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If you love outdoor adventuring, then Huaraz and the surrounding Cordillera Blanca is a destination for you. Think up close and personal encounters with nature and the thrill of camping under the stars and less luxury lodging and services.
This edition of Sense Peru is an introductory guide to this central mountainous region that’s still off the beaten path to the majority of travelers coming to Peru. Scroll through the carousel of highlights to learn about the leading attractions, sports, and excursions. Specialized maps, details about travel logistics, and tips from our Peru for Less team also help you plan your trip.
Travelers often say they’re going to Huaraz but the city is more often used as a stopover point before journeying into the Cordillera Blanca - where the real action is.
The Cordillera Blanca is touted as the mountaineering capital of Peru. Its name means White Range which hints at the wonderland of picturesque glacier lagoons and less trodden trails that are amid these snow capped mountains. Here, trekkers, rock climbers, runners, and mountain bikers have access to world-class experiences without mass crowds. Even folks who visit Huaraz and prefer a lighter agenda of day excursions by car with minimal walking are easily overwhelmed by the region’s beauty.
AIRPORT
NATIONAL PARK TRAILHEADS
LIMA
Declared a protected natural area by UNESCO in 1985, Huascaran National Park safeguards 340,000 hectares of the Cordillera Blanca. It’s home to more than 27 mountains above 6,000 meters but none surpass the soaring 6,768 meter (22,205 feet) summit of Mount Huascaran - Peru’s highest peak. Alongside rugged mountains are turquoise lakes, deep ravines, glaciers, and a diversity of vegetation types. With some luck you may spot local wildlife favorites like vicunas or Andean condors.
Read more about Huascaran National Park.
Glaciers clinging to jagged mountaintops, piercing turquoise lagoons, and grazing herds of alpacas amid river ravines are around every bend of the Santa Cruz Trek. These striking landscapes are no doubt why this trek is the most popular option in the Cordillera Blanca. Typically organized on a 4-day/3-night itinerary, the daily walking distances and uphill climbs paired with the high altitudes make the Santa Cruz Trek best suited for people in good physical condition.
Itching to do the Santa Cruz Trek? Learn more
Laguna 69 is one of the most recognized day hikes within Huascaran National Park. The uphill journey to Laguna 69’s blue waters backed by snow covered peaks is your picture perfect reward. It takes about 3 hours to arrive to the lagoon, and 2 hours to return.
“I loved this hike! It starts off in a beautiful field with streams and cows before you start going up. All the views throughout the hike were gorgeous and the lake itself was nice and bright blue. This is a hike I’d recommended for active people.”
- Rachel W, Travel Advisor
Given the hike’s popularity, you might not get that nature solitude you crave.
“I did Laguna 69 and thought of course the view at the top was incredible. However, it’s really unfortunate that there were a ton of people on the hike. The group spread out but it was still pretty crowded at the top. A great tour guide can make a big difference in the experience.”
- Adam L, Travel Advisor
Sandwiched between towering cliff faces, these iconic lakes in the national park sit at the bottom of the Huascaran Peaks. On a sunny day their waters are a dazzling shade of turquoise. Driving into the park, the first Llanganuco Lake of Chinancocha is often dotted with rowboats filled with passengers. The other lake is Orconcocha. Along the lakes’ shores you’ll come across trees with unusually flakey red trunks known as queñua trees that grow in high Andean regions.
Huaraz is likely on your Peru trip planning radar if you’re a person who spends their weekends scaling walls and a lot of free time at the local indoor climbing gym. Accessible from Huaraz are numerous routes for sport climbing and bouldering.
Mountain Project is a helpful resource to begin exploring the options ranging from beginner to advanced.
In a region where nature gets most of the limelight, the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar (near Huaraz) reminds us of the early human civilizations that called these mountains their home. This pre-Inca complex is a UNESCO site that served as a ceremonial and pilgrimage center. The lithic art and symbolic carvings that decorate the plazas and columns are among its most significant features.
Read more about the archaeological site of Chavin.
The Huayhuash mountain range neighbors the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Noted as one of South America’s premier multi day treks, the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is packed with high mountain passes, glacial lagoons, hot springs, and remote villages. The 8 to 14 day itinerary for the Huayhuash Circuit - frequently compared to trail routes in Nepal - is far more demanding than the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in southern Peru. Most people organize their Huayhuash expedition from trekking providers based in Huaraz.
Each year a growing number of events bring runners to the Cordillera Blanca.
45K Sierra Andina Chavin Trail
Sierra Andina Mountain Trail
The Cordillera Blanca is home to some of the highest tropical glaciers in the world. In total, the range tallies over 700 glaciers, and one of these ice masses is Pastoruri. Like many destinations within Huascaran National Park, Pastoruri resides in a very remote location and there is no direct public transportation to get there, so the best way to reach the glacier is by tour.
Adam L., Travel Advisor
Declared a protected natural area by UNESCO in 1985, Huascaran National Park safeguards 340,000 hectares of the Cordillera Blanca. It’s home to more than 27 mountains above 6,000 meters but none surpass the soaring 6,768 meter (22,205 feet) summit of Mount Huascaran - Peru’s highest peak. Alongside rugged mountains are turquoise lakes, deep ravines, glaciers, and a diversity of vegetation types. With some luck you may spot local wildlife favorites like vicunas or Andean condors.
