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Home > Huaraz Tourist Information > Places of Interest in and around Huaraz
On this Page:
Introduction to the Huaraz Area: City of Huaraz / Attractions in the City of Huaraz /
Activities in the Huaraz Area: Trekking / Climbing / Mountain Lodges / Huascaran National Park / Skiing / Rafting / Biking
North of Huaraz: Huaraz to Carhuaz / Carhuaz / Carhuaz to Yungay / Yungay / Lagunas Llanganuco / Llanganuco to Santa Cruz Trek / Caraz
Chavin and Chavin de Huantar: Chavin de Huantar Attractions / Tours to Chavin de Huantar /
Introduction to the Huaraz Area
The Andes is the highest mountain range in the world after the Himalayas, and some of the most impressive peaks in the entire chain lie in the Parque Nacional Huascarán, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Apart from some peaks between Chile and Argentina, the highest mountains in the Andes are located in this area, which is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. Huascarán, at 6,768m, is the highest mountain in Peru. However, there are many other impressive mountains, and some say Alpamayo is the most beautiful mountain in the world.
The area surrounding Huaraz is actually made up of a number of mountain ranges. The Cordillera Blanca, in which the Parque Nacional de Huascarán is located, is possibly the most beautiful, and certainly the most visited, although the Cordillera Huayhuash also contains many snow-capped peaks and is far less visited than the Cordillera Blanca. The Cordillera Negra and the Cordillera Raura, also easily accessible from Huaraz, offer good hiking possibilities.
The relatively small area in which so many 6,000m+ peaks are located means that the Cordillera Blanca has become a world centre for hiking and climbing, attracting enthusiasts from all over the planet. The treks through the mountains, which range from relatively easy to very challenging, offer stunning scenery, with snow-capped peaks surrounded by beautiful lakes and valleys. The climbing, too, is suitable for beginners as well as experienced mountaineers. Pisco, at 5,752m, for example, offers a relatively straightforward opportunity to scale a high glacier. Other mountains, however, such as Huascarán, Huandoy or Alpamayo, are far more challenging, and several climbers each year perish attempting to reach these peaks. It is also possible to take part in a number of other adventure sports, such as mountain biking, skiing and rafting.
However, the area is not just of interest to the adventurous type. Many very beautiful areas are accessible even without going on a trek, and the turquoise lakes throughout the mountains offer some of the most incredible views anywhere. The mountain range was also home to the first important culture in South America, the Chavín culture. The main centre for this culture, Chavín de Huántar, is only a couple of hours from Huaraz, and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru. The area also has much important flora and fauna, including the amazing Puya Raymondi, the largest flowering plant in the world.
The area is incredibly vulnerable to the hand of man, and entrance to the park is now controlled. However, there are several mines nearby which have had detrimental effects on the environment. Additionally, global warming threatens the glaciers, and it is predicted by some that within 30 years they will all have disappeared. Tourism is also having an impact, and even on remote treks rubbish can be seen. Please be responsible, therefore. Do not litter at all, and take all rubbish with you on treks. The area is popular not only with foreign travellers, but also with Peruvians, who generally are escaping the bustle of Lima. National tourists tend to go on organised tours rather than treks, and Llanganuco and Pastoruri are popular destinations that have suffered somewhat. The glacier at Pastoruri, in particular, has suffered from receiving so many visitors.
Huaraz is not a particularly attractive city. Although it was once a traditional colonial town with red-roofed adobe houses, most of the city was destroyed in the 1970 earthquake, and what has been built instead is a rather haphazard concrete city. However, more than making up for the humdrum appearance of the town itself is the incredible setting of Huaraz, offering some of the finest views in the entire Cordillera Blanca, with amazing views down the valley, with Huandoy and both peaks of Huascarán itself visible.
Despite the lack of beauty in the town, Huaraz is not without a certain charm. It is quite lively, and there are many pleasant places to relax, including several good restaurants and bars. It is also a good place to meet other travellers, and it is easy to hook up with other people interested in trekking certain routes. The city makes the best base in the area for exploring the Cordillera Blanca.
