Huaraz, Peru is a base camp for the highest mountains outside the Himalayas. It has a cool adventure vibe and draws slews of backpackers and international adventurers.
Huaraz in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is the base camp for many of South America’s best hiking and climbing routes. Twenty-three snow capped mountains above 5,000 meters are found here, with Huascaran (6,788 meters), being the highest. Apart from trekking, you can visit pristine mountain lakes, rural mountain villages, fly fish, paraglide, ski a glacier, mountain bike, and even visit Pre-Colombia ruins.
What to do in Huaraz
Ski down Pastoruri Glacier - This large, beautiful, tropical glacier is incredibly accessible, although global warming has lead many to believe it will disappear within a decade.
Visit Llagonacu - This glowing blue glacier fed lake is a half day trip from the city and one of the most memorable sites you will see.
-Climb Alpamayo - Get your ice climbing equipment together and arrange an expedition to what many consider the world’s most beautiful mountain.
-Take a tour to Chavin de Huantar - Just a couple of hours from Huaraz sitsthis 3000 year-old pyramid, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the Cabezas Clavas, head monuments that extend from the walls. It's not Machu Picchu, but it's just as interesting.
-Hike the Santa Cruz trail - This 5-day trek is one of the most popular and most beautiful in South America.
-Visit Old Yungay - Stroll over a peaceful monument and park on the site of Old Yungay, where tens of thousands of people were buried in a landslide caused by a 1970 earthquake.
Hotels in Huaraz
Budget Cozy Hotel in Huaraz - Olaza's (Arguedas 1274) Great, clean, new rooms with hot water and a decent rate. The rooftop breakfast terrace has wonderful views of the snow capped peaks and a TV and media room is a great place to mingle.
Where National Geographic mountaineers stay in Huaraz: Andino Club Hotel (Cochachin 357) The Andino Club is the best hotel in Huaraz. The 41 rooms are equipped with terraces, hot water, cable, and whatever else you need as the weather clears to begin your 12 day climb to Alpamayo. They can help arrange treks and equipment rentals.
Huaraz Nature Lodge - The Way Inn Lodge (15km from Huaraz). Staying high in the mountains is one of the best ways to enjoy to Cordillera and the Way Inn is the only lodge to do that here. There are rooms inside and camping available on the grassy terraces. One room is part cave. There’s also an on site bar, lounge, and restaurant.
Restaurants in Huaraz
Siam de los Andes (Morales and Gamarra). The best Thai restaurant in Peru and home to a mean Panang curry and Tom-Yum soup. A bit pricey but worth it.
Café Andino (Lucar and Torre 530 (3rd floor)). This coffee house and café is the best meeting place in town and a good place to catch up on the latest magazines and find a hiking partner. Great big fireplace and cozy couches are hard to get away from.
Monte-Rosa/Inka Pub (La Mar 691). The restaurant pub is where to go for pastas, pizzas, beef, Swiss dishes like fondue or raclette. They also are a good place to rent gear or buy Victoianox knives.
Important Info
iPeru (Atusparia #1 Plaza de Armas, 728-812)
Casa de Guias (Parque Ginebra 28-G, 421-811). If you are a hiker or a climber, this is the one place you should know in Huaraz. The office allows you to sign in and out before going/finishing a trek, helps you plan a trip, find gear, find a partner, and makes sure your safe.
Huaraz, Peru is located about 6-8 hours northeast of Lima by bus. At time of writing flights were not being offered to Huaraz airport.
