Huaraz, whose meaning in Quechua (Waraq) is 'Dawn', is the capital of the department of Ancash, located in the middle of the White Mountain Range. The city is flanked by the White and Black Mountain Ranges, to the east and west respectively, forming the valley popularly known as the Callejón de Huaylas, through which runs the Santa River that makes its way through the Andes to the Pato Canyon, finally end in the Pacific Ocean.
This city is the center of Regional trade and the axis of the tourist movement, especially the mountaineering type. Considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru, due to the natural beauty of its landscapes, archaeological monuments (pre - Inca and Inca) and varied folklore. It is a privileged city for concentrating great natural, cultural and human wealth.
Tourism is your main source of income, visitors from all the countries of the world come to Huaraz Peru from where they start to climb the beautiful snow-capped mountains of the White Mountain Range or to know the wonders that surround the thousand-year-old temple of Chavín, and to enjoy the various tourist attractions, trekking circuits, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, boating, paragliding, rock, and ice climbing, etc. Come to know the wonders that this beautiful city contains, Huaraz and its hospitable people welcome you.
Where is Huaraz Peru
The City of Huaraz is one of the most modern cities in the Andean Region of Peru, located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Approximately 408 km north of Lima.
Huaraz Weather
The annual temperature ranges from a maximum of 24 ° C (75 °F) to 7 ° C (44 °F), and the climate in Huaraz has two well-defined seasons. Temperate and dry from May to September, its climate is called "Andean Summer", the climate is pleasant at this time of the year, with bright sunny days and cold at night. The rainy season occurs between the months of October to April, the sun shines in the mornings and it rains in the evenings, receives between 500 to 1000 m.m of annual rainfall.
How high is Huaraz Peru
The city of Huaraz is located about 3,100 meters above sea level.
Huaraz how to get there?
To get to Huaraz by land, there are three travel routes.
- Lima - Pativilca - Huaraz: 408 km (6-8 hours by bus via paved road).
- Casma - Huaraz: 145 km (4 hours by bus, paved road).
- Santa - Huallanca - Huaraz: 227 km (5 hours and 30 minutes via paved road).
By air, there is Inter-day flights to Anta airport (Carhuaz) (1 hour)
Lima to Huaraz flight
The only airline that operates direct flights between Lima and Huaraz is LATAM Airlines. Currently there are 7 flights per week, approximately one daily, with departures between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., and a flight duration of about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
About the resumption of Lima–Huaraz flights
- On July 1, 2024, commercial flights between Lima and Huaraz resumed, after six years without direct air service. Now the route is operated exclusively by LATAM Peru, using Airbus A319 aircraft with capacity for between 138 and 180 passengers.
- In July, four weekly flights operated (Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday), and since August they began to operate daily. The flight lasts between 45 and 50 minutes, considerably reducing the 7–9 hour land journey. One-way ticket prices range from S/ 178–187 (≈ USD 46–49), with round trips around S/ 350 (≈ USD 91).
- The restart is part of a public–private collaboration to boost tourism and the economy in Ancash.
When is the best time to visit Huaraz?
In Huaraz the rainy season is from the month of November until the first half of April and therefore it is more convenient to make your visits to the Callejón de Huaylas, the Conchucos Zone and other places around from April to October. Of course, conventional visits, one-day walks and others are carried out without any problems throughout the year since the roads and roads are in good condition even in rainy seasons.
What to do in Huaraz?
On this site you can visit many extraordinary places. Within the city you can go to the archaeological sites of Willcahuain and Ichic Willcahuain, a sample of the Wari culture located 35 minutes from downtown. There are also the thermal baths of Monterrey, whose pools and pools have waters with temperatures that reach up to 50 ° C, ideal for those suffering from rheumatic conditions.
As if that were not enough, there is the Llanganuco lagoon, famous for its crystal clear waters, located 84 kilometers northeast of the city, within the Huascarán National Park.
Huaraz Canyoning
Like all adventurous travelers and eager to start their journey, the Santa River begins its journey in the Conococha lagoon, taking strength from the melting waters of the Cordillera Blanca. Above 4000 meters, begins a journey of 294 km, crossing the Callejon de Huaylas from south to north and looking from its shore the Canyon del Pato, and then finish your extensive trip in the Pacific Ocean, north of the city of Chimbote.