Attractions in the City of Huaraz
Most people who visit Huaraz do so in order to have a base before heading out to the mountains. However, there are a couple of items of interest in the city itself. The most interesting attraction in Huaraz itself is the Museo de Arqueología de Ancash (**) (Plaza de Armas), which has an interesting collection of Recuay and Chavín culture artefacts, and a very good collection of Recuay monoliths well displayed in its garden. There is also a small Puya Raymondi in the garden.
Although not much of the old city remains, the best example of what Huaraz was like before the earthquake is the Calle José Olaya, as well as the Iglesia Señor de Soledad. The modern Plaza de Armas is newly built, and there is a giant, although slightly deformed, statue of Christ in the centre. The modern cathedral is also on the Plaza de Armas. There are several places in the town giving fine views of the glaciers, although the best views are from the Cerro Pucaventana, overlooking the town.
There are several small ruins near Huaraz, including the Wari ruins of Huallaoc and Wilkahuaín. There are also some thermal baths in the nearby town of Monterrey. Catch a combi to the town.
For travellers who want to experience the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca without strenuous activity, there are many travel agencies in Huaraz offering tours in the area. These include transport and a guide, and allow you to see several different places without much effort, although they generally do not give much time in any one place.
Most agencies offer four tours in the area. A full-day tour to the Callejón de Huaylas, including the Laguna de Llanganuco, Carhuaz, Yungay cemetery and Caraz normally costs around $6-$7. A full-day tour to the Pastoruri glacier, including stops at the Laguna de Patococha and a Puya Raymondi forest, costs $6-$7. A full-day tour to the ruins of Chavín de Huántar costs around $8. A half-day city tour, including some of the attractions in Huaraz itself and some of the ruins nearby, is also offered.
Activities in the Huaraz area:
Many visitors to Huaraz come specifically to trek some of the spectacular routes in the area. There are many possibilities for this, and it is a good idea to know your level before attempting a trek. Remember, there are often high passes over 4,000m, and even 5,000m in some cases, so make sure you are acclimatised to the altitude. It is not a good idea to start a trek the day after you arrive from Lima, for example. Additionally, carrying heavy rucksacks and tents can have a major impact on your progress. Horses can be hired to carry bags, and if you are not used to hiking this is a good idea. Horses and handlers (arrieros) can be found in most small villages near the start of treks. Alternatively, travel agencies in Huaraz can organise a trek for you. The price will vary depending on the agency and what is provided, but for two people the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek will cost around $150 per person, including transport, food, a guide, horses and handlers and equipment.
There are many short day walks that can be carried out from most points in the Huaraz area. From Huaraz, for example, there are several good day walks. The walk from Huaraz to the Monterrey baths, via Wilkahuaín is good and not too difficult, as is the walk to the Laguna Llacta. The walk to the Laguna Churup is more challenging, but very beautiful.
The most popular trek in the area is the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek, which takes around three to four days. This can be carried out in either direction. Another popular hike is from Olleros to Chavín, crossing the Cordillera Blanca, again taking around three to four days. It is possible to hire llamas to carry bags and accompany you on the trek. These are available in Olleros. A four to five day trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash, starting in Chiquián, is also possible.
Longer, more difficult treks include the six to seven day Carhuaz to Santa Cruz trek and the full Huayhuash circuit, taking around 12 days. The beautiful Hualcayán to Pomabamba trek, also taking around 12 days, offers stunning views of the Alpamayo glacier.
If you want to hook up with other travellers to do a trek with, leave a note in the Casa de Guías in Parque Ginebra.
Buy all supplies for treks in Huaraz, as in other towns there is far less on offer. In Huaraz most things can be found, including dehydrated food. Additionally, equipment can be rented throughout Huaraz, including tents and sleeping bags. Route maps for the popular treks can be found in most agencies. A good, complete map of the Cordillera Blanca is the Alpenvereinskarte, available in several of the better agencies in Huaraz.
A problem that is more prevalent in Huaraz than most other areas in Peru is that of begging, especially when walking through villages on treks. Children especially see travellers as prime targets. Be firm, but polite, in refusals.
