Full of extraordinary landscapes and majestic Andean peaks, Peru is one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for lovers of nature and adventure. Although less visited than other more famous places like Machu Picchu.
The Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru is full of wildlife, wonderful mountains and forests to explore. Huaraz, known as the capital of International Friendship and capital of Andinism in South America, is one of the best trekking destinations in the world, so if you like this activity you will be more than satisfied.
Capital of the Ancash region in Peru is located in the heart of the Callejón de Huaylas, it has a population of almost 120,000 inhabitants who are overshadowed by the impressive white peaks that surround them.
Huaraz is like a magnet for adventure travelers and the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca. About 420 kilometers north of Lima, the capital of Peru, Huaraz is the starting point for many exciting treks through the magical Cordillera Blanca.
Due to the altitude and high peaks, hiking in the area is challenging, but equally rewarding. The Huaraz Valley winds its way through a multitude of high mountains said to be among the most beautiful in the world, with their Asian cousins ​​in the Himalayas.
The walk to Laguna 69 is an unforgettable experience where at every step, and from start to finish, you are surrounded by giant breathtaking landscapes decorated with waterfalls, rivers, vegetation and snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. After 3 hours, your effort is rewarded with the brilliant turquoise color of Laguna 69, crowning a day of extraordinary natural beauty.
How to get to Laguna 69: Due to the complexity of the roads, it is best to hire a tour to Laguna 69 from Huaraz. Being one of the most popular treks in the sector, the price of the tour is affordable for all pockets and includes roundtrip transportation between the start of the trek and the center of Huaraz.
Yungay, once one of the most beautiful cities in Peru, was involved in one of the most impressive tragedies in history. In 1970, a 7.8 (Richter) earthquake not only destroyed everything around it, but also caused a great flood that buried the city of Yungay, today known as Campo Santo de Yungay, and its more than 10,000 inhabitants. Today you can visit this place and learn more about its history, in addition to observing some of the gigantic rocks left by the flood and other ruins of what was once Yungay.
How to get to Yungay: The easiest way is to take a combi from Huaraz to Yungay, the journey takes about an hour. Right there you can hire guides who will explain all the details and history of the city. At denomades we offer a tour to Laguna Llanganuco that includes a stop at Campo Santo de Yungay accompanied by an expert guide.
The base of Nevado Pastoruri has one of the fastest retreating glaciers in Peru. It is common to hear guides comment on how not so long ago the glacier was much larger. In addition to inviting in situ reflection on climate change and how it affects glaciers, visiting the base of Nevado Pastoruri still offers incredible landscapes surrounded by imposing mountains and the gigantic pieces of ice that rest in the glacier lagoon.
How to get to the base of Nevado Pastoruri: Located 70 km south of Huaraz (2 hours 30 minutes by car), the visit to the snow-capped mountain can be done with a travel agency, taxi or private car. At Denomades we offer a tour to the base of the Nevado Pastoruri that includes roundtrip transportation where there is also a stop at the Puma Pampa Carbonated Water Spring.
The lagoon with the easiest access from Huaraz, but no less impressive for that. Laguna Churup has shades ranging from deep blue to emerald, a range of colors protected by the spectacular mountains around it. It is located more than 4 thousand meters above sea level and offers incredible views of the snow-capped Cordillera Blanca as well as the Cordillera Negra.
How to get to Laguna Churup: To get to Churup you must first move from Huaraz to Pitec, you can do it by bus or by taxi. At Denomades we offer a tour to the Churup Lagoon that includes round trip transportation accompanied by an expert guide.
The largest lagoon in the Cordillera Blanca. The Parón lagoon offers unique views of the different snow-capped mountains that protect it: Artesonraju, Pirámide, Huandoy Norte, Chacraraju, Paria and Pisco. You can get to know it by visiting its viewpoint, or take a walk of approximately 3 or 4 hours along its banks while observing beautiful waterfalls and vegetation typical of the sector.
How to get to Laguna Parón: From Huaraz you can take a combi to Caraz, from there there are taxis that take you to the beginning of the tour and can wait for you to return to the city. At Denomades we offer a tour to Laguna Parón that includes roundtrip transportation as well as an expert guide.
Another city within the Callejón de Huaylas that you cannot miss. Caraz "Dulzura" is obviously famous for the exquisite sweets it produces. And it is that a visit to the city will necessarily involve trying its delicious white delicacy. You can also find it in different flavors such as cherimoya, strawberry, lucuma, milk, among other types.
How to get to Caraz: There are services through combis that go along the Callejón de Huaylas, passing through Huaraz and arriving in Caraz.
Chavín de Huántar was an archaeological complex built by the Chavín culture more than 2,200 years ago. It is the most important in the department of Ancash, in the central zone of Peru. This great architectural work had two temples, of which some of its parts are still preserved and in which you will find a mysterious network of labyrinths to lose yourself and feel like a true explorer.
How to get to Chavín de Huantar: The archaeological center is located 3 hours from the city of Huaraz and you can take a bus to get there. We recommend you visit this place on our Chavín de Huantar tour, where we will also visit the spectacular Chavín National Museum.
One of the most famous tourist places in Huaraz is the beautiful Laguna Llanganuco. Its real name is Chinancocha (female lagoon in Quechua) and it is separated from a following lagoon called Orconcocha (male lagoon in Quechua). This place offers one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Callejón de Huaylas, as steep and gigantic rock formations are observed that protect the turquoise colors of the lagoons.
How to get to Laguna Llanganuco: Because it is one of the lagoons furthest from Huaraz, it is best to hire a tour. At Denomades we offer a Tour to the Llanganuco Lagoon that includes roundtrip transportation as well as making a stop at the Campo Santo de Yungay.
The temperature is between 24°C and 7°C, the climate has two seasons, the dry season from May to September and the rainy season from October to April. The days are usually bright sunny and cold at night.
Because of this it is important to wear light clothing for tours but early afternoon is when the temperature drops so having a coat will be very helpful. On the other hand, due to the height, you can feel bad, but for that, there is nothing better than drinking a coca tea.
Huaraz can be reached by land from Lima since it is connected to this city through the North Pan-American Highway entering through a detour that is located in Paramonga, the trip lasts around 7 to 8 hours. The road is completely paved so it will be easily accessible.
If you choose to travel by air, 20 km northwest of Huaraz is the Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport, located in Anta, where daily commercial flights are made to the city of Lima with an approximate travel time of 1 hour.
The best time of year to visit Huaraz is from May to October because at this time the chances of rain are almost nil due to the fact that it is the dry season. This will allow you to enjoy the excursions and tourist tours you choose with peace of mind and without unforeseen events.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
