8 Unmissable Tourist Places in Huaraz, Peru
Huaraz in Peru, which serves as the capital of the Ancash region, stands out as one of the most wonderful destinations in the Peruvian Andes. With the striking landscape that the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and shimmering turquoise lagoons that are part of Huascarán National Park, this small city is commonly referred to as the “Trekking Capital of Peru.” Huaraz Peru itself is located at 3,080 meters above sea level and is the main access point for some of the most breathtaking cultural and natural attractions in the country.
Huaraz was founded by the Spanish conquistador Alonso de Santoyo y Valverde in 1574 as a colonial mining settlement. Today, it is a bustling mountain town, where many travelers visit for the glaciers, trekking among the snowcapped mountains, or connect to the ancient past of the area. For those wondering what to do in Huaraz Peru, the town combines history, adventure, and nature in perfect harmony.
If you are asking yourself about things to do in Huaraz or what is unique about this destination, here are eight tourist attractions you do not want to pass up when visiting this gorgeous corner of the Andes and exploring the beauty of Peru Huaraz.
Laguna 69 , A Natural Wonder of the Cordillera Blanca
Laguna 69 is a well-known trek in Peru and is totally worth checking out if you’re in Huaraz Peru. This trail is located in Huascarán National Park, and you will find beautiful views of waterfalls, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains.
The Iconic Trek of Huaraz
The hike to Laguna 69 is the most visited in the region. The lagoon at 4,600 meters takes three hours to reach. The blue colour of the water is in stark contrast to the surrounding white mountains, creating one of South America’s most photographed scenes. With each step up the path there is another glimpse of the Cordillera Blanca, so the trek is as rewarding as it is challenging.
How to Get There
The lagoon is situated around three hours from Huaraz in Peru. The best option for visiting the lagoon is to arrange a tour that includes transportation, guides, and a light lunch. Tours begin in the morning and arrive back in Huaraz by the evening. Travelers who would prefer to go independently could take a bus to Cebollapampa and hike from there.
Pastoruri Glacier, The Base of a Vanishing Ice Giant
Nestled in Huascarán National Park, Pastoruri Glacier serves as an important message about climate change and an example of the beauty of Peru’s high Andes, one of the must-see things to do in Huaraz.
A Symbol of Climate Change
Pastoruri was once a large ice field, but it has been losing a significant amount of ice over the last few decades. Visiting Pastoruri allows seeing the impacts of global warming while enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounds it. The trail to the base of the glacier meanders through small glacial lagoons, colorful mineral formations, and native vegetation such as the Puya Raimondii, a plant that can grow up to 12 meters high.
How to Get There
The glacier is located approximately 70 km south of Huaraz, a drive of around forty minutes by car. Most visitors will work with a tour company that involves stops on the way to appreciate the distinctive Andean landscape. You can also go using a private car or taxi, just remember, it is very high and cold.
Churup Lagoon, A Hidden Gem Close to Huaraz
Churup Lagoon is a more manageable hike, which can still be as thrilling as the previous one and ranks among the most peaceful experiences of Huaraz in Peru.
A Colorful Escape
The lagoon is located over 4,000 meters above sea level and is characterized by its turquoise to dark green to white color due to the sunlight changing over the pond. The cliffs around it, along with the mountains all covered in snow, stand still and offer solemn, silent space for pictures or just staring out into it quietly. Since this lagoon is a little closer to the city than the other two, it can be as easily done as a half-day hike and is a good acclimatization hike before more demanding treks in Huaraz Peru.
How to Get There
Travelers can obtain a taxi or bus from Huaraz to Pitec, the starting point of the trail that leads to the lagoon. The hike round trip to the lagoon takes about two to three hours. Although this is not as long as other hikes, it has a final section that is quite steep and rocky, so hikers should use caution.
Parón Lagoon, A Mirror of the Mountains
Parón Lagoon is the largest body of water in the Cordillera Blanca and certainly one of the most beautiful locations visited in all of Peru Huaraz.
The Largest Lake in the Cordillera Blanca
The turquoise lagoon is situated at 4,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Artesonraju, which some argue is the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo. The calm surface of the lagoon reflects the surrounding mountains and creates a natural mirror effect, making it one of the top things to do in Huaraz for photographers.
How to Get There
From Huaraz, visitors will need to hop on a van or bus to reach the town of Caraz, at which point a taxi will take you to the entrance of the lake. It is unpaved, but the road is in fairly good condition. Once there, you can either hike for several hours along the shore, or alternatively enjoy some of the scenery from the main viewpoint.
