Huaraz City
The city of Huaraz was founded in the sixteenth century by Jeronimo de Aliaga. It is the capital of the department of Ancash and the province of the same name. The city lies on the Santa River, at 3.091 meters above sea level in the heart of the valley, great views of the snow covered Huascarán and the Cordillera Blanca.
The buildings, architecture and Huaraz stroke not within the common Andean cities of Peru, because the city was almost totally rebuilt after the earthquake and flood of 1970 that killed more than 20,000 people.
In recent years has had a positive economic transformation, influenced by agro-exports and the Antamina mining complex. The city of Huaraz for its location, its hotel infrastructure and tourist services, usually is the starting point for all tourist attractions Callejón de Huaylas. The major tour operators and mountain guides have their offices in the city. The main shopping area is associated with the Avenida Luzuriaga and around the main plaza, banks, ATMs, Internet booths, restaurants, nightclubs, shops rent and sales of clothing and equipment for outdoor sports, medical services.
Ancash Archaeological Museum: Av N Luzuriaga N° 762 . Visiting hours: Mon 9:00 to 17:00, 9:00-14:00. On site there is a large collection of stone sculptures Recuay culture as well as pottery and textiles from pre-Inca cultures Chavin , Huaraz White and Red, Mochica, Wari, and Chimú.
Sanctuary of Señor de la Solicitud: Plazuela del Señor de la Soledad. Visists Mo-Su 8:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. Built after the 1970 earthquake, save the image of the Señor de la Soledad, patron of the city of Huaraz, whose image dates from the time of the founding of the city, in the sixteenth century.
Waullac Archaeological Remains: Located 2 miles east of Huaraz (5 minutes by car). Waullac is an archaeological site dating from pre-Inca times and belongs to the Wari period (600 AD). This would be a burial place of use with five stone structures that resemble small niches.
Monterrey: Small village located 6 Km north of Huaraz. Hot springs, chloride sodium at 49°C, and swimming pools, for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, chronic nerve, paralysis, etc.; Resting place, accommodation for patients. Good hotels and restaurants setting.
Archaeological Remains Ichic Willcahuain and Willcahuain: Located 7 Km northeast of Huaraz (35 minutes by car or 3 hours walk). It shows Wari architecture, which developed into what we now call the Middle Horizon (700 BC - 100 AD). The buildings have a network of galleries inside and were used as places for offerings.
Chancos Thermal Baths: Located 27 Km north of Huaraz, hot springs medicinal properties, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium chloride, up to 85 ° C., pools, caves and hot springs pools. The caves are usually carried eucalyptus branches and form a kind of sauna. Administered by the native community of Vicos. In the area offer horseback riding and hiking.
Churup Lagoon: Located 28 Km east of Huaraz (1 hour and 30 minutes by car) and 4.450 m, beautiful lagoon at the foot of Mount Churup (5.493 m). You reach the town of Pitec or Llupa thence walking for about 2 hours. The lagoon is surrounded by queñuales, quisuares and ichu. Nearby you can see species typical of the Andean fauna as vizcachas, bobcats and various species of birds such as wild ducks. It is one of the most popular hiking and less difficulty from Huaraz.