Huaraz Peru Travel Guide
This comprehensive Huaraz travel guide includes tips on the best things to do in Huaraz on a budget. We also share information on how to get there, best hotels, and overall how to plan your visit to this top hiking destination in Peru.
Well, it might seem a bit strange to start this Huaraz travel guide by saying that no traveler has Huaraz on the Peru itinerary because of the city itself. Truth to be told, this city with 120 000 inhabitants is nothing to write home about.
But the narrow trails in the Cordillera Blanca, home of Huascaran National Park (UNESCO) or in the Cordillera Negra, insanely green and blue glacier lakes, high snow-capped peaks, and glaciers - that's a different story.
On the other hand, it would be unfair to say that Huaraz has nothing to offer.
First of all, it is the hiking capital of Peru and the perfect base for exploring the area. Secondly, despite the fact it is quite a large city, you will still find here traditional markets and streets where indigenous people wearing traditional dress and hats mix with travelers in their outdoor outfits.
For a long time, Huaraz, the Ancash region's capital, was under the radar because it lies off the coastal road.
In order to get there, travelers need to hop on an overnight bus, and the ride is everything but comfortable. Do not take us wrong, the buses in Peru are not that bad, but the winding roads that lead to Huaraz were a bit scary.
But once word of mouth accompanied by postcard-perfect photos spread, Huaraz quickly became one of the most popular travel destinations in the country.
Luckily, it still did not lose its soul, and except for the two centrally located streets lined with travel agencies and shops, you would not notice that something special is happening here.
We spent in Huaraz for more than a week for several reasons. We are avid hikers and could not wait to see all the must-visit places such as well-known Laguna 69 or Laguna Paron.
The other reason was purely practical. Huaraz sits 3052 meters above sea level, so it is necessary to acclimatize to enjoy the time here and explore the best things to do in the area safely.
In this Huaraz travel guide, we would like to inspire you to visit this unique part of the Peruvian Andes. From the best things to do in Huaraz to tips on how to acclimatize or how to get around, we've got you covered.
WHAT TO DO IN HUARAZ
It could seem that all the best things to do in Huaraz, all the activities and top sights revolve around hiking. If you got that impression, we could only confirm it.
As we love hiking and challenging ourselves in the mountains, we found the atmosphere in the city very pleasant; it even reminded us of Pokhara in Nepal, where we finished the Annapurna Circuit years ago.
We could meet here many backpackers and same-minded people who were looking for a program for the next day after a hike they just finished.
But what if you are not a mountain person? Well, the first advice we could give you would be - do not travel to Huaraz. No matter how harsh it sounds, Peru has an endless list of interesting sights where you might enjoy your time better.
On the other hand, as people who love traveling, we feel it is our 'duty' to inspire you to visit Huaraz. We actually feel a strong urge here, because, in our opinion, this place is really worth your time and effort, and once you'll overcome your doubts, you'll love it here.
To enjoy the best Huaraz has to offer, rule number one is to take it slowly.
Do not get carried away by experienced hikers - there are plenty of easier treks that are absolutely beautiful. And once you gain your confidence, nothing will hold you back to test your limits, of course, with a camera in hand.
Who knows, Huaraz might be the destination that will ignite your passion for the mountains.
ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATIZATION
Can be proper acclimatization listed among the things to do in Huaraz? Well, we think it can, and it even should be, because it is an unavoidable activity that can have many forms.
Unless you just arrived from a place that was located in a similar location (around 3000 meters above sea level of higher), Huaraz might be a place that will welcome you with a headache.
No worries, this is nothing unusual, as the elevation can cause symptoms of mild altitude sickness.
This is the reason why your Huaraz itinerary should not be too packed and pressed because you will need to give your body some time to adjust to the altitude.
We've written a full blog post on hiking at altitude where you can find more detailed information, but you should follow a few simple rules in a nutshell.
Do not plan any strenuous physical activity for the very first day in Huaraz.
Walk around the city, go to a restaurant, drink plenty of water, and simply breathe. If you feel fine, you can start exploring the area, but we would wait with the trip above 4000 meters for the next day.
One of the trickiest things is that you can never tell how your body will react to the altitude, even if you have a previous experience, but after a day or two, you should be ready to make your first trip to the mountains.
We know the necessity to spend a few extra days in Huaraz might slow you down, but it is important to go through this process to ensure you'll feel well.