Read more about Huascaran National Park.
Glaciers clinging to jagged mountaintops, piercing turquoise lagoons, and grazing herds of alpacas amid river ravines are around every bend of the Santa Cruz Trek. These striking landscapes are no doubt why this trek is the most popular option in the Cordillera Blanca. Typically organized on a 4-day/3-night itinerary, the daily walking distances and uphill climbs paired with the high altitudes make the Santa Cruz Trek best suited for people in good physical condition.
Itching to do the Santa Cruz Trek? Learn more
Laguna 69 is one of the most recognized day hikes within Huascaran National Park. The uphill journey to Laguna 69’s blue waters backed by snow covered peaks is your picture perfect reward. It takes about 3 hours to arrive to the lagoon, and 2 hours to return.
“I loved this hike! It starts off in a beautiful field with streams and cows before you start going up. All the views throughout the hike were gorgeous and the lake itself was nice and bright blue. This is a hike I’d recommended for active people.”
- Rachel W, Travel Advisor
Given the hike’s popularity, you might not get that nature solitude you crave.
“I did Laguna 69 and thought of course the view at the top was incredible. However, it’s really unfortunate that there were a ton of people on the hike. The group spread out but it was still pretty crowded at the top. A great tour guide can make a big difference in the experience.”
- Adam L, Travel Advisor
Sandwiched between towering cliff faces, these iconic lakes in the national park sit at the bottom of the Huascaran Peaks. On a sunny day their waters are a dazzling shade of turquoise. Driving into the park, the first Llanganuco Lake of Chinancocha is often dotted with rowboats filled with passengers. The other lake is Orconcocha. Along the lakes’ shores you’ll come across trees with unusually flakey red trunks known as queñua trees that grow in high Andean regions.
Huaraz is likely on your Peru trip planning radar if you’re a person who spends their weekends scaling walls and a lot of free time at the local indoor climbing gym. Accessible from Huaraz are numerous routes for sport climbing and bouldering.
Mountain Project is a helpful resource to begin exploring the options ranging from beginner to advanced.
In a region where nature gets most of the limelight, the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar (near Huaraz) reminds us of the early human civilizations that called these mountains their home. This pre-Inca complex is a UNESCO site that served as a ceremonial and pilgrimage center. The lithic art and symbolic carvings that decorate the plazas and columns are among its most significant features.
Read more about the archaeological site of Chavin.
The Huayhuash mountain range neighbors the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Noted as one of South America’s premier multi day treks, the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is packed with high mountain passes, glacial lagoons, hot springs, and remote villages. The 8 to 14 day itinerary for the Huayhuash Circuit - frequently compared to trail routes in Nepal - is far more demanding than the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in southern Peru. Most people organize their Huayhuash expedition from trekking providers based in Huaraz.
Each year a growing number of events bring runners to the Cordillera Blanca.
45K Sierra Andina Chavin Trail
Sierra Andina Mountain Trail
The Cordillera Blanca is home to some of the highest tropical glaciers in the world. In total, the range tallies over 700 glaciers, and one of these ice masses is Pastoruri. Like many destinations within Huascaran National Park, Pastoruri resides in a very remote location and there is no direct public transportation to get there, so the best way to reach the glacier is by tour.
Adam L., Travel Advisor
Britt Fracolli
Eduardo Flores
Paul Lequay
Clement Taquet
Aline Rodrigues
Ayden Stoefen
Clement Taquet
Meghan Joyce
Augusto Nagahiro
Orlando Leon
Britt Fracolli
Ayden Stoefen
Capture epic travel memories utilizing these photography tips.
Our friends at Lazy Dog Inn are experts in Huaraz travel and shared great wisdom about 3 lesser-known hikes in the southern Cordillera Blanca.
“This is a good day hike for acclimatizing as the lake sits about 250 m (820 ft) lower than most lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. The hike is shorter than most and it’s a gentle incline from the trailhead gates to the lake.”
Gina Allman
“A great option for older or younger trekkers that need a gentler ascent with a lake at a lower elevation, as Lake Shallap is almost 250 m (850 ft) lower than other lakes in the area.”
Rebecca Hollman and François Haché
“Llaca Valley is one of the most under-used hikes and lakes on the southern side of the Cordillera Blanca and is characterized by a celestial blue glacial lake surrounded by the three glaciers.”
Rebecca Hollman and François Haché
Read more insider information about these trails on our blog.
Desk to Glory
Violeta from Chavin Tours in Huaraz answered some common questions about the Santa Cruz Trek.
The Santa Cruz Trek takes you to beautiful areas full of nature. The trek follows a path with breathtaking views, quenual forests, lagoons, rivers and other attractions of the Santa Cruz ravine.
Definitely all the spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca. It’s breathtaking!
The third day is the most difficult one as the highest point of the trail goes over a mountain pass of 4,750 msnm. High altitude trekking is always a challenge!
