(Updated 2022) A Guide to Huaraz | Peru's Hiking Capital

Updated November 2022

Looking for the best things to do in Huaraz? This is the post for you! A complete guide to the hiking capital of Peru, within this guide you’ll find our top recommendations on activities, places you can’t miss, where to stay and lots of helpful tips to plan your stay.

 
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The gateway to the spectacular Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz has become northern Peru's epicentre for adrenaline fuelled activities and outdoor lovers' dreams.

In fact, what was not so long ago a sleepy town unknown to many on the backpacker circuit is quickly becoming a must-do stop on the way to or from Ecuador (so much so, that we’ve now visited twice!). And with some of Peru's most beautiful hikes beginning just outside the city, it's unlikely to lose its popularity anytime soon.

Here's our guide on things to do in and around Huaraz - the high altitude hiking capital of Peru - plus transport and accommodation recommendations.

Huaraz At A Glance

/ Sits at 3,052m

/ Northern Peru’s hiking epicentre

/ Perfect base for many excellent day hikes

/ Start point for Santa Cruz & Huayhuash treks

/ Possible to visit year round but rainy season makes some hikes impossible

/ Abundance of good value accommodation

Altitude Sickness and the Importance of Acclimatisation

Throbbing headache, loss of appetite, nausea, lethargy, altered sleep patterns, shortness of breath.

Also known as altitude sickness, the above are a set of symptoms that the human body can experience once passing beyond 2,500m. This is when the the air gets thinner, oxygen levels decrease and - for those not used to being at higher altitudes - your body tries to tell you that it’s not okay with that.

Usually not something many of us need to worry about, but in South America, a part of the world where there are countless mountains, lakes and even cities at heights that dwarf many of Europe’s highest peaks, higher altitudes and the potential effects of being at them are something that you will need to not only be aware of, but prepare for - in a process called ‘acclimatisation’.

And that’s exactly why when arriving in Huaraz - a city that sits at over 3,000m above sea level - the vast majority of you will need at least one full day of just hanging out in the city (potentially two) before attempting to negotiate any sort of exhaustive hike or outdoor activity in the Huascarán National Park.

Your body needs to get used to simply functioning on less oxygen, before you ask it to do anything crazy like go on a 14km hike - no matter how tempting it may be to get out and enjoy the amazing landscapes just on your doorstep!

Simple things such as getting a good amount of rest, avoiding alcohol and taking it easy can make a huge difference to staving off the worst effects of altitude sickness, but you may want to consider buying a bag of coca leaves to munch on. Completely legal here, they’ve definitely helped us adjust to new towns and cities, and eased discomfort on hikes.

Find out more about altitude sickness and acclimatisation in our short guide.

Huaraz, Peru


A Short Guide to Huaraz, Peru | The coutry’s hiking capital


Hiking in Huaraz

For avid hikers, this place simply has to be on your Peru itinerary - and if you aren’t hiking, then you may have to ask yourself why you’re even going to Huaraz! Whether you fancy a one day hike to Laguna 69, or a multi-day trek through the Cordillera Blanca, all can be arranged or started from here. 

Huascarán National Park, covering nearly 340,000 hectares, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of South America's most breathtaking scenery and glaciers with 25 trekking routes and 102 mountaineering spots available to visitors. Unfortunately, entry fees have increased quite considerably in the since we first visited, with a one day pass now costing S/. 30 ( £7 / $9) a 2-3 day pass costing S/. 60 (£14 / $18), and a multi-admission ticket costing S/. 150 (£35 / $45) (updated Jan 2019).

There are a large number of day hikes and trips available, which you can do on your own or with a tour, and many of these are achievable for anyone with a decent level of fitness.


Day & Acclimitisation Hikes

Laguna Chrurup

The most enjoyable day hike we did - and possibly our favourite in Peru.

Short enough to mean you’re back in your hostel by 2 p.m (a novelty, trust us), and with plenty of challenging aspects to keep you entertained. Not to mention the reason you’ve strapped on the boots in the first place, Laguna Churup.

