual calendar is the celebration in honor of Santo Patrón Niño Mariscal Chaperito, held every September at the Plaza de Armas. During the celebration, the image is carried through Canta’s main streets. Festivities also include a solemn Mass, band competitions, fireworks, and bullfights. If you are interested in religious traditions and public celebrations, you can take this occasion into account when planning your trip.

Culture and history nearby

Nearby, Obrajillo is home to the Plaza de Obrajillo. Traditional wooden balconies, adobe and stone façades, and cobbled streets shape its appearance. The colonial Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, built in 1613, is also in Obrajillo. Its historic architectural features offer a different perspective on regional culture from Canta’s grid-planned plaza.

The archaeological site of Cantamarca offers a glimpse into an earlier period of regional history. During the Late Intermediate Period, it was the capital of the Curacazgo of Canta. After the Inca conquest around 1450, Cantamarca was reorganized and expanded as a regional administrative center. Visitors can explore the site in different ways, including taking walks, photographing it, looking at the structures, and learning about Andean heritage.

Andean landscapes and nature experiences

The Cordillera de la Viuda is a biodiverse landscape along the route toward Canta and is suited to birdwatching. There are trails there, but they are not signposted. If you plan to include this landscape in your trip, take this lack of signage into account. Canta is a starting point for visits to the Cordillera, making the region particularly appealing to travelers seeking nature observation as well as cultural discoveries.

The Cascada Huamanmayo, also known as El Velo de la Novia, is also nearby. It has a drop of about 20 meters and can be reached via a hiking trail within the Fundo Huamanmayo. The nearby Laguna de Siete Colores offers boat rides and a natural viewpoint overlooking the adjacent Chuchuncococha. It is included in many tours to Canta. Each of these natural attractions offers a different way to visit: a trail to the waterfall, boat rides on the lake, and a viewpoint overlooking the neighboring body of water.

Everyday life and local products

During Turismo vivencial in Canta, visitors can take part in agricultural work and learn about Andean weaving techniques. Sampling organic products is also part of the experience, including cheese, bread, and homemade jams. When planning your stay, you can choose between architectural history and archaeology, nature observation, and insights into agricultural and textile activities. Consider which of these experiences matter to you when choosing Canta as a vacation destination and base for your trip.

For the main travel overview: Canta.