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Attractions in Huaraz
Atracctions surrounding areas Huascaran National Park - Huaraz
In order to protect the natural wealth and bio-diversity of the Region, the Huascarán bio-diversity of the Region, the Huascarán National Park was created in 1975. Its 340,000 ha cover almost the entire White Mountain Range. Its attractions include glaciers, lagoons and springs. There is a great variety of plant species, like the Puya of Raimondi and the quenouille, which are typical of this park. This is one of the favorite habitats for condors, white-tailed deer, guemals, vicuñas, pumas, vizcachas, Andean cats and foxes. The Park has been declared National Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO. To gain access to the Park one can follow several unpaved roads leaving different towns in the valley, going east. The most popular ones are the road leaving Yungay, which is the route to the Llanganuco Lagoons, and the Pachacoto road, which leads to the snow- capped Pastoruri Mountain. Pastoruri- Huaraz The Pastoruri Glacier (4,950m.a.s.l.) which is 70 km or 3 hr south of Huaraz, is one of the most beautiful and frequently visited places in the Huascarán National Park. The route to Pastoruri is an attraction in itself. Reaching the Town of Pachacoto there is a detour leading to the protected area, which first passes the Patacocha Lagoon and, the, the forest of the Puyas of Raimondi, plants which can grow as high as 10 m. Continuing along the route, there is a spring of carbonated water called Pumapampa, and the Pumapashimi lake, the main attraction of which is the great variety of shades and hues reflected by its waters. Finally, some 35 km along an unpaved road, Pastoruri is reached. On this mountain one can practice skiing, or simply enjoy oneself sliding on the snow. Horse rides are also offered, to climb the snow-capped mountain. Monterrey - Huaraz It is estimated that in Callejón de Huaylas there are approximately 20 hot springs, the most popular being Monterrey, only 7 km north of Huaraz, or 5 minutes by car. The Monterrey waters, the temperature of which border 50°C, are recommended by the locals to treat rheumatic and nervous disorders. The place has an adequate infrastructure comprised of swimming pools and baths for families and individuals. Carhuaz - Huaraz It is located only 34 km north of Huaraz, a 30 min trip, Carhuaz (2,645m.a.s.l.) is characterized by the abundance of yellow broom flowers, which gave it its name, since the Quechua word "carhuash" actually means yellow. This city still maintains the Colonial style of its old houses. From the Main Square one can see the beautiful snow-capped peak of Hualcán (6,150m.a.s.l.). Yungay - Huaraz
At the foot of the impressive Huascarán, 55 km north of Huaraz, is Yungay, at an altitude of 2,458m.a.s.l. The name of this town comes from the Quechua word Yunga, which means "warm land". When reaching Yungay the scene is startling; only four palm trees remain up from the old town, which was completely buried by rocks and mud, carried by a landslide following the earthquake of 1970. Opposite the Huascarán Mountain is the cemetery, with a huge image of Christ, whose open arms appear to welcome some of the inhabitants who survived the tragedy because they sought shelter there. The new town was built one and a half kilometers away from the original site, and on Sundays it is host to a popular peasant fair. From the new Yungay there is a road leading to the Llanganuco Lagoon. Llanganuco lagoons - Huaraz
Following a scenic road flanked by Huascarán (6,768m.a.s.l.) and Huandoy (6,428m.a.s.l.) one travels from Yungay to the Llanganuco Lagoons, about 25 km by car in approximately 45 min. The first lagoon, known as Chinancocha or "female lagoon" is surrounded by quenouille trees and its waters are of a beautiful turquoise color. This is the most popular lagoon, and the residents offer boats rides and some typical dishes of the area. If one enjoys walking, one can continue towards the second lagoon, Orconocha, "male lagoon". The path begins at Chinancocha and the walk takes approximately one hour. Huayhuash Mountain Range - Huaraz The town of Chiquián (3,374m.a.s.l.), located 110 km south of Huaraz, is the starting point of the journey to the Huayhuash Mountain Range. With an area of 30 m, this mountain range is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. It features snow-capped mountains such as Yerupajá (6,634m.a.s.l.) dozens of amazingly beautiful lagoons and a varied wildlife. This chain is ideal for expert mountain climbers or walkers. The only way to get there from Chiquián is on foot; the entire circuit is 165 km long, and on average, it can be completed in 12 days. The ascent of the mountains is difficult and requires much training.
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