Huánuco (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈwanuko]; Quechua: Wanuku) is a city in central Peru.

The city of Huánuco was founded by Spanish conquistador Gómez de Alvarado in 1539,[3] in the Inca town of the Yarowilca clan, Wanako.

The indigenous chronicler Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamaygua notes that during the Inca Empire, Pillco was a significant source of Aclla nuns for the capital city of Cusco, stating, "...there were maidens from all nations, especially from three, namely: Cusco and its territory, the Chachapoyas, and Pillco, which they now call Guánuco.

The temperatures are pleasant throughout the year with very warm days and comfortable nights due to its elevation of 1,913 metres or 6,276 feet.

One of the main highways of the country passes by Huanuco, connecting Lima-Callao with Tingo Maria and Pucallpa in the Peruvian Amazonia.