Huaraz
Huaraz is a city in Peru of about 120,000 inhabitants in the urban area, capital of the region of Ancash and of the province of Huaraz.
Located at an altitude of 3,091 m asl in the northern part of the country, it is located on the Callejón de Huaylas plateau at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca, a short distance from the Huascarán which is the highest mountain in the country with the 6,768 m of the southern peak.
Huaraz is a very important destination for practicing adventure sports in the mountains. It is also known as "la muy noble y generosa ciudad" (the very noble and generous city), a name that goes back to the struggle for Peru's independence and that it deserved for the dedication shown by its inhabitants to the cause.
Local excursions in Huaraz:
Chavin de Huantar
It has been included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The place is located 250 kilometers north of Lima at an altitude of 3150 meters, set between the mountain ranges of the Cordillera Negra and the Cordillera Blanca; the nearest town is Huaraz, which allows you to reach Chavín via an almost prohibitive mountain road.
The conditions of the road surface are very bad, but the low speed makes it possible to admire the Andean landscape, truly incomparable.
The visit to the site can be done in full autonomy, thanks to the panels with more than complete explanations, or you can contact a local Spanish speaking guide.
The most famous places are the Circular Square, probably a sacred place located within a ceremonial area, and the New Temple, built between 500 and 200 BC, consisting of a gallery and a square, which contains numerous sculptures.
The centerpiece of the complex is the so-called "Lanzón", a monolithic sculpture that represents a demigod, whose task it was to impress, if not intimidate, the faithful.
Also of great interest is the museum (run by a Japanese foundation), located in the town of Chavin.
Laguna Churup
Located at 4450 m asl the churup lagoon is also called the lagoon of the 7 colors crystal clear waters, icy, and when the sky is clear the sun's rays create a natural spectacle, the path to the lagoon presents dream landscapes, for trekking lovers (the walk can last 4 hours on the outward journey and 4 on the return, with moderate difficulty.
The Churup lagoon is located within a protected area, the Nacioanl Huascaran Park considered a natural heritage site by UNESCO.
Laguna Llanganuco
Located at 3800 m asl These beautiful Chinacocha and Orconcocha glacial lagoons are located in the Cordillera Blanca in the Ancash region about 25 km from Yungay.
They are formed by the thaw of the Huascaran and Huandoy Glaciers.
It is preferable to visit the lagoons in the morning as the sunlight reflected on the water forms an unmissable scenario.
Discover Huaraz
