Paca is an iconic destination in Peru’s Junín region. Upon arriving in the Mantaro Valley, you will find the city of Jauja on the left side. Jauja was the first capital established by the Spanish in Peru, although logistical challenges eventually led them to relocate the capital to the newly founded city of Lima.

Just a short distance from Jauja lies Lake Paca, a place we have often used as the starting point for many of our trips throughout the central region of the country.

Leaving Lima by road is an adventure in itself. Traffic along the Central Highway can be stressful, but today we can fly there, which is a great advantage. It allows us to avoid the six-hour drive and the crossing of the Ticlio Pass, which reaches an altitude of 4,800 meters. Jauja itself sits at 3,500 meters above sea level, so, like most people coming from the coast, we need to take some time to acclimatize.

This area serves as a gateway to many other adventures, and this particular loop is one of the easiest routes you can ride in the surroundings. The terrain is mostly flat, with only gentle climbs as it passes near small villages such as Paca, Yauli, and Molinos. With relatively little effort, riders can enjoy plenty of time to explore the landscape on a route ranging from 20 to 40 kilometers.

The basic route begins in Jauja and follows a gradual climb to Lake Paca. After circling the lake, the trail continues toward the village of Yauli, with an easy ascent that can be extended as far as you wish. From there, the ride descends toward Molinos, a town well known for its handcrafted wood carvings and its traditional local restaurants.