Fast, as the song indicates, the Santa River has become one of the favorite places to go rafting. In small boats or kayaks, that is up to you. The recommended time for this practice is from May to October, during the months of July and August the flow of everything is diminished and from December to April is the rainy season, which makes the adventure a bit difficult or perhaps a challenge. In this beautiful destination you can practice rafting all year round, but with high recommendation from May to October.
Presents three sections recommended to be done in 1 day.
Ruins near Huaraz
- Archaeological Sites of Willcahuain, is a sample of Wari architecture, which was developed in the Middle Horizon (700 AD - 1100 AD). The buildings present a network of galleries inside that were used as spaces for offerings. In the place you can find a museum site, and 800 meters walking is Ichic Willkahuain. The archaeological remains are located 7 km northeast of Huaraz, 35 minutes by car or 3 hours on foot.
- The Archaeological Complex of Chavín de Huántar, located in the town of the same name in the Callejón de Conchucos, was one of the main religious-cultural centers of the Western Hemisphere. A brilliant example of its stone architecture is the Castillo and its labyrinths, a mysterious construction of narrow corridors and a multitude of enigmatic carved stone figures, such as the "carved heads" sculpted with fierce faces.
- Fortress of Paramonga, located on the coast, on the border between the departments of Lima and Ancash. Although there are archaeologists who maintain that this imposing construction was a religious ceremonial center, most agree that it was used as the last stronghold of the Chimú before succumbing to the forces of the Inca Pachacutec in the middle of the 15th century.
- Nepeña, 35 kilometers from Casma, on the coast. Near this valley is the Huaca de Pañamarca, built with adobe and that still shows vestiges of the mochica past, with unique paintings of its kind. Huarmey Province of the coast that houses several fishmeal factories, with beautiful beaches along the way.
Mountains near Huaraz
White Mountain Range
- The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world, located in the central area of Ancash, in Peru. It is made up of approximately 630 glaciers, about 33 of which are over six thousand meters high. Its origin is found in the Tuco glacier, and its waters feed the Champará glacier.
- This impressive massif is known for its exceptional climate and for offering ideal landscapes for hiking and climbing. Most of its peaks are located within the Huascarán National Park, a protected natural area that preserves its biodiversity and scenic beauty.
- Parallel to the Cordillera Blanca, to the west, extends the Cordillera Negra, whose peaks reach up to 5,187 meters above sea level. Unlike the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Negra lacks snow on its peaks and acts as a natural barrier, protecting its neighbor from trade winds.
- Between both mountain ranges is the Callejón de Huaylas, an extensive valley crossed by the Santa River. This river originates in the Conococha lagoon and flows towards the Pacific Ocean, covering a valley about 180 kilometers long. Along its course are various towns and cities, with Huaraz being the capital of the region, located at 3,100 meters above sea level. Huaraz is known as the "Chamonix of South America" for being a strategic center for mountaineering expeditions and tourists who explore both the Callejón de Huaylas and the Cordillera Blanca Peru.
Huayhuash Mountain Range
- The Cordillera Huayhuash is located south of Huaraz, approximately 50 kilometers from the Cordillera Blanca and 200 kilometers north of Lima. This massif is home to dozens of imposing peaks and is famous for offering one of the most spectacular mountain treks in the world.
- The complete circuit around the Cordillera Huayhuash has an approximate length of 150 kilometers and usually takes nine to ten days to complete. During the journey, hikers cross four passes that exceed 4,700 meters in altitude.
- Far from large urban centers, the Cordillera Huayhuash maintains a practically rugged and wild environment, which increases its attractiveness. Both the Cordillera Blanca and the Huayhuash are considered some of the most beautiful natural settings on the planet.
Lakes near Huaraz
- Willcacocha Lagoon. Because of its location, it constitutes an exceptional viewpoint of the Cordillera Blanca. It allows to identify peaks such as Huandoy, Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Hualcán, Copa, Vallunaraju, Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Churup, Chinchey, San Juan, Huamasraju, Huatzan, Cashan, among others. It is located 14 km from Huaraz (7 km by car), at 3,745 m.s. in the Cordillera Negra.
