Under $100: Huancayo, Peru

The city of Huancayo sits high in the Andes and is most famous as a commercial center, but there are plenty of interesting things to do.

Start your day at the Hotel Olimpico restaurant, known for its delicious breakfasts. For $6, you can choose from American, continental or local breakfasts, with a decent coffee to boot.

After you’ve finished eating, take a stroll around the Plaza de la Constitucion and then head to the Mercado Mayorista. This hectic market is bursting with life and full of colors, and makes a great place to spend a couple of hours.

For lunch, go to Leopardo. This traditional Peruvian joint is a great mixture of old and new, with great food in a refined atmosphere. Try the traditional mondongo broth if you want to get a flavor of the Andes ($16).

In the afternoon, walk up to the Cerro de la Libertad, a beautiful viewpoint in a park. Here you can look down over the city and people watch, or take a look around the artisan stalls and buy some souvenirs.

Now it’s time to head to Detras de la Catedral for some food ($20) and then on to Chucclla to listen to some Andean folk music (beers $3). If you want to go out dancing, Insomnico is your best bet.

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