Altitude | 4,600m at the lake’s edge. Again, this is an excellent acclimatisation hike, but avoid doing it immediately upon arriving from sea-level.

Distance | 8km round trip from the main trail start

Time | We left on a colectivo from Huaraz at 7.40 a.m. and were back in the city by 2.20 p.m. The hike itself took four hours in total (2 hours up, under 2 hours down) which included plenty photo stops.

Entry Fee | Part of the Huscaran National Park, so if you don’t have a multi-entry ticket, you will need to pay S/. 30 (unless the guard has decided to take the day off, like when we visited)

For more information on how to do this day trip from Huaraz independently, check out our complete guide to Laguna Churup.

Laguna Wilcacocha

Whilst Laguna Wilacocha is far from being the prettiest lake in the region, it’s proximity to Huaraz (just 25 minutes way), relatively low altitude, and ease of access with public transport, means that it’s becoming an increasingly popular acclimitisation hike for those wanting to head on several of the more challenging singular day and multi-day trips in the region.

Altitude | The maximum altitude you’ll reach on this hike is 3,710m, meaning that this is the lowest altitude hike out of any in the Huaraz region. Therefore, Laguna Wilacocha is an ideal acclimatisation hike.

Distance | 6.5km round trip (it’s a there-and-back hike)

Time | The hike itself takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours to complete. Throw in 25 minutes each way with public transport, and if you start off nice and early, you’ll be back at your hostel by lunch time.

Difficulty | Moderate. Whilst this hike is relatively short, and only reaches a maximum altitude of 3,710m, the elevation gain over the course of your hike is 565m - all achieved over a short period of time. For this reason it can be a little challenging, especially if doing this as an acclimitisation hike.

Entre Fee | Free

How to Get There | Catch colectivo Line 10 or E (heading in the direction of Wilacocha) from Mercado Central de Huaraz. The journey time is 25 minutes, and costs S/.2 per person. Simples!

Laguna 69

If you’re looking into visiting Huaraz, chances are you’ve already heard of Laguna 69 - and for bloody good reason. Sitting at the end of a 7 km hiking trail is perhaps the most famous of Peru’s many beautiful glacier lakes. Edged by snow-capped peaks, and increasingly popular amongst tourists, it is still more than worth the relatively challenging high-altitude hike required to reach it.

Altitude | The lake itself sits at 4,600m, with the hike beginning at around 3,800m. Whilst it can absolutely be used as an acclimatisation hike for one of the popular multi-day hikes, having spoken with many backpackers who have completed this trek, we’d recommend it in after at least one other in the area. Alternatively, be sure to have had at least a day in Huaraz before taking it on.

Distance | 14 km round trip

Time | This is a long day trip from Huaraz, with most tours departing around 5 a.m. and not returning until 6 p.m.

Difficulty | Moderate. Laguna 69 has a reputation as being a bit of a ‘gringo-killer’. However, whilst it’s certainly not a walk in the park, with the right mindset and preparation, the vast majority of visitors to Huaraz should be able to enjoy this spectacular hike without too many issues.

Entry Fee | Part of the Huscaran National Park, so if you don’t have a multi-entry ticket, you will need to pay S/. 30.

For more information on how to plan your hike, check out our complete guide to Laguna 69. If you’re keen to get a hike booked in advance of your arrival to Huaraz, consider this popular option.

Plan // Hiking Laguna 69 | Everything You Need to Know

Laguna Rajucolta

Located at the base of the impressive Huantsan Mountain (near the little town of Macashca), sits Laguna Rajucolta. Theoretically accessible via public transport - although the final leg will require you to hire a private taxi - the vast majority of people will visit as part of a tour.

The lake itself is indeed picture perfect, but it’s the unparalleled view of one of Peru’s highest mountains that really makes this hike something special.

Altitude | The lake itself sits at 4271m, with the hike beginning around 390m lower. It’s therefore an excellent acclimatisation hike to begin with, before embarking on other more challenging optoins in the region.

Distance | 14.5km round trip (it’s a there-and-back hike)

Time | The hike itself takes around 3.5 – 5 hours to complete but with tours beginning with a 7am pick up and not returning until 4pm, this is another full day activity.