There is some excellent climbing in the Huaraz area, suitable for mountaineers of all levels. Probably the easiest ascent in the Cordillera Blanca is Pisco, at 5,752m, which takes around 3 days. More challenging climbs include Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru at 6,768m, which takes about 6 days, and Alpamayo, at 5,947m, which takes around 7 days. Other peaks that can be climbed include Urus (5,495m), Ishinca (5,530m), Ranrapalca (6,162m), Chacrarayu (6,112m), Quitarayu (6,036m) and Chopicalqui (6,354m).
Rock climbing is also possible in the area, and there is a rock face near the Monterrey baths just outside of Huaraz. There are also several practice climbing walls in Huaraz itself.
For all climbs, an experienced guide should be used. The Casa de Guías can provide climbing guides from around $60 to $80 per day. Ensure that you register at the Casa de Guías before any climb, letting them know when you will be back. This way, they will be able to send help if you do not return when planned. Obviously, it is very important to let them know when you do return.
There are three mountain lodges in the Huaraz area.
The Ishinca Lodge (Quebrada Ishinca, base camp 1), at 4,350m, has 60 beds, heating offers meals.
The Peru Pisco Lodge (Llanganuco-Morena camp 2, Pisco) at 4,765m, has 80 beds, heating and meals.
The Giordan Longoni Lodge (Quebrada Ishinca, Laguna Ishinca) has 18 beds.
Information can be obtained from Don Bosco en los Andes, Macará, Carhuaz, T/F 743061, www.huaraz.org/omg, lodgeomg@hotmail.com
The Cordillera Blanca has been declared a national park and there is now an entrance fee charged to enter the park. In practice, this is generally only charged when entering at Santa Cruz or Llanganuco, although this may change in future. If only entering on a day trip, to the Lagunas Llanganuco, for example, there is a $1.50 charge. However, if you plan on spending at least one night in the park, trekking or climbing, the charge is $18.
Although many people find the idea of paying to trek in the mountains unpleasant, bear in mind that there is a cost to protecting the area. Additionally, the mountains are very rich in minerals. Mining is not allowed in the park, even though this could be financially beneficial to the area. Therefore, a small fee to enter the park encourages its protection and preservation.
Although skiing is not developed in Peru, and there is no infrastructure, the Cordillera Blanca is the only area where the sport is practised. Equipment can be hired in several of the agencies in Huaraz, although this is not of very high quality. There are no skiing areas as such, and there are no ski lifts in the area. However, the Pastoruri glacier is often used. It is possible to take transport to the glacier and ski.
Rafting is possible on the Río Santa, and most agencies offer the option. However, a minimum of four people is usually required, and outside of the high season you may need to form your own group. The rafting is on Class II to III rapids, and is suitable for all. A one-hour trip costs around $12 per person, and a two-hour trip around $20.
Mountain bikes can be hired throughout Huaraz and also in Caraz. The surrounding area provides ample scope for biking, both up and downhill.
The most visited part of the Cordillera Blanca is the area to the north of Huaraz, where the highest peaks in the range are located and some of the most beautiful scenery is found. There are many wonderful treks in this area as well as some excellent climbing opportunities. There are excellent transport connections up and down the valley as far as Caraz on a good paved road, although transport is less frequent beyond Caraz and from the valley into the mountains.
The first major town in the valley beyond Huaraz is Carhuaz. However, there are several places worth stopping at on the way. The town of Monterrey, ten minutes from Huaraz, is famous for its sulphurous hot baths, and there are several hotels here for people wanting to escape Huaraz. Taricá is a small town famous for its ceramics, and there are several workshops here that can be visited.
The small, quiet town of Carhuaz is not particularly attractive, although there are several good walks nearby. There is a tourist information office on the Plaza de Armas.
The road from Carhuaz to Yungay passes Mancos, right at the base of Huascarán. The views here are superb, although the town does appear to be in danger of suffering a similar fate to that of Yungay in 1970. There are several places to stay in Mancos.
