A wonderful adventure trip to Peru’s Huaraz

The city of Huaraz is part of the wonderful South American nation of Peru. The city is the capital of the Departmento de Ancash or in simple words the state of Ancash. The city is home to approximately 100,000 people.

The exact location of the city is in the central-northern region of the nation. The city is located some 420 kms north of the capital city of Lima. The city is nicely nested within the significant Callejón de Huaylas valley and as such the main occupation of the region is agriculture. However, in the past few years, the tourism industry of the city and region has played a major role in earning the all important foreign exchange reserves, which in turn have played a major role in nourishing the economy of the entire region.

The city has a long history full of events both good and bad. The city was the site of a deadly earthquake in the last century. On May 31, 1970, the city witnessed the much talked about Ancash earthquake, which destroyed almost the entire city.

This devastation claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people and only 91 people managed to survive this earthquake. The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and lasted for 45 seconds and that was the end of the old city as most of its narrow streets along with their big adobes were history.

However, the city has done well to get out of that disaster and has lived to die another day. The modern day Huaraz is quite planned and offers its residents the best of amenities. Besides, on account of having some of the best natural beauties all around, the city plays host to a number of international visitors, who visit the place just to admire the beauty of this wonderful city.

The city has many attractions and tourist spots. Let’s go through some of the highlights of the city in brief.

Huascaran National Park:
The Huascaran National Park is a national park and is part and parcel of the city. The Park is famous the world over for its trekking opportunities. However, that’s not all about the trekking and hiking activities, it has much more to offer.

Please do not be surprised if you encounter a Marsh Deer or the hummingbird in the premises of the Park as they are found here in large numbers.

The year 1985 saw the Park being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Llanganuco Lakes:
These marvelous glacier-fed lakes are also commonly referred to as Lagunas Llanganuco. These lakes are situated at a distance of some 55 kms away from the city of Huaraz in the northern direction.

The lakes provide you with spectacular view of some of the most beautiful and tallest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Some of these marvelous huge peaks in the region include the Chopicalqui, which stands at a height of an incredible 6,354meters, the Huandoy, which is 6,395meters in height, besides the twin peaks of Huascaran, which stand at 6,768 meters and 6,655 meters respectively.

It is recommended you visit the Llanganuco during the day and you also need to visit the lower lake of Laguna Chinacocha.

Chavin de Huantar:
These are the ruins of an ancient fortress-temple, which was constructed between 1200 and 300 BC. These ruins are situated towards the eastern direction of the Cordillera Blanca and the place is around 110 kms away from the main city of Huaraz.

This structure was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The site also holds another unique distinction of being largest remaining structure of the Chavin culture.

The site consists of a huge central square; however, a majority of the entire complex is made of a string of underground chambers.

Besides, there is a small museum at the entrance of the ruins, which displays exhibits of carvings, besides the Chavin ceramics.

The Pastoruri Glacier:
The Pastoruri Glacier is a paradise for the guys, who like to trek up mountains and other heights. The city of Huaraz gives you an opportunity to visit a glacier, besides you can also walk and do many things on it, sounds wonderful doesn’t it?

The surface of the Pastoruri is quite flat and let me assure you will not require any special equipment to climb its heights, nor is there any reason to be worried about. However, the glacier stands at an altitude of 5240 meters, which is definitely not the highest point in the world. Yet you need to be acclimatized before starting your trekking adventure. Hence, it is suggested you spend around 3 days in the region to get used to the conditions and patterns.

The entire trek up to the Pastoruri can be completed in around 45 minutes and you need to be in a good physical condition to climb the heights. However, if you are feeling weary, there are other options available at your disposal. You can reach the top via the mules and horses available on hire.

It is a common trend seen here where the natives visit the glacier with their snowboarding equipment and skis. However, the place is definitely not the best for skiing, even though it’s possible here and good enough for the beginners.

Please do remember to carry a spare pair of shoes as your shoes will definitely get wet as the surface of the glacier is full of water, though the water levels are not dangerous.

Pachacoto:
Pachacoto is another wonderful valley of the region and is around 57kms away from the city of Huaraz in the southern direction. A specialty of this place is the wonderful Puya de Raimondii plants. Once you view these plants, you will agree with me that the plants are definitely strange and more or less resemble the mutated cacti. These plant species are actually the largest of the bromeliad family of plants and are related to the pineapple. Besides, these rare plant species are also considered to be amongst the oldest in the world. However, these plants are found in the Andes on a large scale, though in a few isolated parts.

The region is also a hot favorite amongst the mountain bikers of the world. Besides, some of the best knowledgeable experts like Pony Expeditions (Caraz) and Julio Olaza of Mountain Bike Adventures (Huaraz) are based in the region. Hence, all the adventure freaks are in for a lovely treat here.

The city also boasts of a vibrant nightlife with many spots to hang out at night. Some of the popular landmarks are Cafe Andino, Bistro de Los Andes, California Café, Fuente de Salud, Siam de Los Andes and Crêperie Patrick.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the city of Huaraz?

In order to enter Huaraz, you first need to enter the nation of Peru. Sadly, the city of Huaraz doesn’t boast of an airport and hence, you need to depend on the roads of the country, however, let me assure you will enjoy the entire road trip as the scenes in transit are spectacular.

You first need to align at the capital city Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, which is the premier airport of the nation. Once you have set foot on Peruvian soil, your entire bus journey will take around 7 hours.

This 420 kms journey has some prominent bus companies in operation. The companies in action here include Cruz del Sur, Movil Tours and Expreso Ancash.

Where do I stay during my Huaraz holiday vacation?

The city provides some of the best accommodation options and the best part is these options are available in different budget options to suit your tastes and preferences. Some of the popular landmarks of the place are Alpes Andes Youth Hostel, La Casa de Zarela, Familia Meza Lodging, Hotel Brit’s, Edward’s Inn, Olaza’s Guest House, Morales Guest House, Hostal Schatzi, B&B My House, The Way Inn Lodge, Hostal Churup, San Sebastian Hotel, Hotel Tumi, Steel Guest House, Hotel La Joya and Hotel Colomba.

When is the best time of the year to visit Huaraz?

The best time of the year to visit Huaraz is during the dry season. The dry season of the region runs during the months of May through October. The place is also ideal for a visit during the Holy week and Easter celebrations week.

A major characteristic of this region is the sun shines only till the afternoon. It loses its strength post the afternoon session. The annual average temperature of the city is about 10 degree Celsius.

You may also visit the place during the month of June for maintaining purposes.

In conclusion, the city of Huaraz is a wonderful holiday destination. Many people around the world refer to the city as an adventure holiday destination. However, that is not the case as there is something for everyone. I agree, it requires some stamina to climb the heights of the Pastoruri glacier, but with facilities like the horse in place, there is no need for you to sweat it out to reach the top. Once you are there at the top, you can just enjoy yourselves.

Besides, the city also boasts of a vibrant nightlife and all party lovers will only enjoy themselves here as the party continues well into the wee hours of the following day.

Lastly, the city has over the last few years earned a nice reputation of being a safe holiday destination. There have been no reports of any untoward incidents reported from the city and the region in the last few years. This is only a fitting tribute to the services rendered by the authorities as well as the natives of the land, who are a friendly bunch of people.

As a result of the region receiving a tag of being a safe destination, the popularity of the place has only increased and this has led to the overall development of the region. Hence, you are assured of the safety of your loved ones or kids and last but not the least, you can enjoy a safe holiday.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday to the city of Huaraz in the wonderful Peru.