Difficulty | Easy. The vast majority of the trail is flat, and with such a limited altitude gain, this is one of the easiest hikes in the Huaraz region.

Entre Fee | Part of the Huscaran National Park, so if you don’t have a multi-entry ticket, you will need to pay S/. 30


Laguna Paron

The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca, the impossibly beautiful Laguna Paron won us over in a single photo. Indeed, upon spotting her perfect aquamarine waters beneath snow-capped peaks whilst scrolling through our feed, the question of whether or not to return to Huaraz during our second trip to Peru become somewhat moot.

Altitude | The lake sits at 4,200m, which makes it a great option for those looking to acclimatise (just perhaps not only your first day)

Distance | If you arrive by public transport and hike from the trailhead entry, it’s a approx 20km round trip. Opt for the tour however and you’ll be dropped off at the lake entrance where it’s only a short walk (45 min round trip) to the mirador.

Time | This is a long day trip from Huaraz, requiring a start at either 5 a.m. or 8 a.m. if you take the tour, and usually back by 6 pm. Should you use public transport to and from Huaraz, you can expect it to be an even longer day.

Entry Fee | S/. 5 per person

We’ve written an entire guide on how to visit this spectacular lake on a day trip from Huaraz, so hop on over to this post for more information or alternatively consider booking a tour in advance

Plan // A Complete Guide to Visiting Laguna Paron

Laguna Llaca

Tracing a a challenging path through the Llaca valley - more popular with with rock climbers than hikers - and finishing at a stunning glacier lake backed by Ranrapalca and Ocshapalca Mountains, this is stunning day hike we desperately regret not doing.

Tours do exist, but the relative ease of reaching the trailhead with public transport means that this is not really necesssary.

Altitude | The lake itself sits at 4467m, but over the course of the hike you will gain 620m. This means that this is not a hike that you should be attempting soon after arriving in Huaraz; you will need to acclimatise first.

Distance | 13.5km round trip (it’s a there-and-back hike)

Time | The hike itself takes around 4.5 – 6.5 hours complete but with transport taking around 1.5 hours each way, attempting this day trip is pretty full-on time wise.

Difficulty | Moderate. How difficult you find this hike depends on whether you choose to follow the easier mountain road or the more challenging - but significantly more interesting - trail.

Entre Fee | Part of the Huscaran National Park, so if you don’t have a multi-entry ticket, you will need to pay S/. 30

How to Get There | To reach Laguna Llaca, you’ll take the colectivo heading to Pitec (it’s the same colectivo you’d catch for Laguna Churup); after Pitec, it will continue on to the trailhead. This takes around 1-1.5 hours, and costs S/. 40 per person.

Other day hikes to consider include Nevado Mateo, the Four Lagunas Trek, Laguna Shallap and Laguna 513. We have put together a guide to the best Huaraz day hikes and day trips, so be sure to pop over there for further information.

Multi-Day Hikes

Whilst many backpackers who pass through Huaraz choose to limit themselves to the numerous nearby day hikes (be that because of time or budget constraints, a lack of interest, or fear of being unable to complete the longer trails), the region is most famous - at least between hardcore hiking fans - for its challenging multi-day treks. Specifically the Santa Cruz and Huayhuash Treks.

Santa Cruz Trek

Winding its way through the valleys of the Cordeillera Blancas, and so named for the more than 6,000m Santa Cruz mountain that you pass along the way, the Santa Cruz Trek is widely considered to be one of the best hikes in Peru.

Taking four days / three nights, this trek can be tackled independently (if you have all the camping kit) or with a tour.

Distance | 50 kilometres / 31 miles

Time | 3 - 4 days. If hiking the trail as part of a tour, the standard itinerary takes four days. Independent hikers may well complete it in three days.

Highest Altitude Reached | 4760m at the Punta Union Pass

Difficulty | Moderate-Difficult. If you’re well acclimatised and a keen hiker, much of this trail will be perfectly manageable, however do note that you will be hiking for 6-8 hours most days, often with a significant altitude gain.

