Things to Do in Huaraz

Huaraz is Peru’s trekking capital and the base for exploring the Cordillera Blanca, the world’s highest tropical mountain range. Sitting at 3,090 m above sea level in the Callejón de Huaylas valley, the city gives access to glacial lagoons, ancient ruins, and multi-day circuits that draw serious mountaineers and casual day-hikers alike. Here is what deserves your time.

Laguna 69

The most iconic day hike in the region, Laguna 69 delivers an electric-blue glacial lake framed by the sheer north face of Chopicalqui (6,354 m). The trailhead at Cebollapampa (4,235 m) is roughly 82 km north of Huaraz. Take a colectivo from the corner of Fitzcarrald and Luzuriaga streets — approximately PEN 20–25 each way as of 2026, departing from around 5:00 am.

The hike is 12 km return with 780 m of elevation gain. Expect 4–5 hours including time at the lake. The Huascarán National Park entrance fee is approximately PEN 30 (approximately USD 8 as of 2026), valid for multiple entries within a set period if you purchase a multi-day pass. Carry food and water — there are no services on the trail.

Laguna Churup

Closer and lower than Laguna 69, Laguna Churup (4,450 m) is an excellent acclimatisation hike on your first full day in Huaraz. The trailhead in Pitec is 12 km from the city centre — take a taxi for approximately PEN 15–20. The 8 km round-trip hike climbs through polylepis forest before scrambling over boulders to a vivid turquoise lake at the foot of Churup peak (5,493 m). Allow 4–5 hours return. The national park fee applies here too.

Santa Cruz Trek

The 4-day Santa Cruz trek is one of South America’s great multi-day hikes, crossing the Punta Unión pass at 4,760 m and threading through mountain valleys past a succession of glacial lakes. Most hikers hire an arrieros (muleteer) team through agencies in Huaraz — expect to pay from approximately USD 180–250 per person as of 2026 for a fully guided 4-day trip including camping, food, mule support, and transport to the trailheads at Llanganuco and Cashapampa.

Independent trekkers can carry their own gear and pay the national park entrance (approximately PEN 30 per day) plus transport to trailheads. Camping is free within designated areas in the park.

Chavín de Huántar

One of Peru’s most significant pre-Inca archaeological sites, Chavín de Huántar dates to around 900 BCE and served as a major religious centre of the Chavín culture. Located 110 km south-east of Huaraz via Catac, the site sits at 3,185 m in a valley on the other side of the Cordillera Blanca from the Callejón de Huaylas.

The ruins include the massive Castillo pyramid, a network of underground galleries (some open to visitors), and a collection of carved stone lanzones and cabeza clavas (tenon heads) — though many originals are now in Lima’s Museo Nacional Chavín. Entry is approximately PEN 15 as of 2026. Most visitors join a guided day tour from Huaraz (approximately PEN 40–60 per person, transport only) or hire a private taxi for approximately PEN 120–150 return.

Pastoruri Glacier

At 5,240 m, Pastoruri is an accessible high-altitude glacier that requires no technical climbing skill. A boardwalk path leads from the car park to the glacier edge — roughly 1.5 km each way. Note that Pastoruri has retreated significantly in recent decades and the experience now centres as much on the surrounding high-altitude puna ecosystem and the carbonated water springs at Puya Raimondi stands below.

Tours from Huaraz typically pass the giant Puya Raimondi bromeliads (the world’s largest flowering plants) en route. Day tours cost approximately PEN 40–60 per person as of 2026 for shared transport; national park entry applies.

Llanganuco Lakes

Chinancocha and Orconcocha are twin glacial lakes carved beneath the flanks of Huascarán (6,768 m), Peru’s highest peak. A colectivo north from Huaraz to Yungay (approximately PEN 5) then a second colectivo into the Quebrada Llanganuco (approximately PEN 8–12) puts you at the lake shore within 2 hours. Rowing boats are available at Chinancocha for approximately PEN 25–30 per 30 minutes. The lakes sit at 3,850 m — a rewarding scenic stop without the altitude of the higher hikes.

Museo Regional de Ancash

In the heart of Huaraz, this small museum holds one of Peru’s most unusual outdoor collections: a lapidary garden of pre-Inca stone monoliths and carved figures from the Recuay culture (100 BCE–700 CE). Entry is approximately PEN 5 as of 2026. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm. A good hour visit pairs well with a morning in Huaraz town before an afternoon day trip.

Acclimatisation Walk: Mirador de Rataquenua

For your first day, before attempting any serious hike, the Mirador de Rataquenua offers a gentle warm-up. From central Huaraz, a 45-minute walk or 10-minute taxi (approximately PEN 5) takes you to a viewpoint above the city with full views across the Callejón de Huaylas to the Cordillera Blanca. No entry fee. Locals run fruit juice stalls on weekends.

Huascarán National Park Office

Before heading out on any multi-day trek or remote day hike, stop by the Parque Nacional Huascarán office at Avenida Luzuriaga 555, Huaraz (open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–1:00 pm and 2:00 pm–5:00 pm). Staff provide current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and rescue contact information. Multi-entry park tickets (approximately PEN 65 for 21 days as of 2026) are significantly cheaper than paying per-site and make sense if you plan more than two day hikes.

Practical Notes

• Acclimatise first: Spend at least one full day at rest in Huaraz before attempting hikes above 4,000 m. Altitude sickness is common and serious.
• Gear rental: Several shops on Luzuriaga rent trekking poles, sleeping bags, crampons, and ice axes. Budget approximately PEN 15–25 per item per day as of 2026.
• Guides and agencies: The Casa de Guías (Parque Ginebra 28-g) is the official mountaineering guides’ office. For organised treks, agencies cluster along Luzuriaga street; compare at least three quotes. You can also book a Huaraz trekking or day tour online and compare operators before arriving in the city.
• Connectivity: Mobile signal (Claro and Entel) reaches most valley floors but disappears in the high passes. Download offline maps before you go.

For where to sleep after your hikes, see our Huaraz hotels guide and for local restaurants and food stalls, read the Huaraz food guide.

Huaraz: More Resources

• Huaraz Travel Guide — How to get to Huaraz from Lima, acclimatisation advice, and city overview.
• Huaraz Food Guide — Where to eat after a long day on the trail, from market stalls to post-trek bars.
• Where to Stay in Huaraz — Guesthouses near the trailheads, hostels on Luzuriaga, and mountain lodges.
• Huaraz Trekking Guide — In-depth guide to the Santa Cruz trek, Laguna 69, Alpamayo circuit, and hiring guides.
• Altitude Sickness in Peru — Huaraz sits at 3,090 m with hikes reaching 4,700+ m — essential reading before you arrive.
• 1-Week Peru Itinerary — How Huaraz fits into a one-week Peru itinerary from Lima.