Treks near Huaraz
Few countries like Peru, Huaraz and its mountain ranges have the privilege of offering an infinity of routes and circuits for hiking, hiking or trekking, which begin at sea level, passing through exuberant high and low jungle, to reach heights that pass over 5,000 meters, thousand-year-old roads, where contrasting geographies, dazzling landscapes, with the greatest challenges of its visitors and cultural exchange with the inhabitants of these routes.
The hiking circuits in Huaraz, Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash mountain range offer a number of possibilities, and of course, more than a combination of circuits ideal for walkers of all levels of demand and experience.
- Santa Cruz - Llanganuco
- Llanganuco Lagoons
- Cedros - Alpamayo Base Pitec Camp
- Churup Quillcayhuanca Lagoon
- Shallap Cojup Ravine
Huaraz mountain biking
Mountain Bike, known worldwide by the name of mountain biking, is the fastest growing adventure sport in the country. Its thousands of followers travel today with its light bicycles, how many broken and bridle path exists throughout our geography.
Almost any corner of the Peruvian territory, with the exception of the coastal desert and the Amazonian plain, is suitable for the practice of mountain biking. However, depending on their difficulty and logistical requirements, the circuits can be grouped into three broad categories: considered suitable for beginners, it includes routes of gentle slope and hard and compact terrain
- For cyclists with some experience, it includes circuits that are developed on areas of moderate slope and carry a level of risk for those who practice them
- Reserved for experts, characterized by steep slopes and extremely "deleznable" or soft-consistence soils (it entails a high level of risk and often means reaching high altitudes).
Cycling Routes:
- Punta Olympic Circuit - Carhuaz.
- Olleros Circuit - Jauna.
- Portachuelo Circuit - Lagunas
- Llanganuco - Yungay Circuit around Huascaran.
- Punta Callan Circuit - Cordillera Negra.
- Alley Conchucos Circuit.
Explore the Local Market “Mercado Central de Huaraz”
A short stroll from the central square reveals a vibrant local market. Nestled within a spacious building, the market boasts an array of clothing items and assorted trinkets. Venture beyond the confines of the building, and the streets come alive with a plethora of tempting food offerings.
Here, an eclectic assortment of goods awaits discovery, ranging from live guinea pig, considered a Peruvian delicacy, to a variety of other intriguing items. If you can withstand the robust aroma of raw meat, this market is an excellent destination for budget-friendly grocery shopping, presenting a more economical alternative to the town's conventional grocery stores.
Huaraz food
The gastronomy of Huaraz is as diverse as its geography. Thanks to the combination of coast and highlands that characterizes Ancash, the region offers a variety of dishes with very good seasoning, characteristic of Peruvian food.
In the coastal area, ceviches and various dishes prepared with fresh fish and seafood stand out. Meanwhile, in the highlands, traditional recipes full of flavor and tradition are enjoyed. Among the most popular dishes are:
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Picante de Cuy: one of the most characteristic Andean dishes of the region, prepared with spices and chili pepper.
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Jaca-chasqui: a variant of spicy cuy, but served in a tasty soup.
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Papa-chasqui: a creamy soup based on potato, milk, and fresh cheese.
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Yuca-shupe: a light and fat-free soup, ideal to consume in the mornings after a night of celebration.
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Pecán-caldo: a broth made with lamb's head, highly appreciated for its intense flavor.
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Huallpa-chasqui: chicken broth enriched with ground walnuts and almonds, which give it a special touch.
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Humitas de chochoca: exquisite stuffed corn masa, typical of the region.
To accompany these delights, it is recommended to try fruit punch, which is prepared in different varieties depending on the season.
Did you know that...? Huaraz is known as the "Gastronomic Capital of the Ancash Highlands", thanks to the richness and originality of its recipes.
Huaraz where to eat?
Restaurants in the region:
- Bistró de los Andes
- Pizza Bruno
- Trivio
- Encuentro Restaurant Café
- Huaraz Querido
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- Star Room
- Chifa Oja - Yo
- Rinconcito Minero
- Mochica
- Don Cuy Recreation Center
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Huaraz Hotels
Lodgings in the region:
- Hotel Andino Club
- El Patio de Monterrey Hotel
- Hotel Residencial NG
- El Tumi Hotel
- Hotel San Sebastián
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- Hotel La Joya
- Hostal Hatunwasi
- Hostal La Aurora
- Hostel La Casa de Zarela
- Albergue El Jacal
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