We generally recommend sourcing these sort of tours upon your arrival into Huaraz, however if you need to book the Santa Cruz Trek in advance, consider this one.

Beautiful hiking in Huaraz, Peru

Huayhuash

Whilst many visitors to Peru will never have heard of the Huayhuash Trek, amongst those who crave the mountains, it has long been regarded as one of the world’s greatest alpine treks. Indeed, many choose to visit this South American country purely to conquer this trail.

The full Huayhuash Trek covers 120 kilometres, and takes a full 12 days to complete, however most people opt for slightly shorter versions, with an 8-10 day route being the most common. It’s possible to reduce this to as little as 4-7 days if opting for one of the ‘Mini Huayhuash Treks’.

Do note that as there is fairly minimal signage along the trails, this trek requires you to join a tour, or at least hire a guide to complete it. People have disappeared in these mountains, so please don’t attempt this on your own.

Altitude | The highest altitude reaches on this trek is 5,565m,

Distance & Time |As mentioned, the distance covered - and time it takes - depends upon which tour option you pick.

Difficulty | Hard. We’re not going to mince our words here - this is a very challenging hike, and one for which you should be physically and mentally prepared.

As mentioned, we generally recommend sourcing these sort of tours upon your arrival into Huaraz, however if you need to book the Huayhuash Trek in advance, consider this one.

Unfortunately, despite now two visits to Huaraz, we still haven’t made it on a multi-day hike in the region - we promise to fix it when we eventually head back!

For details of reputable trekking companies based in Huaraz, see this link. These hikes last anywhere from 5-14 days, so it’s imperative that you do your research in advance, take precautions, pack appropriate equipment, and find a good guide or tour provider (seriously, get a guide).

OTher Things to do In Huaraz

Stay Active

If you’re keen to get outdoors but need a break from hiking, consider these two activities:

Cycling | There are various outfitters in town that can rent you a bike - either for a single day cruise or a 12-day cycling marathon through villages and over mountains. Prices start at around S/. 160 for a day’s experience including bike rental and drop-off. This tour is a great option if you’d like to book in advance (and unlike others, it’s a very similar price to what you’d find locally).

Alternatively, take a look at this site for some route inspiration.


Rock Climbing | Whilst we didn’t have any personal experience of this, rock climbing is becoming increasingly popular with serious climbers of the world. There are a number of tours that you can book online, but we’d really recommend taking the time to have a chat with the guys on the ground before making a booking. If you’ve experienced this yourself, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.

PICK UP SOME SOUVENIRS

So, we wouldn't normally have this in our things to do - we're honestly not huge fans of dragging around useless bits of tat for months on end. However, most of you aren't going to leave Peru without at least one llama themed jumper, a ridiculous hat, or some extra thick socks.

Instead of buying them in Cusco, where the prices are a fair bit higher, get them from one of the many street sellers in Huaraz. Exactly the same products - cheaper price. Simple!

If you haven’t packed enough warm weather clothes, then you may actually really need some of these for the chilly nights in Huaraz.

GET BREAKFAST AT CAFE CALIFORNIA

Run by a woman from California (unsurprisingly), this cafe serves up arguably some of the best all-day breakfasts in town. It’s not the cheapest place to eat, but for between S/. 22 - 28, you can get a ‘main portion’ from a decent selection, coffee/tea, juice and excellent toast and jam. They’re also very happy to swap in/out ingredients. If you’re ravenous after a multi-day hike, then you’ve definitely earned a breakfast at Cafe California!

The cafe’s also a great place to hang out, with comfy sofas, wifi, and a large book exchange, plus board games.

Alternative - and recommended - places to eat and drink include:

Café Andino | A rival to Café California, the American owned Andino has a wonderful covered patio area with views over the mountains, as well as comfy lounges, cool art and a great playlist. A menu filled with home comforts in big portions, and good coffee, plus ultimate backpacker vibes makes this a favourite hangout spot in Huaraz.

Mi Comedia | Genuinely excellent Neapolitana pizza (incredibly rare in Peru!) served in a cosy environment. Find it here.

