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Huaraz - White Cordillera
The department of Ancash starts on a slightly hilly coastal strip and climbs up to the highest snow-capped mountains in Peru. Spread out along the Callejon de Huaylas, a dazzling valley stuck between two mountain ranges, the Blanca and Negra Cordilleras. It was between the years 1200 b.C. and 200 b.C. that the Chavín lived in the region, the same that left as their legacy the impressive archaeological complex of Chavin de Huantar, which, in 1985, UNESCO placed on the World Cultural Heritage List.
Throughout the entire department, you can see the most spectacular snow covered mountains, among them Mount Huascaran (6,768 ma.s.l.), the tallest peak in Peru. In addition, there are hot springs and spectacular lakes as those of Llanganuco; in all, it is an area perfect for adventure sports like white water rafting, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and trekking.
The Huascaran National Park, placed on the World Natural Heritage List by UNESCO, guards wildlife species in its beautiful surroundings like condors, vicuñas, deer, pumas, Andean foxes, and viscachas
The White Range (Cordillera Blanca) is located in the Peruvian Andes, with its capital Huaraz in Callejón de Huaylas (Huaylas valley), northeast from Lima city and as its name says, it boasts beautiful white peaks, many of them more than 6000 masl, like the highest tropical mountain in the world: The Huascarán (6768 masl). The White Range is the second highest mountain chain of the World, after the Himalayas, but the same in beauty, being one the best destinations in Peru.
Huayhuash is located south of the White Range (Cordillera Blanca), between Huánuco, Ancash, and Lima provinces, and its great attraction are its huge and steep white peaks, its turquoise lagoons and green valleys, situated in a wilder nature with very few number of tourists coming. The trekking to Huayhuaysh Range is considered by international guides and travelers as the second in beauty of the world after the Anapurna Trek in Nepal. Besides, Huayhuash is a suitable place for Andean bird watching, curiously there is more concentration of birds in this area than in Cordillera Blanca. Almost in all Huayhuash lagoons it is possible the rainbow trout fishing. The most known mountains are Yerupaja (6635 masl), the second highest of Peru, Jirishanca (6094 masl) and Siula Peak (6344 masl), scenery of the film and book “Touching the Void” of the English climber Joe Simpson, who lived one of his hardest experience in this mountain. Huayhuash’s main lagoons are Carhuacocha, Siula, Jurau, Sarapococha and the famous Jahuacocha, ideal place for Andean bird watching.
ALTITUDE OF ANCASH DEPARTMENT
Capital: Huarás (3091 masl / 10.138 fasl)
Lowest point: 4 masl / 13 fasl (Chimbote)
Highest point: 3910 masl / 12.824 fasl (Shilla)
CLIMATE
The city of Huarás has dry and moderate weather with an average maximum temperature of 24ºC (75ºF) and minimum of 7ºC (44ºF). The rainy season starts in October and ends in March.
ACCESS ROUTES
By land: Lima – Pativilca – Huarás: 400 km (249 miles) / 6 hours by car on an asphalt road
By air: Flights are available to the Anta Airport (Carhuaz) but not on a regular basis, (35 minutes).
Natural Tourist Attractions
Huascaran National Park
The park was created in 1975 with the purpose of preserving the wild animal and plant life, geological formations, archaeological sites, and beautiful scenery. UNESCO placed it on the Natural World Heritage List in 1985. Inside the 340.000 hectares, which include almost the entire White Cordillera, you can observe the great variety of high Andean plant life like the Puyas Raimondi in the areas of Quesque and Pumapampa (this flower is considered the biggest in the plant realm, and once it has blossomed, the plant dies), and the queñual trees in the Llanganuco Lakes.
Among the 296 lakes of the park, the most outstanding are Paron, Culliconcha, Llanganuco, Auquiscocha, Rajucolta, Querococha, and Cuchillococha. Of its 663 glaciers, the most impressive are Huascaran (6768 masl/ 22.199 fasl), Huandoy (6395 masl / 20.976 fasl), Chopicalqui (6354 masl / 20.841 fasl), Hualcan (6122 masl / 20.080 fasl), and Alpamayo (5947 masl / 19.506 fasl).
It also houses a great diversity of birds and animals such as pumas, deer, Andean cats, and three endangered species, the spectacled bear, the Andean deer, the Andean condor.
There are different entrances to the park to be chosen according to the interest of the visitor. The most important entrances are the one by the Llanganuco sector, where Lake Chinancocha is (beautifully turquoise in color), that of Orconconcha, and the entrance by the Carpa sector, which allows access to snow capped Mount Pastoruri.
Chiquian (3090 masl / 10.135 fasl)
This peaceful place, known as “El Espejito del Cielo” (Heaven’s Little Mirror) is located on the right bank of the Aynin River in the upper Pativilca River basin. It is the main entryway to the Huayhuash Cordillera and to the “Oro de los Andes” circuit (Gold of the Andes).