The town of Yungay, one hour from Huaraz, suffered one of the greatest tragedies in the modern history of Peru. On May 31 1970, a major earthquake in the area dislodged a landslide from the Huascarán Mountain, overlooking the town. The landslide swept down the mountainside, picking up speed, and washed away the entire town of Yungay, burying it completely, killing virtually all of its 20,000 inhabitants.
The site of the old town, now completely buried, has been declared a Campo Santo (**) ($0.50 entrance fee), a cemetery, and is a ten-minute walk from the new town. Visiting the site is quite an amazing experience, and the tops of 4 of the 32 palm trees that stood in the Plaza are still visible, and one of these is even still alive. The mangled remains of a bus that arrived from Lima at 3pm, 30 minutes before the landslide struck, can also be seen, as can the remains of the church that once stood in the Plaza. The church facade has been rebuilt as a monument. The views of Huascarán from the old town are superb, although it is easy to see why the town was in such danger, as nothing lies between the mountain and the town.
The new town is more safely located, and the views of both peaks of Huascarán and Huandoy are excellent, although the town itself is not particularly attractive. Yungay is the entry point for the Lagunas Llanganuco as well as the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek.
One of the most visited areas in the entire Cordillera Blanca is the Lagunas Llanganuco. These are two very beautiful, impossibly turquoise lakes set at the foot of Huascarán, with superb views of many glaciers and sheer cliffs plunging into the waters. Creating a wonderful contrast to the colour of the waters are the amazing quenual trees that surround the lakes. These trees have red and orange bark that peels off like paper, and are particularly beautiful when the sun glistens through the branches. It is possible to hire rowing boats to go out onto the first lake, and there is a small visitors’ centre with toilets and where food is prepared.
There are several good walks from the lakes, even if you do not want to walk the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz route. A good trip taking only a day or two is to Laguna 69, another turquoise jewel high in the mountains. This is best begun from Cebolla Pampa, which most combis go to. From here it takes around 3 hours to reach the lake.
If you want to camp near the Lagunas Llanganuco, there are several good spots, although bring lots of insect repellent. Bear in mind that even if only spending one night here, the $18 entrance fee to the Huascarán National Park must be paid.
The most popular trek in the Huaraz area is the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek, which takes around three to four days. This can be carried out in either direction, although it is more common to start in Llanganuco. Most people start the trek in Vaquería, two hours beyond the Lagunas Llanganuco in combi. From here, horses can be hired. Alternately, horses can be hired from Cebolla Pampa, before Vaquería. Starting from the lakes themselves will add about a day to the trek. To reach Vaquería, a combi leaves from Yungay at 8am every day. This takes about 3 hours and costs $3. Most people who do this trek zoom past the Llanganuco lakes without stopping. Ask the driver of the combi to stop for a couple of minutes if you want to enjoy the amazing view at the lakes.
The town of Caraz is probably the most popular place to stay in the Cordillera Blanca after Huaraz, and being at only 2,200m, it has a far more pleasant climate, although it does not serve as well as Huaraz for acclimatising before a trek or climb. The town has a pleasant Plaza de Armas, and there is a small archaeological museum, as well as some small ruins nearby. Caraz is a good base for several walks in the area. The town is famous for its manjar blanco, a sweet condensed milk dessert, and has therefore acquired the name Caraz Dulzura, meaning Caraz sweetness.
The views from Caraz are good, and Huandoy and Huascarán can often be seen. However, the hills surrounding the town are rather brown and bare.
The small town of Chavín is a good starting point for some less trekked hikes in the area, although the main reason people come here is to visit the ruins of Chavín de Huántar, the centre of the ancient Chavín culture. The town celebrates the Virgen del Carmen festival from 15 to 17 July.
Open daily 8am – 5pm. Entrance $3.
The ruins of Chavín de Huántar are some of the most historically important in Peru, as this was the main ceremonial centre for the Chavín culture, the first major culture in South America. The site was completely buried in mud from landslides from the Cordillera Blanca, the last of which occurred in 1945. Additionally, the Rio Mosna occasionally bursts its banks and affects the site. Nevertheless, the site is in good condition, and is particularly noteworthy for its fine carvings.