Manka | We didn’t eat here, but the Italian-Peruvian fusion cuisine comes highly rated.

Los 13 Buhos | If you’re looking for a refreshing bottle of (local) craft beer after a long hike, this is the place! Alternatively, Trivio also offers up its own selection of craft beers, in slightly fancier surroundings.

Salvia Restaurant | If you’re a vegetarian (or vegan) keen to try meat-free versions of typical Peruvian dishes, this is the place for you! It’s also really well-priced for those on a bit of a budget.

Explore The Town

Huaraz sits at an altitude of 3,052m, so if you've just crossed the border from Ecuador or have been sunning yourself on the beaches of northern Peru, you're going to have to let yourself acclimate to the altitude and take it easy for the first day or two.  So, our recommendation is to take the opportunity to explore this traditional little town. Though low on standout things to do, it’s great for people-watching and getting an insight in day-to-day Peruvian life away from the more touristy cities of the south.

Don’t miss:

Jirón José Olaya |If you’d like an idea of what Huaraz would have looked like without the earthquakes, head to Jirón José Olaya, the only street that remains fully intact. If you’re around on Sunday, coincide a visit here with time at its weekly street food market.

Mirador de Rataqeñua | A 45 minute walk from the centre of Huaraz, this mirador provides a wonderful view over the surrounding area. Do note that there have been robberies along this route, so it is often now advisable to take a taxi there and back (around 15 soles). Be sure to check with your accommodation for up to date information. You can find the mirador here on Google Maps.

Plaza de Armas | In every city in Peru you will find a main central square such as this one. A lovely place to sit and just watch the world - and local life - go by.

Mercado Central | There was no denying that our hostel was right in the centre of the action, with views of the local market from our bedroom window providing endless entertainment and insights. Sunshine yellow chicken carcasses hung from steel hooks and sold by men and women who knew how to shout, old ladies lining the crowded streets next to their overflowing baskets of avocados and green vegetables whilst wearing the most traditional of outfits, street dogs galore, noise chaos and life, life everywhere.

Markets are where you find the truest reflection of a new town or city - and, handily, they’re also where you’ll find the cheapest ingredients.

Whilst we’d definitely recommend that vegetarians avoid the meat section (we’ve become pretty hardened to them, but this one really took us to our limits), this is the best place to buy your fruit and veg and to experience local culture. The Mercado Central de Huaraz can be found on Calle Jiron Juan de la Cruz Romero, but it spills out on to the next couple of streets too.

Top Tip // For those few ingredients you can’t get in the local market, head on over to Nova Plaza. Huaraz has a few supermarkets but this is by far the best for everything you actually need to cook a decent hostel meal (we may or may not have bought 8 bags of soya protein that we hadn’t found anywhere else). There’s a few of them in town, but the one on the corner of Jiron Julian de Morales and Jiron Simon Bolivar is the biggest and best.

Huaraz Peru

Where to stay in Huaraz

Okay, first things first: the hostels on offer in Huaraz are not fancy. Think of them more as a local's house with lots of rooms that you happen to be staying in. In true Along Dusty Roads style, we visited quite a number in our effort to find the very best our budget could allow and can happily recommend the following: 

Aldos Guest House | One of the city’s most popular hostel - previous guests speak incredibly high of it. Offers large social areas, a good terrace area, comfortable & colourful rooms as well as a tour agency. Check availability and book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Alpes Hostel | Being one of the longest running hostels in Huaraz, Alpes is a professional operation. They offer dorms and privates (although privates on the upper end price wise), lots of communal areas, a decent kitchen and a really excellent tour agency. One thing to note is that many of the communal areas are outside which may not be ideal in bad weather! Check prices and availability here.

La Casa de Zarela | Located just a 10 minute walk from Plaza de las Armas, this lovely little hostel has all the facilities you'd require, plus several wonderful terraces from which to enjoy the spectacular views over the Cordillera Blanca. Dorm beds from £10 a night. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

La Case de Maruja B&B | Free breakfast and the most helpful of hosts make this hostel a top pick for anybody visiting Huaraz. Dorm beds from £9 per night. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

**Unfortunately, one of the hostels we enjoyed so much during our time in Huaraz is no longer open, but it appears that the owners have opened a lovely looking B&B called Akilpo House with double and twin rooms - the reviews are really exceptional.