If you’ve arrived to Peru only to do as many hikes as possible, there is a chance that your next stop on your itinerary will be Cusco - although it would be a shame to skip Lima or Nazca - which also sits above 3000 meters, so the acclimatization in Huaraz will come in handy anyway.
It will also give you an opportunity to discover Huaraz more deeply.
Travel Insurance
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VISIT A LOCAL MARKET
Mercado Central, alias the main market, is definitely a place you have to visit. We saw our shares of markets in South America, but to be honest, we did not expect to see such an authentic market in quite a bit city we thought is very touristy.
You will notice that you are getting nearer to the market because of the increasing density of stalls that line the street and increasing smell.
What can you get on this market? Literally everything. From bread, fresh fruit, and veggie to meat and clothes, this is really a sight for sore eyes.
Even if you do not plan on buying anything, make sure you put this place on your travel itinerary and prepare to spend here at least one hour.
We went to the market every day after we returned from day-hikes, not only because it was super-photogenic, but we also always bought food for dinner.
EXPLORE HUARAZ
Although we've already made clear Huaraz is not the city that is visited because of sightseeing, it does not mean it is not worth it to independently walk its streets.
It is actually one of those activities that are recommended for successful acclimatization.
Huaraz has many restaurants and cool coffee shops, but before you go there, make sure to stop by at the central square, which is unsurprisingly the same as 99% of squares in Peru called Plaza de Armas.
When on the square, you cannot but notice the city's cathedral, which is quite pretty. If you have more time or it rains, visit the Regional Museum of Ancash, where you can learn more about the region and its culture.
SHOPPING
If you need to buy outdoor clothes or arrange anything from booking a tour or withdrawing money from a bank, there's one district where to go.
This area is defined by two streets - Antonio Raymondi and Avenida Mariscal Toribio de Luzuriaga.
In the proximity of these streets, you'll find all services a traveler in a foreign country might need. Even if you do not need anything, it is quite interesting to walk around and see what's on display.
MONTERREY HOT SPRINGS
Another cool activity you can do in Huaraz is to visit Monterrey Hot Springs alias Banos Termales Monterrey.
It is a perfect thing to do if you still need some time for acclimatization, but the site also regularly fills with tired hikers who want to relax and get some relief for their sore legs.
Getting to the hot springs is very straightforward. The site is located 10 minutes drive from Huaraz, so you can either flag down a cab or jump on bus number 1 (it should also have a sign Monterrey behind the windshield).
The bus ticket costs S/.1 and the entry fee is 4 soles.
There are changing rooms, so the only thing you must do is pack a swimsuit and travel towel. Do not expect anything luxurious, but we think you will appreciate these hot pools after several days of hiking.
HIKING
Finally, we get to the very best activity a traveler can do in Huaraz, and it is hiking. The region offers an endless number of day or multi-day treks, so it is only up to you which way you decide to go.
One of the most famous multi-day treks from Huaraz is Santa Cruz, but because we arrived in the city at the beginning of the rainy season, we decided to only stick to day trips.
Mornings were usually clear, so we always started early and hoped the cloud would come later on, and it worked out most of the time.
What are the best day hikes from Huaraz that should persuade you to put this place on your itinerary?
LAGUNA 69
We would be surprised if you didn't hear about Laguna 69. It is probably the most iconic mountain lake, and it is impossible to walk around Huaraz and not be offered a day tour to this natural gem.
Although some places are often overrated, it is not this case, and we consider our hike to Laguna 69 as one of the best things we did in Peru.
The lake sits 4600 meters above sea level, and after you reach it (you need to gain 800 meters on 6 kilometers), the place will literally take your breath away.
Although it is possible to reach the trailhead to Laguna 69 independently by public transport, it is more common to take a Laguna 69 Tour that will guarantee you a smooth transport back to Huaraz.
LAGUNA PARON
Another increasingly popular lake in the area is Laguna Paron. The blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks started to draw attention a few years back, and since then, it must be on every travel itinerary.
It is quite a ride to get to Laguna Paron from Huaraz, which means 99% of travelers take a Laguna Paron Tour. That is ok, but we wanted to hike instead of spending so much time on a bus. If you want to know how we did that, read our Laguna Paron travel guide.
Small hint, because of the trip to Laguna Paron, we decided to spend a night in Caraz.
Caraz is a much smaller village than Huaraz, but we used it as a base for a few hikes, and we appreciated its small-town feel - if you want to visit the area but want to avoid the crowds, this is certainly a great tip you can think about.