The Santa Cruz Trek is one of the best in the region and is suited to trekker in good physical condition. Training in advance is a must as it’s a high altitude trek. There is also others good treks such as Cedros Alpamayo and Huayhuash that are also challenging!
Desk to Glory
Huaraz is the capital of the Ancash Department of Peru and home to some 119,000 residents (2017, source). The city hosts a handful of attractions, restaurants, and hotels that are within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas or a taxi ride away.
HUARAZ CATHEDRAL
PROM PERU OFFICE
REGIONAL MUSEUM OF ANCASH
CRUZ DEL SUR
MOVIL TOURS
OLTURSA
The food served here is varied, from classic Peruvian favorites to sandwiches and some veggie options. Charming decor with a fireplace and chill music greet you at the door. Go up to the second floor balcony for a nice view.
Contact info:
This cozy cafe is the spot in Huaraz to enjoy North American style breakfasts and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Complement your meal with homemade bread, speciality coffee, or fresh juice. Check out the selection of books in the cafe’s sharing library.
Contact info:
This restaurant’s speciality is in its name. Order from an extensive list of savory and sweet crepes. More filling options include pepper steak, chicken dishes, and classic Peruvian meals.
Contact info:
Founded in 1997, this dining establishment has a Novoandino menu with meat specialities like pollo a la brasa and anticuchos served with a side of fries. Open for lunch and dinner.
Contact info:
An Italian restaurant with a Peruvian twist and other traditional dishes. Enjoy handmade pasta in various sauces or a classic lomo saltado.
Contact info:
Come for sourdough artisan pizzas and artfully presented tapas served on home baked papa amarilla (yellow potato) bread. The menu is filled with vegetarian-friendly options.
Contact info:
Order the locally brewed Sierra Andina beer on tap with a casual meal. Burgers, Thai soup, and fettuccine alfredo are on the wide-ranging menu.
Contact info:
In and around the city’s main plaza, backpacker hostels and no frills hotels are the norm. These accommodations are particularly enticing to budget travelers or someone planning a brief overnight stay close to the bus station.
Staying at a comfortable lodge away from the bustle of the city is a wonderful opportunity to maximize your contact with nature. Book a few nights to take it easy while adjusting to the high altitude before a trek, or stay after your adventures in Huaraz to enjoy the mountain scenery at a slower pace.
Take the bus, fly, or drive to Huaraz from Lima. The city of Huaraz is the region’s main transport hub.
Bus travel is the easiest and most affordable way to get from Lima to Huaraz. Daily departures also permit more trip planning flexibility if you don’t know your desired travel dates far in advance.
Cruz del Sur, Movil Tours, and Oltursa are reputable bus companies that offer comfortable service to Huaraz. Upgrading your ticket to VIP generally includes a fully reclinable seat, a personal TV screen with entertainment, and meal/snack service.
Take the overnight bus to Huaraz. That way you arrive to Huaraz early in the morning between 6 to 7 am and can maximize daylight hours to acclimate and soak in the region’s beautiful scenery.
The 45-minute flight from Lima to Anta Airport in Huaraz is the most time efficient transport. Flights are best booked from May to September during the dry season months. Inclement weather may delay flights or cancel them altogether during the rainy season.
Important Travel Notice:
As of 2020, flight service is not available to Huaraz. Contact Peru for Less for help planning your trip to Huaraz and up-to-date transport details.
The journey from Lima to Huaraz in your own transport takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Traveling during the daytime is advised due to the curvy road conditions and limited phone coverage in the mountains.
The Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (SERNAP) of Peru manages
entrance fees for Huascaran National Park.
Soaring elevations of 9,840+ feet (3,000+ meters) greet you in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca.
Monique, our general manager at Peru for Less, shares her advice for adjusting to the altitude.
“In Huaraz, most activities start early in the morning (especially treks) so try not to cram too much in; your body will already be dealing with altitude and the long bus ride from Lima.
Acclimatization in Huaraz is more key than Cusco, arguably. Why? I arrived super tired from the bus ride, so the combination of little sleep plus higher altitude meant I was out of it for the first day completely. In general, this is a region for doing more outdoor and adventure activities so you want to make sure you're feeling as good as possible.
Ideally, arrive at least 2 days before starting any rigorous activity. Don’t have anything planned for the first day you arrive, and on the second day consider doing one of those van tours. Lago Llanganuco was great, for example, with several stops and a modest amount of walking. Don’t feel guilty about taking it easy!"
Read more about symptoms of altitude sickness and acclimation tips.
Read more about altitude sickness.
Here’s a list of packing essentials that you’ll need for day excursions in Huaraz.
Travelers going to Huaraz are encouraged to book services with credible companies to receive quality service, professional guides, and security. Our Peru for Less travel advisors are happy to help out with trip planning and answer your questions.
Alternatively, if Huaraz is a leg of your Peru trip you’re planning on your own, be sure to ask around for recommended trekking and excursion providers. Not all tourism services are the same and super low pricing may be a cautionary flag of cutting industry standards or lacking proper certification.
Contact Peru for Less for help planning your trip to Huaraz.
