The name Huaraz comes from “waraq”, a word in Quechua that means sunrise. The origins of Huaraz go back to the Pre-Inca period when the first human settlement took place close to the rivers Quilcay and Santa. It has been verified the human presence in the area of Callejón de Huaylas since 10.000 B. C., when human beings were dedicated to harvest and hunting; this is testified by the Guitarrero cave in front of Mancos village. It was the chavín culture that was developed in this area during the Horizonte Temprano. Many years later, Spanish people founded the city as San Sebastián de Huaraz, in 1574 and Simón Bolívar called the city “noble and generous”, because of its support to the liberating army during the independence of Peru. It was also called the “capital of international friendship”, in recognition of its help to the victims of the earthquake of 1970 in Áncash; on the seism, 20.000 people from Huaraz died and 95% of the city was reduced to ashes. Huaraz is the capital of the Áncash department and is considered the “Peruvian Switzerland” for being located in the surroundings of the snowy mountain of Cordillera Blanca. The development of Huaraz is based in agriculture, trade, and tourism because in Huaraz is concentrated most of the tourist activity of the Sierra de Áncash.
Huaraz Weather
The weather in Huaraz is characterized by its sunny days and cold nights. The highest temperatures are usually during August (24°C), and the lowest is during July (4°C). Like many other cities in Peru, Huaraz has a rainy season and a dry season.
Hotels in Huaraz
● Hotel Santa Cruz
- Gabino Uribe 255, Huaraz, Perú
- Prices: From S/ 185.00
- Services: It has individual, double, triple, and quadruple rooms. Bar. Room service. Wifi. Free parking. Includes breakfast.
● Selina Huaraz
- Jr Italia 1124, Huaraz, Perú
- Prices: From S/ 82.00
- Services: It has individual, double, triple, and family rooms. Bar. Wifi. Room service. Inhouse garden. Includes breakfast.
● Alpamayo Guest House
- Jirón Juan de la Cruz Romero 1075, Huaraz, Perú
- Prices: From S/ 50.00
- Services: It has individual, double, triple, and family rooms. Bar. Wifi. Room service. Includes breakfast.
● Hotel El Rubí
- Avenue Mariscal Toribio de Luzuriaga 550, Huaraz, Perú
- Prices: From S/ 150.00
- Services: It has individual, double, and triple rooms. Wifi. Bar. Includes breakfast.
Restaurants & Bars in Huaraz
● Jama Restaurante
- Jr. J. Maria Robles Arnao Parque cuba, Huaraz 02001 Perú
- Prices: From S/ 22.00
● Krishna Bhog
- Jr. Enrique Palacios 630 Near San Fracisco park, Huaraz Perú
- Prices: From S/ 10.00
● Chilli Heaven
- Parque Ginebra Lote 28, Huaraz Perú
- Prices: From S/ 12.00
The most tourist places in Huaraz
● Nevado Pastoruri: This snow mountain is located 70 km from Huaraz. It is the ideal place to surround yourself between nature and snow. You can also do outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, or mountain climbing.
● Lagunas de Llanganuco: Surrounded by the White Mountain Range, this group of lagoons offers a unique landscape. Get amazed by the blue of its waters, and the adventure that will connect you to nature.
● Chavín de Huántar: Get to know the origins of one of the most Pre Incan culture in Peru. Located on the Chavin de Huantar Valley, you can walk around its beautiful temples, and surprise yourself with the sculptures and roads.
Important dates in Huaraz
● Huaraz Holy Week: The exact dates changes every year. Processions, festivals, and local religious traditions are held.
● July 25th – Huaraz Anniversary: Event where social activities, parades, concerts, and gastronomic festivals are held. Commemorating the establishment of the city of Huaraz.
● Huaraz Carnival: SIs held between the months of February and March. With Yunzas, concerts, and parades filled with traditional dances. It is definitely a good time to visit Huaraz during these dates.
How to reach Huaraz?
Huaraz by bus: You can travel from Trujillo to Huaraz on a land trip that takes 8 hours approximately. There are many daily departures.
How to move around Huaraz?
- Collectives: This is the most popular transportation. Prices vary between S/ 3 to S/ 6,
- Taxis: This is the most comfortable transportation. Prices vary between S/ 6 and S/ 12. You will have to settle the rate before the trip, as taxis in Huaraz don't have taximeter.
Gastronomy in Huaraz
In Huaraz you can delight dishes like:
- Pachamanca
- Patasca
- Picante de Cuy
- Puchero
Things to buy in Huaraz
- Handcrafts
- Chocho (lupin fruit)
- Quinoa Products
- Cancha Products
Huaraz Facts
Huaraz, the capital of Ancash, has a population of 120 thousand of people. It is located at 3.000 m.a.s.l. Its principal economic activities are mining, agriculture, and tourism. For tourism, Huaraz offers many unique landscapes, with many options for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, snowboarding, and more.
Bus operators of the route Trujillo to Huaraz
- Transportes Julio César
- Linea
- Transportes Expreso 14
In Conclusion:
Huaraz is a unique city, with many tourist places and many activities to do. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, and places filled with history and culture.