Laguna Paron lies 4200 meters above sea level, which is lower than Laguna 69, but still no piece of cake.
LAGUNA CHURUP & WILCACOCHA
When talking about hiking in the Huaraz area, we could go on and on, so we only mention another two lagoons we visited, Laguna Churup and Laguna Wilcacocha.
The first mentioned is easily accessible from Huaraz, but still quite off the beaten path.
The latter is often recommended for acclimatization because it sits 'only' 3700 meters above sea level and offers great Cordillera Negra views. Both lagoons are better to be visited independently.
PASTORURI GLACIER
A slightly different trip was the one we took to Pastoruri Glacier. When in the area, a day trip to Pastoruri Glacier from Huaraz is a must, and we were really glad that we visited this incredible place.
This quickly retreating glacier is one of a few in South America in the equatorial zone, and you should plan your visit as soon as you can before it will be gone.
The hike to the glacier is not hard, but we left the tour for the very last day as the highest point is 5250 meters above sea level.
Although we spent quite a lot of time on the bus, we enjoyed this trip because there were several stops where we could admire the unique flora.
We hope our photos will ignite your wanderlust and convince you that Huaraz is no ordinary hiking destination.
At the moment, there's no public transport to the trailhead of Pastoruri glacier, but no worries, every tourist agency in Huaraz offers this day trip. You can also reserve a Pastoruri Glacier Tour in advance online.
ENTRANCE FEES
Hiking in Huascaran National Park is not free of charge, and you need to buy a ticket depending on how long you want to spend in the area.
One day ticket is for S/.30, two to three day ticket will set you back S/.60, and if you plan on exploring the area more extensively and set off on a multi-day trek, prepare to pay S/.150.
CHAVIN DE HUANTAR
Peru is famous for Inca Ruins, but Incas were not the only civilization that once ruled the country, and the evidence is spread around the entire country.
For example, we visited Kuelap Ruins near Chachapoyas in northern Peru, built by Chachapoya culture and another culture, Chavin, that thrived between 900 and 200 BC once settled a place we now know as Chavin de Huantar, which is within driving distance from Huaraz.
If you decide to visit Chavin de Huantar, you have a long day on the road ahead, and it makes sense to book a Chavin de Huantar Tour otherwise, you would hardly make it from Huaraz and back in only one day.
Another reason to take a tour is that Chavin de Huantar is one of those places where you really need your imagination, and it is where a knowledgeable guide comes in handy.
Except for exploring the ruins, the tour also includes a museum visit, where you can learn more about this civilization and area.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR HUARAZ
Although the answer to the question of how many days you need to visit Huaraz is highly individual, if you've read this travel guide to this point, it is probably clear that this city is not a one-day and one-night destination.
When everything goes well, you need at least one day (two days are better) for acclimatization. During this time, you can check out some of the activities we've mentioned in this travel guide. Then your time spent in Huaraz depends on the number of hikes you want to make.
If you plan a Santa Cruz hike, then add at least another four days, but even if you'll follow our guidance and opt for day trips, you will need a very similar amount of time.
Personally, we spent in Huaraz one week, plus a few days in Caraz, and this amount of time gave us the opportunity to make several one day trips and enjoy the best the area has to offer. In general, we would say that three days is a bare minimum.
In that case, we would presume that you'll spend one day in Huaraz acclimating, and then choose two favorite day trips (Laguna 69 and then a trip according to your choice).
Anything between five and seven days is, according to us, the perfect amount of time to see the best and enjoy happy moments in the mountains.
Of course, if you love hiking and want to go off the beaten path, you can revolve your entire Peru itinerary around Huaraz - there are so many things to do to keep you busy for months.
WHERE TO STAY IN HUARAZ
Huaraz is a large city, so it is key to find accommodation near bus stations, shops, and tour agencies.
Before you make a reservation, check out the map first to make sure the hotel's location is great - although it is possible to get everywhere by taxi, we always prefer to be within walking distance to the city center.
Huaraz is backpackers' paradise, there are many reasonably priced hotel, but even travelers who require a higher level of comfort won't be disappointed.
We've selected the three best hotels in Huaraz - click on the links below to secure the best rate.
Budget | Selina Huaraz - This colorful hostel offers everything a traveler needs for a very reasonable price. Rooms are small but well-kept, and the property provides free wifi and a terrace to hang out.
Mid-range | La Casa de Zarela - Rooms in this hostel are spacious, clean, and comfortable. The staff is friendly and welcoming, great breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves Thai food. It is one of the most popular hostels in Huaraz.