Among the tourist attractions of the area, there is Lake Conococha, snowy Mount Tucu Chira, Lord of the Way Sanctuary or Conchuyacu, the Usgor Waterfall (2 km / 1.2 miles from the city), the San Juan Cruz Lookout, the Capillapunta and Puscanhuaru pre-Inca vestiges (10 km / 6 miles from the city), the Huasta and Aquia colonial churches (respectively 8 and 17 km / 5 and 11 miles from the city), the Lord of Cayac Sanctuary, the Pucamachay and Belen de Aquia pre-Inca remains and the Puyas Raimondi in the heights of Pachapaqui (30 km / 19 miles from the city).
111 km / 69 miles from Huaraz on a paved road to the Antamina Mine turnoff (2 hours and 30 minutes). From Lima, take the Pan-American Highway North to kilometer marker 206 (turnoff in Paramonga); then take the Huaraz highway to kilometer marker 122 (Conococha) eventually taking the turnoff to Chiquian and driving 30 / 18 miles farther (5 to 6 hours in total).
Chacas
Located in the area of Conchucos, this town is well known for the wood carvings its artisans create and also for the religiousness of its people.
118 km / 73 miles northeast of Huaraz (approximately 4 hours by car)
Huayhuash Cordillera
The cordillera is approximately 30 km / 19 miles long and constitutes the border of the Departments of Huanuco, Ancash, and Lima. It is also considered one of the most spectacular mountain ranges of the Andes. Six of its many peaks reach heights of more than six thousand meters (19.680 feet). Mountain climbing is a popular activity in its many snow-capped mountains.
Chancos Hot springs
You find natural springs with temperature reaching 74ºC (165ºF) famous for their thermal medicinal properties. There are swimming pools in the area (one for children and another for adults), sauna-caves as well as individual and family pools.
28 km / 17 miles east of Huaraz (30 minutes by car) to Marcara. From there, you need to drive 3.5 km / 2 miles to reach the hot springs. (15 minutes).
Tortugas Beach
This beach forms part of a cove framed by the prolongation of the hills Cerro Grande to the north and Cerro Tortuga to the south. The very calm ocean there makes it a good place for water sports. Walking along the pebbly beach, you can see strange rock formations produced by the erosion.
20 km / 12 miles northeast of Casma (30 minutes by car)
Churup Lake
Churup Lake is surrounded by queñual trees, quishuar trees, and ichu grass. In this area, typical Andean animal species like viscachas, bobcats, and different species of birds like wild ducks can be seen.
28 km/ 17 miles east of Huaraz (1 hour and 30 minutes by car) to Pitec and from there, you must walk 2 more hours.
Huarmey: Tuquillo beaches and Tamborero
This province, which name means “fisherman” in old Muchic language, is famous for the presence of exotic, warm little beaches, rocky islands, and other small islands. Most of them are rated among the most attractive along the Peruvian coast.
Tuquillo Beach Resort
This is a sandy ocean cove which name means “the most beautiful, the most lovely”. Its double “U” shape is its most outstanding feature. Heading north, you can enjoy the North Tuquillo Beach, ideal for fishing and underwater hunting thanks to its calm waters.
Kilometer marker 303 of the Pan-American Highway North,
Tamborero Beach
It is a very large sandy beach with calm waters where you can swim, dive and even fish along the little islands situated very close to the coast. There is a large, natural mole that serves as a pier.
Kilometer marker 261 of the Pan-American Highway North; then take a 450-meter (492 yards) dirt road.
Huaylas: Carás
It is home of the snow-capped Mount Alpamayo (5947 masl / 19.506 fasl) described as “The Most Beautiful Mountain in the World” at the 1996 Scenic Beauties of the World Contest in Munich, Germany.
Caraz (2256 masl / 7400 fasl)
Here, the charm of the old highland towns is maintained. The countryside is full of a great variety of flowers, especially carnations, which are sent to national and international markets.
69 km / 43 miles north of Huaraz (1 hour and 30 minutes by car)
Lake Paron
Paron is located at 4185 masl (13.727 fasl) and is an excellent place to view the snowy Mount Artesonraju (6025 masl / 19.762 fasl), Mount Pirámide de Garcilaso (5885 masl / 19.303 fasl), and the western face of Mount Chacraraju (6112 masl / 20.047 fasl).
32 km / 20 miles east of Caraz (1 hour and 30 minutes by car)
Cañón Del Pato (Duck Canyon)
Formed by the Santa River cutting through the Callejon de Huaylas, this is where the White and Black Cordilleras are closest to each other. The canyon, located between 1400 and 1850 masl (4592 and 6068 fasl), is 15 meters wide (49 feet) and almost 1000 meters deep (3280 feet). The Cañon del Pato Hydroelectric Plant, which supplies almost the entire north-central section of Peru with electricity, is located here.
