NOCTURNAL HOUSES JUNÍN

Mariposario Zhaveta Yard is a butterfly sanctuary and small zoo located in the lush jungle of the Chanchamayo region, near La Merced in the Junín Region of Peru, approximately ten minutes from the town center. Inaugurated in July 2017, the mariposario takes its name from the Asháninka word meaning "garden or patio of the butterfly" and functions as both a butterfly farm and an animal rescue center for local fauna. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through an enchanting butterfly enclosure and garden featuring species native to the Peruvian cloud forest, as well as exhibits showcasing local wildlife. Additional visitor amenities include a hammock relaxation area and a playground, making it a welcoming stop for families. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Mariposario Zhaveta Yard offers an affordable and intimate encounter with the remarkable biodiversity of Peru's central jungle region.

Zoológico Municipal de Huancayo is a public zoo administered by the Provincial Municipality of Huancayo, situated at Cerrito de La Libertad in Huancayo, in the Junín Region of Peru. The zoo is home to more than 300 animals across a variety of native and exotic species, including spectacled bears (among them the well-known trio Kanco, Luna, and Wini), pumas, lions, condors, vicuñas, parrots, and serpents. The facility is noted as the birthplace of the first lion cubs born in Huancayo, with resident lion Trueno fathering cubs Cori and Sumak. Beyond animal exhibits, the site offers mechanical games, traditional food stalls, swimming pools, and other recreational amenities, making it a popular outing for local families and visitors to the Mantaro Valley region. The zoo combines wildlife viewing with community recreation in a welcoming municipal green space in the Peruvian highlands.