Luxury | The Lazy Dog Inn Mountain Lodge - If you like Finnish sauna, great food, romantic fireplace, and quiet location, this lodge is perfect for you.
Our Tip: If you want to explore the Cordillera Blanca but did not find Huaraz that appealing, check out smaller towns in the area such as Caraz or Yungay. These towns boast great positions and offer basic tourist infrastructure.
BEST TIME TO VISIT HUARAZ
Weather in the mountains is always hit or miss, and it is necessary to keep in mind that conditions can change within the second, usually for the worse.
That's being said, the mountains around Huaraz experience two distinct seasons, so based on data from previous years, it can give you an idea of what to likely expect.
Undoubtedly, the best and most popular time for visiting Huaraz is between May and September. These few months usually guarantee clear skies and unobscured views.
On the other hand, this is also the wintertime, so temperatures are lower. It can get really chilly in the high altitude, the same as in Huaraz early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This period is the most popular among travelers, and the hotels' availability, especially of the cheaper hostels, is gone quickly.
The rainy season in the mountains around Huaraz lasts between September and April. Although usually not that many people want to travel during the wet season, it is necessary to know all pros and cons.
We visited Huaraz at the beginning of November, and days usually had a very similar scenario.
Mornings were usually sunny with occasional clouds, and the rain mostly arrived later in the afternoon, after 3 PM. This is why we always tried to start the day as early as possible, but it was also why we skipped multi-day treks and decided to base ourselves in the city and make only day treks.
The rainiest months are December, January, and February. This period can turn either way - it will, for sure, rain, but some days can also be sunny.
Generally, we recommend this time of the year to travelers who travel long term and have the luxury to wait it out. The rainy season is summer in Peru, so the temperatures are higher, and you can also expect to have the majority of trails for yourself.
If you want to get the best of each period, consider traveling in the shoulder season - the second half of April, May, and the end of September and October might be a perfect choice.
WHAT TO PACK FOR HUARAZ
We've already talked about the fact that the majority of travelers arrive in Huaraz because of the stunning nature, and if you also want to see gems such as Laguna 69 or Huascaran (of course, from a distance), which is the highest mountain of Peru, the key to success is to pack right.
The altitude, combined with the changeable weather, creates a challenging environment, and it is always better to be ready.
This is what we packed for every single trip from Huaraz.
A quality daypack is a must-have as it is necessary to store snacks, a water bottle, or extra layers somewhere.
It is necessary to drink a lot of water in the altitude, and you should know the water in Peru is not drinkable.
So you need either own reusable water bottle, but if you work hard on lowering your plastic consumption, check out the more modern solutions such as SteriPen or water bottle with integrated filter. We are sure this is the gear for the future.
Never forget sunglasses and sunblock with high SPF as the sun high in the mountains is harsh.
No matter if you travel in the summer or winter, we think you should have a down jacket (it gets windy up there), a rain jacket, hiking trousers or leggings, and a rain poncho. We also never leave on a hike without proper hiking boots.
Trekking poles are optional, but it is good to have them if you suffer from knee issues.
HOW TO GET TO HUARAZ
Huaraz is not on the main backpackers' trail that leads from north to south, but it is the new addition to the traditional Peru itinerary; therefore, there are quite many buses that will help you reach this destination.
The roads are very winding in this part of the country, so we could not sleep that well on an overnight bus, but still, we think an overnight bus is the best option because the ride takes anything between eight and ten hours depending on your departure location.
Traditional departure points for Huaraz are either Lima or Trujillo.
We traveled in both directions with our favorite bus provider in Peru, Movilbus, and everything was perfect, including the onboard service.
It is good to know towns in Peru usually do not have one central bus terminal, but every company has its own terminal, so it is important to know the address of the place - always reconfirm the location with a travel agent in case you do not buy tickets right at the bus terminal.
HOW TO GET AROUND HUARAZ
Getting around Huaraz is very easy, but it is important to choose accommodation close to the bus terminal. Most of the bus terminals are very near to the city center and shopping zones.
This way, we could get everywhere on foot and did not need to use public transport in Huaraz even once, not even taxi.
To get to hike's trailheads, it is a different story.
If you decide to travel individually, you will have to use the system of frequent colectivos that serve routes connecting Huaraz with smaller villages in the mountains.
It is always best to ask in your hostel where a certain colectivo (shared van) stops because there's no central location.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