The Chavín culture emerged around 2,000BC, and its influence spread as far north as Cajamarca, although it now appears likely that Chavín de Huántar was not the exclusive centre for the culture, and that the Chavín culture had many local centres of development throughout the region. The temple at Chavín de Huántar was built around 1,000BC.
The site has received many visits from explorers since the 17th century, including visits by Raymondi, after whom the Stela Raymondi is named. However, it was the Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello in the 20th century who examined the site most thoroughly.
The site consists of a number of stone temples, some of which are still covered in mud. The facade of the finest temples is in finely cut granite that was brought from a quarry 30km away. The three finest carvings found in Chavín are the Raymondi Stela, the Tello Obelisk and the Lanzón, all of which represent the gods of the culture. The finest of these is the 5m-high Lanzón, which is located in Galería Lanzón temple, and was probably the main deity in the Chavín religion. The incredible carvings on all three stones represent anthro-zoomorphic figures, including crosses between feline and human images. The original Raymondi Stela and Tello Obelisk are now in the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Antropología in Pueblo Libre in Lima, although copies are displayed at Chavín. Probably the only reason that the Lanzón was not taken to Lima is that it is impossible to remove it from its location without damaging the structure of the temple.
In addition to the main carvings, Chavín is famous for its Cabezas Clavas, or carved heads. These once adorned the walls of many of the temples, although only one is still in its original place. However, there are many heads on display throughout the complex, each of which is slightly different. Some are clearly human, others also have distinct animal features, whereas there are also some which represent mythological figures.
The Plaza Cuadrada, the main square, is a 49m by 49m square that was probably used for large religious ceremonies, and the Tello Obelisk stood in the middle. There were important temples on all four sides of the square, although only two of these have been properly cleared. Parts of the temples were originally plastered with mud and painted. Each of the temples contained tunnels, some of which can still be entered. These were the ceremonial centres of Chavín, as well as serving as living quarters. The four temples that can be entered are the Galería Doble Mensula, the Galería de los Laberintos, the Galería de los Cautivos and the Galería Lanzón, where the Lanzón can be seen.
It is worth taking a guided tour around the site, and there are guides in English and Spanish at the entrance. These charge $6 for a two-hour tour, enough time to see the whole site. The ruins are a two-minute walk from the town of Chavín.
There are several craft stalls in the ruins selling models of the cabezas clavas and other local items.
Many agencies in Huaraz offer day trips to Chavín, including stops at a lake on the route and a tour of the ruins. This allows around 2 hours in the ruins themselves, which is enough time to see them, although it is slightly rushed. It is more pleasant to spend a night in Chavín and explore the ruins and the area with a bit more calm. Tours to Chavín cost around $7-8 per person.
Getting to and from Chavín and Chavín de Huántar
There are plenty of buses to and from Huaraz. Most buses to Chavín leave Huaraz is the mornings, and buses return in the afternoons and evenings, passing through from Huari. The journey takes about 3½ hours and costs $3. Transportes Río Mosna has buses from Chavín to Huaraz at 4.30pm, 8.30pm and 10pm, although you cannot buy a ticket in advance. Expreso Chavín (Plaza de Armas) has buses at 7.30am, 5pm, 9pm and 10pm. Empresa Huari (Plaza de Armas) has buses at 4pm, 7pm and 9pm. If you want to return to Huaraz in the morning, catch a bus going to Lima as far as Catac. From there, there are plenty of combis to Huaraz.
Buses to Lima take about 10 hours. Empresa Huari has daily buses at 7am and 6pm for $8.
Buses to Huari pass through Chavín from Huaraz from 11am to 5pm.
Some of the most beautiful scenery in the Huaraz area is in the Cordillera Huayhuash, south of the Cordillera Blanca. This area receives far fewer visitors than the Cordillera Blanca so you are unlikely to see as many other hikers if you trek here. The area contains Peru’s second highest mountain, Yurupajá, at 6,634m. The town of Chiquián is the best base for trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, and there are basic facilities here for travellers.
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