There are villages that, although little known to distance, keep a deep wealth in their silence. One of them is Laria, a district of Huancavelica that proudly retains its history, its traditions and its unique landscapes.
Its origins date back to the Hanan Anccara culture, with Asto ethnic roots, and as many peoples of the northern cone of Huancavelica, it was under the domain of the mythical Jatun Kuraka Apu Laywi. Footprints of that time are still preserved in places such as the Archaeological Center of Pirweayoq, closely studied by Mr. Edilberto Mendoza Barra, author of three books on the history of Laria and its ancestors.
The origin of the name “Laria” also has a story told from mouth to mouth. Dámaso Pariona Ordóñez, resident of the place, recalls: “This place was a desert. The first ones who arrived were the Huarcaya, flame and alpacas stagnations. At first it was called Caychapi, for a small lagoon where an Andean plant called Lerio grew. Over time, the name changed to Lirio Pampa, and later consolidated as Laria.”
Today, Laria is a quiet town with a main square surrounded by paved streets that reflect some progress towards modernity. Its inhabitants are mostly dedicated to livestock and family agriculture, producing a wide variety of native potatoes, beans, quinoa and other crops. Therefore, it has been recognized as an agrobiodiversity zone of Peru.
And, as in many high -Andean communities, migration has left its mark. “In recent years, many have had to leave due to lack of opportunities. We notice it mainly in our schools: students have decreased dramatically,” says Simón Hilario.
Despite oblivion, Laria’s tourist wealth is surprising. The district has seven natural and cultural wonders such as the Huallón Urqo alley (known as Kichki), the cataract Huarmi Puquio, Laguna de Chaqllacocha, Intihuatana, Pirwayoq, the Mendoza Museum and the rock formation known as the Sleeping Beauty in the Cerro Condoraq.
There is also a mountain where visitors can populate or collect small stones that contain natural gold veins, impregnated in rocky blocks along the hillside.
But not everything is joy. The lack of tourism promotion is a constant concern among its residents. “Our local authorities are not interested in tourism. Laria has a lot of potential, what is missing is to make it visible and create routes to attract visitors. I am sure that those who come would be delighted,” Don Bernabé Pariona tells us with penalty.
Every year, from July 26 to 30, Laria enthusiastically celebrates the proclamation of independence. During those days, a soccer and inter -institutional volleyball championship is held, with the participation of residents that return from different parts of the country. One of the most important moments is the Pagopu to Tayta Santis, known as the acuchicoq, in which the people thanks the mountains. The party includes music, dances, games, artistic presentations, burning of Castillones and the meeting of entire families that meet in this great holiday.
Laria is not just a people, it is a shelter where history, faith and earth are still alive. Although many leave, their roots wait for those looking for the heart of the Andes. Therefore, Edilberto Mendoza invites tourists to meet Laria and live it closely.
