Situated at 3,269 m / 10,725 ft above sea level in La Libertad's sierra. 

Huamachuco was founded by Augustine monks in 1553. 

Huamachuco is only 184 km / 114 miles from departmental capital, Trujillo, but the people have very different dress and customs to their coastal cousins. 

In celebration of Peru's Independence Day on 28th July, the town of Huamachuco erects a huge flagpole, with equally large national flag. 

A month after Independence Day, the townspeople take down the huge flagpole that has stood in the square. 

Some of Huamachuco's traditional garb, music and dances are showcased during the flag undressing ceremony. 

Traditional weaving techniques are also on show on the banners carried at the ceremony. 

One theory behind the name Huamachuco is that it is a combination of the Quechua word wamaq, a type of local plant, and the Culle word chuqu meaning 'land'.

Drummers waiting to begin the flag ceremony. 

Musicians and dancers. The wide-brimmed hats are traditionally associated with the neighbouring province of Cajamarca, but serve an equally useful purpose in the sierra of La Libertad. 

Huamachuco's main square is home to some fantastically detailed tree-trimming designs. 

There is a large gold mine in the mountains surrounding Huamachuco, which provides much of the wealth for the city of some 40,000 people. 

The countryside near Huamachuco was the scene of the final battle in the War of the Pacific in 1883. A Peruvian defeat signalled the end of resistance to Chilean rule. 

There is still a great deal of traditional agriculture in the Huamachuco countryside. 

This is the modern Huamachuco St. Augustine Cathedral, part of the Archdiocese of Trujillo. 

More fabulous topiary in Huamachuco's Plaza de Armas. 

The topiary on the Plaza de Armas shows some international influences! 

The famous Huamachuco Short-Nosed Elephant species!

Owing to its attractive centre, local traditions and spectacular mountain setting, Huamachuco attracts tourists - mainly Peruvian nationals visiting from the coast. 

José Faustino Sánchez Carrión's house can be found overlooking Huamachuco's main square. This was the family home of one of the first leaders of the Peruvian Republic that came into being after the defeat of the Spanish. 

Other tourist attractions in the region include the pre-Inca ruins of Marcahuamachuco, which date back to 400 AD.