Huaraz is the easy-going base camp for the northern Andes of Peru, an inexhaustible landscape of creaking glaciers, sapphire lakes, and lush valleys. Mountains rear up on both sides of Huaraz, but the easterly Cordillera Blanca range draws everyone from day hikers to trekkers and serious alpinists. That mountain range tops out in Huascaran National Park, a nearby cluster of high passes and summits, including Huascaran itself. At 22,200 feet (6,768 meters), it’s the highest point in Peru.
The Huaraz trekking and climbing season goes from May through September, a stretch of dry weather and mild temperatures. While it gets rainier outside that busy season, it’s not until January and February that conditions are truly wet. As the rainy season dwindles in March and April, travelers will find a beautifully lush landscape and—for the most part—clear mornings ideal for getting outside.
Huaraz is a walkable city, with most hotels, restaurants, and bus stations within the strollable center. Reaching trailheads and Huascarán National Park can be time-consuming without a car. If your time is limited, booking a tour including transport is the most straightforward option. Private taxis and budget-friendly shared (colectivo) taxis are other alternatives when heading to trailheads closer to town.
Don’t underestimate the altitude. Huaraz’s 10,013-foot (3,053-meter) elevation takes some getting used to, and most hikes go far higher. Steep paths to places such as the 15,092-foot (4,600-meter) Laguna 69 leave many feeling short of breath, exhausted, and headachy. Give yourself a day or two to acclimate, then make your first excursion a moderate one. One popular acclimatization hike is the relatively gentle trail to beautiful Laguna Churup at 14,599 feet (4,450 meters).
Local Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN) | Time Zone PET (UTC -5) | Country Code +51 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 3 | Tours 68 | Reviews 368 |
Travelers come to Huaraz for hiking, climbing, and mountain scenery. Top day-hiking spots include Laguna Paron, Laguna Wilcacocha, and Laguna 69, while the most famous multi-day hiking route is the 4-day Santa Cruz Trek. Nearby Huascarán National Park is also home to serious mountaineering routes such as Huascaran mountain itself.
...MoreWith playgrounds and parks throughout the city center, Huaraz is a great place to travel with kids. Top Huaraz activities with kids include the Huaraz Market, Monterrey Hot Springs, and the bustling Plaza de Armas. Moderate hikes, such as Laguna Rajucolta, Laguna Wilcacocha, and Laguna Churup, are options for older kids.
...MoreYes, Huaraz is worth visiting, even though the city itself isn’t big on sightseeing. Instead, it’s all about getting outdoors. Nature lovers will find a mountain playground with endless treks to snowy glaciers and bright-blue lakes. Nearby Huascarán National Park is the dramatic setting for Peru’s most towering peak.
...MorePlan to spend a day or so in Huaraz before hiking since getting used to the altitude is essential. Then, with two or three more days, you can visit some glaciers, hike to high-altitude lakes, and see the spectacular Huascarán National Park. If time is limited, consider booking guided excursions.
...MoreHuaraz is known for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. It’s a starting point for day hikes to glaciers and alpine lakes such as Laguna 69, Laguna Churup, and Laguna Paron. Serious multi-day mountaineering expeditions depart Huaraz to scale towering peaks such as Nevado Pisco and Huascarán, the highest point in Peru.
...MoreThe May–September dry season is ideal for outdoor adventure and features an excellent festival lineup. It starts with May’s Fiesta de Mayo, a celebration with dancing and processions. The parties continue through June (San Juan Bautista); July (La Virgen Santa Isabel, Independence Day, Huaraz Fiesta); and August (Patron Saint Festival).
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