 

For those with a little more cash

Churup Guest House | A wonderful little guesthouse with beautiful views, delicious breakfast, great staff and an awesome wood burning fireplace - excellent during the chilly evenings! For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

La Aurora | A clean, modern hotel with all the creature comforts. Nice and secure, great breakfast (with proper coffee!) and fantastic views over the mountain range. Can also arrange airport pick-up. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

 

Apartments in Huaraz

Villa Valencia | Although they do have hotel rooms, it is the bungalows that are worth mentioning here - a good size with kitchens and cooking equipment, clean, and modern decor. The staff are incredibly helpful, speak English, and will happily arrange tours etc. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

Eco Departamentos Huaraz | Exceptionally good value, with one bedroom apartments available for as little as £24 per night. Decoration is basic but of good quality with everything you could need. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

There are some really excellent options available on Airbnb, which may suit better those planning to be based in Huaraz for a longer period of time. The majority of the nicest apartments on Airbnb can be found in the east of the city, in an area called Barrio Soledad Baja, these include:


How to Get to Huaraz

Depending on whether you're heading north or south, the most common destinations before or after Huaraz are Trujillo (for Huanchaco) and Lima.

Lima to Huaraz costs around S/. 30 (£7 / $9) in an economy bus or S/. 45 (£10.5 / $13.5) for something a tad fancier. Travel time is 8 hours and there are several departures throughout the day (it’s sensible to book ahead if you’re taking a night bus though, and Bookaway has several options).

Trujillo to Huaraz is a little more tricky as there far fewer daily buses, especially if you choose to take the bus overnight like we did (we booked our ticket early afternoon the day before but even then we were in the last two available seats!). The bus takes around 9 hours and tickets can be bought for as little as S/. 40 / £9 / $12 From Trujillo, we advise you then make your way straight to the beach town of Huanchaco.

As with many places in Peru, this is no single central bus station in Huaraz; instead each company has their office which doubles up as their own pick up/drop off point. Thankfully though, all the major companies have ticket offices and departures on or very close to the same street 'Jiron Simón Bolívar' (which is a 5-10 minute walk from most hostels).

For day trips from Huaraz, you will find collectivos running to Yungay and Caraz on the same street, a block or so past the bus long distance bus companies - just ask a local to point you in the right direction. There are regular departures, leaving when full, costing S/. 5.

Weather and when to visit Huaraz

We have experienced torrential rain storms and clear blue skies - and both dry and rainy season in Huaraz.

We are aware that many of you reading this post will be visiting Huaraz as part of a larger South American adventure, and so may not have the luxury of picking when to visit - the last thing you need to hear from us is that the rainy season is horrendous or that it should be avoided at all costs.

So, thankfully, we’re not saying anything of the sort. Was the weather better in the dry season? Absolutely. We had glorious blue skies every day, and although the evenings were freezing, we were usually huddled up in our hostel and not roaming the streets in sub-zero temperatures.

The rainy season on the other hand provided us with slightly warmer evenings, blue skies in the mornings, but monsoon-like downpours from around 3 p.m. each day. We would not want to do the Santa Cruz trek between December and March (we’re just not hardy enough to put up tents in the rain and be wet for days at a time) but is the weather still decent enough for day trips and hikes? Absolutely.

 
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Your Next Stop

Five Awesome Day Trips and Hikes From Huaraz

A Complete Guide to Visiting Laguna Paron

A Complete Guide to Hiking Laguna Churup

Hiking Laguna 69 | Everything You Need to Know

12 Essential Things to Know Before Hiking in Peru

Thousands of travellers use our guides to plan their time away, so if anything in this post is out of date please do let us know in the comments(or drop us an email) to let us know so we can keep this post refreshed.

 
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Heading to Peru and love the outdoors? You need to spend some time in Huaraz! Here's a quick guide on things to do and where to stay.
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