Contact Us
ESPAÑOL
/
ENGLISH

What to do in huaraz

what to do in huaraz

Not much of a hiker? Or maybe you’ve already trekked your heart out and are looking for what to do in Huaraz that’s different. Although Huaraz is known for its world-class trekking, this little town nestled in the Andes has a lot more to offer than just hiking. From museums to hot springs, to churches and culinary experiences, you’ll never get bored in this Peruvian pueblo. Read on for a brief guide on what to do in Huaraz for fun, aside from trekking.

ExplorandesApr 22, 2024

There are plenty of things to do around the city itself. You can take a leisurely stroll around town, visit the local market, Plaza De Armas, and Iglesia La Soledad. Iglesia La Soledad is a modest but beautiful church that presents a stunning site against the backdrop of the mountains. On Sundays you can often catch some dance performances on the Plaza De Armas, so be sure to swing by if you happen to be in town over the weekend. Visiting the Regional Museum of Ancash is a perfect way to spend a few hours. Wander around the lovely garden and take in some history as you see everything from ancient statues to human skulls. Entry is inexpensive and it’s worth a visit!


what-to-do-in-huaraz-image-1

Need more information about what to do in Huaraz? Everyone has to eat, right? Check out the market for a sensory overload of smells and tastes, from fresh local fruits and veggies to live chickens in cages waiting to be chosen for dinner. It’s entertaining, delicious, and a great way to enjoy the local culture. Fancy a drink? Two great places to try out a local craft beer in Huaraz are Craft Huaraz and Sierra Andina. Craft Huaraz is a cute little spot with great beer and tasty food. Cervecería Sierra Andina is a well-known brewery with a variety of locally-brewed beers that’ll have your tastebuds dancing. Pick up beers from the actual brewery where the beer is produced or enjoy their taproom and restaurant, Trivio Resto Bar. There are many varieties to choose from, you won’t be disappointed. Or maybe you need some souvenirs? Go shopping in Huaraz and enjoy prices lower than those you’ll find in Cusco. Since it is a hiking capital, you can also find lots of outdoor and sports gear if you’re in the market for these items.


what-to-do-in-huaraz-image-2

More advice on what to do in Huaraz: Don’t be afraid to venture out of town. This area has plenty of options for short day trips. We can recommend checking out the Wilcahuain Ruin National Monument to marvel at the ancient structures and artifacts. Visit the nearby towns of Carhuaz, Caraz, and Yungay. The town of Yungay suffered a huge earthquake in 1970 and there is still some remaining damage from the tragedy. The cemetery in Yungay has a striking white statue of Christ that looms over the town, and the nearby cemetery also offers great views over the pueblo.


what-to-do-in-huaraz-image-3

What to do in Huaraz if you are a hot springs lover? There are two sets of hot springs located within about 45 minutes of the town. One is Monterrey, located about 10km from the town center, and the other is Chancos Hot Springs, about 27 km away. Both are great, but we favor Chancos as it’s a little less crowded, and is located in a more natural setting. Chancos comprises around 10 steam caves, all with varying temperatures- and all completely natural! Treat yourself to a day of pampering!


what-to-do-in-huaraz-image-4

Finally, here are some options for what to do in Huaraz besides trekking that are still physically challenging: Rock climbing in Huaraz is perfect for beginners. I gave it a go and had an amazing time. There are rock faces within walking distance of the city center, as well as some places you can drive to. Mountain biking is also an option in this region! You can go on a bike tour to explore both the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca.


what-to-do-in-huaraz-image-5

Huaraz has stunning landscapes perfect for hiking but there’s so much more to explore while in this area of Peru. From great eats, drinks, and history, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your time here.


For more information on what to do in Huaraz, and to start planning your trip, get in touch with our team today!

img-card
Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
img-card
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
Inspiring stories from our Blog
five peruvian dances that will enchant and delight you by Explorandes / Apr 22, 2024Read more
things to do in the sacred valleyby Explorandes / Jul 23, 2024Read more
a description of lakes in huaraz and how to reachby Explorandes / Apr 22, 2024Read more
lake titicaca: birthplace of the sunby Explorandes / Nov 21, 2024Read more
img-card
ExpertTraveler'sBlog
this season featured experiences
HIKING & TREKKING
inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-image
inca trail to machu picchu

March - December

5 days / 4 nights

This 5-day journey begins at Km 82, the marker that signifies the start of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our highly trained guides, who are deeply familiar with these ancient Inca footpaths, will expertly lead us through the magnificent Andean terrain. Along the way, we’ll traverse breathtaking high alpine passes, lush valleys, dense cloud forests, and rushing rivers. We’ll pass through ancient Inca remains of Andean settlements, ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Each night, our team of porters and skilled cooks will have a delicious hot meal and a comfortable camp already set up for your convenience. Since we highly value sustainable tourism, we’ll have very little impact on the land, communities, and environment we encounter along the trail, and we will also take steps to enjoy a tranquil hike, avoiding crowds of fellow trekkers. On the final day, a guided tour of the citadel will bring Machu Picchu to life, as we explore and immerse ourselves in the magic and beauty of this ancient, mystical site. Our version of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek is truly an unforgettable experience you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
From
1290
/ Per Person
View tour details
HIKING & TREKKING
huayhuash-trek-image
huayhuash trek

April - October

12 days / 11 nights

The Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
From
1750
/ Per Person
View tour details
HIKING & TREKKING
salkantay-trek-image
the hidden valleys of salkantay

April - December

5 days / 4 nights

Starting from a little-known valley near Limatambo, we ascend gradually over two days past ancient forests and varied Andean landscapes toward the Cruzjasa Pass at 4,550 meters / 14,927 feet above sea level. Here we will experience the best views of the south and east faces Mount Salkantay, away from the crowds. We descend along a gradual decline toward Mirador Pampaccahuana, accompanied by views of Mount Salkantay and its moraine until we reach Cusichaca Valley, which marks the eastern boundary of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. As we approach the Sacred Valley, we will begin to see trekkers embarking on the first stretch of famous Inca Trail as we continue our hike downhill toward our private campsite at Chamana. Before finally reaching the Valley floor, we will take a detour to explore Wayna Q’ente and Machu Q’ente, two majestic Inca sites recently restored by the Ministry of Culture which showcase some of the finest Inca terracing and landscaping in the region. Our hike ends at the valley floor where we will be picked up and transported to Ollantaytambo in time to catch the afternoon train to Machu Picchu.
From
1290
/ Per Person
View tour details
HIKING & TREKKING
great-inca-trail-image
llama trekking on the north great inca trail

April - October

6 days / 5 nights

Embark on a journey through time as you explore one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Inca trail that connected Cusco, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Inca Empire, with Tomebamba, her northern sister city that is modern-day Cuenca, Ecuador. Explore over 70 km. of the main artery of the greatest road network in Pre-Columbian Latin America, speckled with archaeological sites in the remote landscapes of Northern Peru’s Central Andes. We’ll begin with a visit to Chavín de Huantar, a mysterious temple where ancient religious ceremonies took place over 3,000 years ago. We will immerse in diverse natural landscapes, crossing the Continental Divide and trek across two departments: Ancash and Huánuco, experiencing amazing vistas along the journey. On our last day we’ll arrive at Huánuco Pampa, the largest Inca administrative center outside the department of Cusco where we’ll marvel at feats of engineering achieved by a civilization whose abilities with stonecutting and placement remain unmatched to this day. This amazing trek will challenge, delight, and inspire you.
From
1700
/ Per Person
View tour details