South America 2019-2023
unknown length - solo travel - Suzuki DR650

Huancavelica and the Santa Barabara Mine

October 2, 2019  —  Peru

Huancavelica

Huancavelica - Peru

Huancavelica is an old mining town founded in 1571. The main resources of the region were mercury and silver.

When the mine was operating, the town has been relatively rich. Nowadays, after the mine's closure, Huancavelica has unfortunately become one of the poorest in Peru.

Huancavelica - Peru
Huancavelica - Peru
Huancavelica - Peru
Huancavelica - Peru
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Mine of Santa Barbara

Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru

The mine of Santa Barbara, located at 4125 metres, once was one of the most profitable of the entire Americas. Exploited for nearly 200 years for its mercury, it was closed in 1786 after a collapse. At its peak, the mine could have up to 3000 indigenous people working at the same time.

In addition to the mine, it is still possible to see the old church and a building once used as an inn.

Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Entrance to the mine.
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru
Mine of Santa Barbara - Huancavelica - Peru