25 km / 15 miles north of Caraz (30 minutes by car)
Mount Pastoruri
Along the route to the snow-capped peak, you can see Patococha Lake, some specimens of the Puyas Raimondi, and the Pumapashimi Spring. This snowy mountain reaches 5240 masl (17.187 fasl), but its glacier base is easy to get to and the lower ice patch is found at 5025 masl (16.482 fasl). The peak is part of the main high mountain tourist circuits of the Callejon de Huaylas. You can practice snowboard, ski and ice climbing there.
70 km / 43 miles south of Huaraz (3 hours by car)
Yungay
Built at the foot of Mount Huascaran, Yungay was completely reconstructed after the avalanche of 1970 that buried the entire city. The new settlement is located 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) away from the original site. Yungay is the starting point to the Llanganuco Lakes route.
58 km / 36 miles north of Huaraz (45 minutes by car)
Llanganuco Lakes (3800 masl / 12.464 fasl)
The lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha, are situated within the Huascaran National Park and are fed by the melting snows of mounts Huascaran, Huandoy, Pisco, Yanapaccha, and Chopicalqui. The Chinancocha Lake or “female lake” is practically at the foot of Mount Huascaran, and it is characterize by the intense green turquoise color of its waters and the thick queñua forests that grow on its shores. The other smaller lake, called Orconcocha or “male lake”, is located at the end of the glacier valley, and its waters are light blue.
25 km / 16 miles northeast of Yungay (45 minutes by car)
Mount Huascaran (6768 masl / 22.199 fasl)
You arrive at Musho and from there you start a 4-hour hike to the base camp. Then, it is a 2-hour climb to the Raimondi glacier.
It is the highest mountain in Peru. For those who want to ascend Huascaran, the expedition lasts six to seven days. The Raimondi glacier works as an acclimation zone and a base camp to scale the north and south peaks.
21 km / 13 miles southeast of Yungay (1 hour by car),
Guitarreros Cave
The cave is located at 2600 masl (8528 fasl) and traces of the oldest farmers of Peru were found at this site. Scientists date their remains back to approximately 12.500 B.C.
45 km / 28 miles away from Huaraz (50 minutes by bus) is Shupluy. The Guitarreros Cave is 3 kilometers (2 miles) away.
City Tourist Attractions
Mama Ashu Sanctuary
It was built around 1587 and declared a National Historical Monument. Its classical structure features a double bell tower, a finely carved front door, and a stained-glass window in the upper part of the facade. Inside, you can appreciate the doors, the windows, the wood carved pews, ornaments like wooden angels and stained-glass windows; at the back, there is a Baroque shrine covered with gold leaf and containing a representation of the Virgin Mary.
Main Square of Chacas. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Carhuás (2645 masl / 8676 fasl)
It maintains a traditional spirit and a mixed style of the passed eras. The Virgin of the Mercies Sanctuary, which festival is celebrated on 24th September.
Located in the Main Square 35 km / 22 miles north of Huarás (30 minutes by car)
Historical Tourist Attractions
Las Aldas Archaeological Remains
These pre-Inca constructions date from around 1600 B.C. Their location, on top of a hill, would suggest that it used to be a strategic point to perform religious ceremonies. The complex consists of a main platform surrounded by lateral pyramids. Housing constructions can be seen in the flat area.
15 km / 9 miles south of Casma (30 minutes by car)
Santuario del Señor de la Soledad (Sanctuary of the Lord of Solitude)
Built after the 1970 earthquake, it houses the Señor de la Soledad image, patron saint of the city of Huaraz, dating back to the founding of the city in the sixteenth century.
Plazuela Señor de la Soledad. Telephone: (043) 72-8878. Visiting Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Waullac Archaeological Remains
Waullac is a pre-Inca archaeological site that belongs to the period of the Waris (600 A.D). It might be a burial site composed of five stone structures that look like small niches.
2 km / 1.2 miles east of Huaraz (5 minutes by car)
Willcahuain and Ichic Willcahuain Archaeological Remains
It is an example of Wari architecture from the people who lived during the period we now call the Mid Horizon (700 B.C. – 100 A.D.). The interiors of the buildings feature a network of galleries that were used as offerings rooms.
7 km / 4 miles northeast of Huaraz (35 minutes by car or 3 hours on foot)
Chavin de Huantar Archaeological Complex
It was built around 1200 B.C. and discovered by Julio C. Tello in 1919. UNESCO placed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1985.
The complex includes ceremonial rooms and pyramidal structures built of massive stone blocks. The Old Temple has a group of subterranean galleries that open an access way to the Room of the Lanzon, an impressive stone knife-like sculpture. This sculpture is 4.5-meter high (15 feet) and has been carefully carved with feline, bird and snake patterns, characteristic of the Chavin iconography.
