Huaraz Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Huaraz, Peru with our comprehensive guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, food scene, and transportation options.


Introduction to Huaraz

Huaraz is a small city located in the Andes mountain range of Peru, particularly in the Cordillera Blanca region. It’s a popular tourist destination among nature lovers and adventure seekers because of its stunning mountain views, lush green valleys, natural hot springs, and diverse cultural traditions. Huaraz is also known for being a gateway to the Huascarán National Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the famous Andean condor.

List of Places to Visit in Huaraz

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Huaraz is steeped in cultural heritage, and there are many historical places and museums worth visiting. The most popular ones include:

  • Museo Regional de Ancash - This museum showcases the cultural diversity of the Ancash region and features artifacts, textiles, and pottery from different Andean cultures.
  • Cathedral of Huaraz - This church is a landmark in Huaraz and has been declared a national monument. It’s located in the city center and has stunning architecture and interior design.
  • Wilcahuain ruins - These ancient ruins are located in the outskirts of Huaraz and offer a glimpse into the past of the Chavin people.

Natural Attractions of Huaraz: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Huaraz is famous for its natural beauty, and there are many outdoor adventures and scenic views to explore. Some of the must-visit places include:

  • Laguna Churup - This stunning turquoise lake is located at an altitude of 4450 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Blanca range. It’s a popular hiking trail among adventure enthusiasts.
  • Laguna 69 - Another high-altitude lake, Laguna 69 is located at an altitude of 4600 meters and is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters and picturesque landscape. The hike to this lake is challenging, but the view is worth it.
  • Pastoruri Glacier - Located in the Huascarán National Park, this glacier is one of the most visited natural attractions in Huaraz. Visitors can hike to the glacier or take a horse ride to witness the stunning view of the glacier and the snow-capped peaks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huaraz

Hiking and biking are two of the most popular activities in Huaraz, and there are many scenic routes to explore. Some of the best hiking and biking trails include:

  • Santa Cruz trek - This is one of the most famous trekking routes in Huaraz and takes about four days to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the mountain ranges and takes visitors through rivers, valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
  • Cordillera Huayhuash - This trek takes about ten days to complete and is recommended for experienced hikers. The trail offers beautiful views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and natural hot springs.
  • Chavin de Huantar - This biking tour takes visitors through a scenic route and ends at the Chavin de Huantar ruins.

Best Things to Do in Huaraz: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours to explore in Huaraz. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Hot springs - There are many natural hot springs located in Huaraz, and visitors can relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot waters.
  • Rock climbing - Huaraz is a paradise for rock climbers, and there are many routes to explore, ranging from easy to challenging.
  • Peruvian gastronomy tour - Visitors can indulge in the rich and diverse cuisine of Peru by taking a food tour that introduces them to traditional dishes and local specialties.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huaraz

For those who want to explore Huaraz in-depth, here’s a week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Visit the Museo Regional de Ancash and the Cathedral of Huaraz Day 2: Hike to Laguna Churup Day 3: Drive to Pastoruri Glacier and take a horse ride to the glacier Day 4: Explore the Wilcahuain ruins and other archaeological sites Day 5: Take a food tour and indulge in Peruvian gastronomy Day 6: Hike the Santa Cruz trek Day 7: Relax and unwind at the natural hot springs

Food and Drink Scene of Huaraz

Must-Try Dishes

Peruvian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, and there are many dishes for visitors to try in Huaraz. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Ceviche - A dish made with raw fish, marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili peppers
  • Lomo saltado - A stir-fry dish made with sliced beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries
  • Huallpa chupe - A soup made with potatoes, lamb, and Andean spices.

Local Beverages

Peru is known for its delicious cocktails and local beverages. Some of the must-try drinks in Huaraz include:

  • Pisco Sour - A cocktail made with Pisco (Peruvian brandy), lime juice, and egg white
  • Chicha morada - A non-alcoholic drink made with purple corn and spices
  • Cusqueña beer - A local favorite and one of the oldest beers in Peru.

Where to Stay in Huaraz: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Huaraz has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the popular places to stay include:

  • Andino Club Hotel - This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
  • Albergue Churup - This hostel is located near Laguna Churup and offers affordable accommodation for backpackers.
  • La Aurora Guesthouse - This guesthouse is located in the city center and offers cozy rooms and traditional Peruvian breakfast.

What to Buy in Huaraz: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Huaraz is famous for its traditional crafts and locally made products. Some of the best souvenirs to bring home include:

  • Alpaca wool products - Huaraz is known for its high-quality alpaca wool products, including sweaters, blankets, and scarves.
  • Handicrafts - Visitors can buy traditional Peruvian handicrafts made by local artisans, including pottery, textiles, and wood carvings.
  • Coffee and chocolate - Huaraz has a thriving coffee and chocolate scene, and visitors can buy locally produced coffee and chocolate to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Huaraz

Huaraz is rich in cultural heritage, and visitors can experience the local culture and customs by attending festivals and events. Some of the popular festivals and events include:

  • Señor de la Soledad - A religious festival celebrated in September in honor of the patron saint of Huaraz.
  • Carnaval de Huaraz - A colorful and vibrant carnival celebrated in February with parades, music, and dancing.
  • Corpus Christi - A religious festival celebrated in June with traditional dance performances and street parties.

Best Time to Visit Huaraz

The best time to visit Huaraz is from June to September when the weather is dry and sunny, and the hiking trails are accessible. However, visitors can also visit Huaraz during the rainy season (November to March) when the landscape is lush and green.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huaraz

Do:

  • Pack warm clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Respect the local culture and traditions

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Travel at night
  • Leave valuables unattended

Safety and Health

Safety in Huaraz

Huaraz is generally a safe destination for tourists, but visitors should take precautions to stay safe. Some of the safety tips include:

  • Use licensed taxis and transport services
  • Avoid traveling alone at night
  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings

Health in Huaraz

Visitors to Huaraz should take precautions to stay healthy, particularly at high altitudes. Some of the health tips include:

  • Drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness
  • Wear warm clothes to prevent hypothermia
  • Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.

Getting to Huaraz: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Huaraz

Huaraz does not have an airport, and the closest airport is the Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport in Anta, which is about 30 minutes’ drive from Huaraz.

Bus Stations Near Huaraz

There are several bus terminals in Huaraz, including the Cruz del Sur and the Movil Tours stations. Visitors can take a bus from Lima or other nearby cities to Huaraz.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private car, take a taxi, or use shared transportation to get to Huaraz from Lima or other nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Huaraz

The best way to get around Huaraz is by taxi or private car. Other options include taking a local bus or renting a bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Huaraz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Huaraz is a great starting point to explore other nearby destinations and excursions. Some of the popular places to visit include:

  • Lima - The capital city of Peru, which is about 400 kilometers from Huaraz.
  • Trujillo - A city located on the North Coast of Peru and famous for its colonial architecture and archaeological sites.
  • Cordillera Huayhuash - A mountain range located in the Andes and famous among hikers and trekkers.

Conclusion

Huaraz is a stunning destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in Huaraz. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip and explore everything that Huaraz has to offer.

The stunning Peruvian countryside The stunning Peruvian countryside