You're Going to Love Huaraz
Perched more than 9,800 feet above sea level with the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountains as a backdrop, the small city of Huaraz is a nature-lover's paradise. Set in the Callejón de Huaylas valley, the city lets you tour, hike, or indulge in adventure sports, explore hot springs or glaciers, all while enjoying local culture and fueling up on good food.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Huaraz
1. Huarascán National Park
Condors, jaguars, and many other animals make their home in the spectacular park that takes up most of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, a magnet for visitors to Huaraz and ideal for hiking and trekking.
2. Outdoor Adventure
Enjoy a range of adventure and winter sports in the region, such as ziplining, tubing or rafting down river rapids, and much more.
3. Local Culture
Explore the city's history and culture, including the ancient ruins at the Monumento Nacional Wilcahuain Ruin, the Archaeology Museum of Ancash, and charming Plaza De Armas central park.
4. Ancient History
Discover the centuries-old history of the Inca who once made this region their home at the UNESCO-listed Chavín de Huantar archaeological site, along with the living history of nearby towns such as Ticapampa.
5. Sample Local Fare
Local cuisine is rich and flavorful, from Peruvian specialties like ceviche, or marinated seafood and grilled chicken, to drinks like the Inca Kola, Pisco Sour, and locally brewed beer.
When to Visit Huaraz
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Most visitors come to the region during what is called the Andean Summer, a dry, temperate season that extends from April to November and temperatures typically range between 55 and 70 degrees. Nights can always be chilly, even during the warmest months of July and August.
How to Get to Huaraz
Plane
The closest international airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, with regular flights to the regional Anta airport or Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (ATA) about 17 miles north of Huaraz. A taxi into Huaraz costs about S/. 130.
Car
There are good road connections with spectacular views along Cañon del Pato between Huaraz and Chimbote, eventually to Lima.
Bus
There are several bus companies that make the trip from Lima, including Movil Tours, Cruz del Sur, and Expreso CIAL. There are also bus connections to Chimbote and Trujillo.
Where to stay in popular areas of Huaraz
Most booked hotels in Huaraz
How to Get Around Huaraz
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation service in Huaraz, but a number of private companies run van and minibus service along informal routes through the city.
Taxi
Taxis are reasonably plentiful in the city, with fares that start at S/. 4, with an additional S/. 4 for each 0.6 mile.
Car
You can explore the region with an SUV and 4X4 rental, available from local companies with or without a driver. Rentals are available from Lima airport from about S/. 50 per day.
Where to Eat in Huaraz
Enjoy classic Peruvian and Andean favorites at Taita, where main dishes start at S/. 5.50. For an upscale approach to Peruvian cuisine with a Continental flair, try Bistro de los Andes, with mains that start at S/. 18.