109 km / 68 miles south of Huaraz (3 hours and 30 minutes by car)
Chavin Archaeological Complex Exposition Hall
It shows a varied collection of textiles, ceramic and stone pieces belonging to different pre-Inca cultures such as Chavin, Huaras White on Red, Recuay, and Wari.
Telephone: (043) 45-4042. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Tumshucaico Archaeological Site
It is a pre-Inca archaeological site from the Formative Period (approximately 1800 B.C.). On the site, you can find galleries and carved stonewalls made of stones collected in the area and shaped to look like teeth. The expansion of agricultural and modern urban areas has surrounded the original zone.
1 km / 0.6 miles from Caraz (5 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot)
Pashash Archaeological Site
This archaeological site related to the Recuay culture (Early Intermediate Period, approximately 100 B.C. – 600 A.D.) is composed of four building complexes with inner chambers built with polished stones. 277 offerings have been found there, the iconography of which seems to support an archaic ritual related to the worship of the dead.
1 km / 0.6 mile south of Cabana (5 minutes by car)
Recuay
It is known for the simplicity and diligence of its people. Pueblo Viejo, Pumacahuara, Jirash, and Tayapunta archaeological remains as well as the Yacucancha Cemetery are located in the area.
25 km / 16 miles south of Huaraz (30 minutes by car)
Punkuri Archaeological Complex
This 3500 years old staggered pyramid is formed by two platforms linked by a flight of steps. It covers an area of approximately 2000 m2 (772 miles2) and the base is built out of adobe and to a lesser degree out of flagstones held together with mud mortar. Its architecture and construction phases are very similar to those of the SechinTemple.
30 km / 19 miles from Chimbote (20 minutes by car)
Museums
Museum of Chacas
It features a collection of stone sculptures, displaying a variety of figurines, stone carved artifacts, an assortment of pottery, Recuay metal objects, and other discoveries.
Main Square of Chacas. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri. Prior arrangements with the City Hal required. Sun.: Open all day long.
Sechin Archaeological Site and the MaxUhle Site Museum
This adobe and stone ceremonial center belonging to the Sechin Culture (1800 B.C. – 800 B.C.) features a wall covered with carefully carved stones outside of the entrance and a painted wall on the inside. The museum offers information about the main pre-Hispanic cultures that settled in the region like the Moche, the Wari, the Chimu, the Casma, and the Inca; it also displays the objects found during the excavations on the archaeological sites of the Casma Valley, especially ceramics.
5 km / 3 miles southeast of Casma (10 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Ancash Archaeological Museum
The museum features an important stone sculpture collection of the Recuay culture as well as exhibitions of pottery and textiles from pre-Inca cultures such as Chavin, Huaras White on Red, Mochica, Wari, and Chimu.
Avenida Luzuriaga 762. Telephone: (043) 72-1551. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Pashas-Cabana Zone Archaeological Museum
A modern museum that displays ceramic and metal objects as well as over a hundred pictures, drawings, and sketches representing different aspects of the Recuay culture (present in the Pashash Archaeological Site).
Main Square of Cabana. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. / 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
DISTANCES FROM THE CITY OF HUARÁS
Aija (Province of Aija) 68 km (42 miles) / 2 hours
Llamellín (Province of Antonio Raimondi) 223 km (138 miles) / 8 hours
Chacas (Province of Asunción) 118 km (73 miles) / 4 hours
Chiquián (Province of Bolognesi) 111 km (69 miles) / 2 hours and 30 minutes
Carhuaz (Province of Carhuaz) 35 km (22 miles) / 30 minutes
San Luis (Province of Carlos Fermin Fitzcarrald) 223 km (139 miles) / 6 hours
Casma (Province of Casma) 149 km (93 miles) / 5 hours
Corongo (Province of Corongo) 180 km (112 miles) / 6 hours
Huari (Province of Huari) 152 km (94 miles) / 4 hours
Huarmey (Province of Huarmey) 140 km (87 miles) / 5 hours
Caraz (Province of Huaylas) 69 km (43 miles) / 1 hour and 30 minutes
Piscobamba (Province of Mariscal Luzuriaga) 193 km (120 miles) / 7 hours
Ocros (Province de Ocros) 128 km (80 miles) / 4 hours
Cabana (Province of Pallasca) 234 km (145 miles) / 8 hours
Pomabamba (Province of Pomabamba) 298 km (185 miles) / 8 hours
Recuay (Province of Recuay) 25 km (16 miles) / 30 minutes
Chimbote (Province of Santa) 210 km (130 miles) / 6 hours
Sihuas (Province of Sihuas) 228 km (142 miles) / 8 hours
Yungay (Province of Yungay) 58 km (36 miles) / 45 minutes