Huacho Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Huacho

City

Clockwise from the top: North side of the Plaza de Armas, Avenida Grau, Balcón de Huaura, Iglecia de Chonta, Avenida San Martin, Avenida 28 de Julio, Casona de Luriama, Malecón Rocca, a well-known shopping center, Malecón Rocca at night and Casino Huacho.

Flag	Coat of arms

Nickname(s):

La Capital de la Hospitalidad (The Capital of Hospitality)

Huacho

Location in Peru

Country

Peru

Region

Lima

Province

Huaura

District

Huacho

Founded

24 August 1571

Government

• Type

Democracy

Elevation

41 m (135 ft)

Population

• Estimate

(2015)

92,027

Time zone

UTC-5 (PET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC-5 (PET)

Area code(s)

232

Huacho is a city in Peru. It is the main city of the Huaura Province and also the capital of the Lima Region. Huacho is the biggest city in the Lima Region and the Norte Chico area.

The city is about 68 meters (223 feet) above sea level. It is located 148 kilometers (92 miles) north of the city of Lima. Huacho is on the Pan-American Highway. It is also close to the Lachay National Reserve. This means the area has lots of plants and animals.

Geography of Huacho
- Local Farming and Industry
- Natural Features
History of Huacho
Ancient History and Archaeology
Culture and Food
Partner Cities
Notable People from Huacho
See also

Geography of Huacho

Huacho is located at the bottom of a large bay. The weather here is often wet and pleasant.

Local Farming and Industry

The areas around Huacho have many farms. Farmers grow crops like rice, cotton, sugarcane, and different grains. Because of all the cotton grown, Huacho has important factories that process cotton and oil.

Natural Features

Huacho's natural landscape is interesting. It has salt mines where salt is collected. There are also beautiful beaches, like El Paraíso. In the past, Huacho was a major trading center for northern Lima.

Street view in Huacho.

The hills of Lachay National Reserve near Huacho.

History of Huacho

Huacho has a long and interesting history.

Early Settlement

In 1571, a Spanish leader named Francisco de Toledo decided to bring together the local Indigenous groups, called ayllus, into new settlements. He chose the area of "Gaucho Bay" for one of these new towns. So, on August 25, 1571, the settlement was officially named San Bartolomé de Guachu.

Becoming a Trading Port

During the time of the Viceroyalty of Peru (when Peru was ruled by Spain), Huacho became an important port for trade and fishing. In 1774, another Spanish leader, Viceroy José Antonio de Mendoza, made Huacho a "pueblo" (a small town). This allowed the town to build its main public square.

Role in Peru's Independence

Huacho played a part in Peru's fight for independence from Spain. The city welcomed José de San Martín and his army, who were working to free Peru. On November 26, 1820, a famous event called the Grito libertador (Cry for Freedom) happened nearby in Huaura.

Growth and Development

On February 12, 1821, Huacho became a district.
In 1828, the Peruvian Congress gave Huacho the special title of Fidelísima Villa, meaning "Most Faithful Town."
In 1866, Huacho was named the capital of the Chancay province.

Modern Advances

Huacho was a leader in technology for its time.

In 1892, the city started a tram service. These early trams were pulled by animals like mules or horses. People called them "blood trams."
In 1920, these trams became electric. This made Huacho the first city in Peru, after Lima, to have its own electric tram system.
Starting in 1911, Huacho was a main center for the Northwestern Train of Peru. This train connected Huacho to other towns like Ancón, Sayan, and Barranca.

Becoming a City

On November 10, 1874, Huacho was officially made a city. It also became the capital of the new Huaura province. Today, Huacho is the capital of the Governal Region of Lima.

Ancient History and Archaeology

South of Huacho, there is a very old archaeological site called Bandurria, Peru. This site shows that people lived in this area as far back as 4,000 BC.