Campo Santo de Yungay, A Place of Memory
The Campo Santo de Yungay is one of the most powerful sites in the Huaraz Peru region, a place with a brutal and tragic story, but also one of resilience.
History and Tragedy
In 1970, a massive earthquake led to the collapse of a glacier on Mount Huascarán and the city of Yungay was ultimately buried beneath rock, mud, and ice. More than 10,000 people perished in just a few minutes. Today, the site has been preserved and memorialized. You can see remnants of the old town, some palm trees that once stood where the main plaza was, and a statue of Christ casting a watchful eye over the other remnants.
How to Get There
Yungay is about one hour north of Huaraz in Peru. Buses and minivans leave frequently, and local guides share the stories, history, and fame of the site. This experience enhances the understanding of the strength and resistance of the people of Ancash.
Chavín de Huántar, The Heart of Ancient Peru
Chavín de Huántar is one of Huaraz Peru’s most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a must for anyone exploring what to do in Huaraz Peru.
Archaeology and Mysticism
Over 2000 years old, the Chavín culture is one of the oldest cultures in South America. The site includes stone temples, plazas, and underground galleries decorated with elaborate carvings of deities and animals. Located in the middle of the temple is the Lanzón, a granite monolith that remains one of the most enigmatic and studied artifacts in Peruvian archaeology. Visiting Chavín is like entering the birthplace of Andean civilization.
How to Get There
Chavín is about 110 kilometers southeast of Huaraz, and it takes about three hours by road to visit. The easiest way to visit is through a tour that includes transportation and a guide. Typically the trip also includes a visit to the Chavín National Museum, which includes many of the original pieces that were recovered from the site.
Caraz – The Sweet City of the Callejón de Huaylas
Caraz, often referred to as “Caraz Dulzura,” is a small town renowned for its colonial architecture, serene atmosphere, and delectable traditional sweets, a true gem among the nearby things to do in Huaraz.
Colonial Charm and Local Treats
Caraz is located in the northernmost area of the Callejón de Huaylas valley surrounded by wonderful mountain views. Its narrow streets, and colorful houses gives the town a charming colonial feel. The town is also known for its manjar blanco (milk caramel) and fruity flavors of lucuma and cherimoya candy. It is an ideal location to rest after long trekking days and experience local life.
How to Get There
There are regular minibusses that run daily from Huaraz to Caraz, a two-hour drive along the valley that offers stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca on one side and the Cordillera Negra on the other.
Tips for Visiting Huaraz
Before embarking on the amazing journey to Huaraz in Peru, it is necessary to prepare accordingly. The altitude and varied climate do warrant some planning and patience by the visitor.
Acclimatization and Altitude
Huaraz is situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters / 10,000 feet, so visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. It is best to simply take it easy on the first day, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. Coca tea or coca leaves are a traditional remedy popular throughout Peru and can alleviate mild symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.
Weather in Huaraz
The city has two distinct seasons. Usually, the dry season is from May to September, and is the best time for trekking and clear views of the mountains. The rainy season exists from October to April, which is a beautiful time of the year as the mountains turn into lush green landscapes, albeit the frequent afternoon showers. Temperatures generally range from the night 7°C (45°F) to daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F). This is why many travelers check #huaraz latest updates before planning their trip.
What to Pack
For the trip, pack light clothes for the day and warmer clothes for cooler evenings. You’ll need good hiking boots, gloves, and a raincoat if you’re going to visit high-altitude sites like Laguna 69 or Pastoruri Glacier.
How to Get There
Eight to nine hours by bus is the journey from Lima to Huaraz in Peru, for which Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer comfortable overnight rides. There are no direct flights to Huaraz, but close-by Anta Airport, 25 km from the city center, receives limited domestic flights making Peru Huaraz an adventure well worth the trip.
Frequently asked quetions about 8 Unmissable Tourist Places in Huaraz, Peru
-
Huaraz elevation is around 3,080 meters (10,105 ft) above sea level. It’s essential to take a day to acclimatize before starting any Huaraz Peru hikes.
-
The top Huaraz hiking tours include Laguna 69, Santa Cruz Trek, Llanganuco Lagoon, and Churup Lagoon. Each offers stunning scenery and moderate difficulty levels.
-
You can travel Huaraz desde Lima by bus (8–9 hours) or private car. There are no current Huaraz flights, but the Anta Airport is about 25 km away.
-
Visit between May and September, during the dry season, for clear skies and ideal trekking conditions in Huaraz Peru.
-
Visit Caraz, explore Chavín de Huántar, learn about Huaraz colonial history, or relax at Monterrey Hot Springs, all easily accessible through Huaraz tours.
