A Brief Overview of Huaraz, Peru
Huaraz is a famous destination for outdoor enthusiasts as there are many options for trekking and climbing adventures. There are a lot of things to do around the area that can give you a nerve-wracking experience. Huaraz used to be a sleepy city and utterly unknown to tourists, but it is gradually becoming a tourist hotspot that you don’t want to miss out on. Some of the best things to do in the city, according to our preference, are listed below.
1. Breakfast at the California Café
The California Café is one of the top cafés in Huaraz that we can recommend. It has the best carrot cake you could ever dream of, and most of the dishes on the menu are really delicious. They also organize a lively book exchange, and you can join a Frisbee game that usually takes place every Friday. The café also has enough space for you to relax all day long, without worrying about being kicked out.
2. Walk through the Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the most significant central area in Huaraz and is a busy place with lots of activities and shopping facilities. You will be inspired by the musical performances or dances that take place there. These performances are not primarily for tourist entertainment, but are usually a celebration of the city’s local culture, and none of the performers will ask for money.
3. Explore the Market of Huaraz
The city is home to different people, smells and colours. Its market has a lot to offer and is huge, but it is not a typical tourist destination. As it is quite chaotic, and in some areas supposedly smelly. It is the best place to go to if you want to buy guinea pigs, vegetables, whole chickens, fresh fruit and so on. The market is the perfect place for you if you are on a budget because the goods are being sold quite cheaply.
4. Hiking
Huaraz is an amazing place if you are an avid hiker. If you are an avid hiker, this will love HuarazThe city is full of various hiking trails, ranging from a one-day hike to Laguna 69 to a multi-day hike around the Cordillera Blanca. The best thing is that you can easily organize them. You can also go for a hike in the Huascaran National Park, which covers around 340,000 hectares of land and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the fascinating landscape and the glaciers, and a total of 25 hiking trails and 102 available mountain sports areas.
There is a variety of day hikes and excursions available in the city, and you can make individual changes to the tours. Besides, most day hikes can be done by anyone with an adequate level of fitness. Some of the most accessible hikes in Peru Huaraz are the Llaca Valley and the Rajucolta Valley. Hiking trails such as Laguna Churup, Laguna 69 and Laguna Paron are quite challenging.
If you fancy the adventure of a lifetime, you can choose the incredible multi-day hikes through the Cordillera HuayHuash, the Quilcayhuanca and Cojup Valley or the Santa Cruz Trek. Many tour groups offer this experience, and the tour can last from 5 to 14 days, which means that you should research in advance and take the appropriate equipment with you. You also need to find the right travel agent to guide you around.
5. Cycle through Huaraz
Cycling is a fun and exciting way to explore the city when you’re looking for an adventure. There are numerous places in the city where you can rent a bike for a one-day ride or for a 12-day bike marathon through multiple villages and mountains. Such a tour is fun and keeps you fit at the same time. However, try to book the bikes in advance.
6. Go Climbing
This is an activity that is also gaining popularity in Peru. Many professional climbers from all over the world visit the city only because of the climbing possibilities. There are numerous tour groups that offer this option. To get more information before booking, you can interact with the groups online. You will surely experience a nerve-wracking adventure, which you will remember for a long time.
7. Taste the Local Cuisine
Peru is known for its tasty dishes, all of which are available at reasonable prices. There is a variety of restaurants and diners in the city where you can try local cuisine. It is best to go to the northern part of the town because it is quieter and less crazy than in the busy city center. One of the best restaurants is Isabelita, which offers three or four different menus that you can try for just $2. A menu includes the main course, a starter, a dessert and a drink. The quality of the food in this restaurant will amaze you, and make you want to come back for more. You can also try fixed menu options for 9 soles; these include a drink and dessert, an appetizer, and main courses such as Lomo Saltado, Chicharron de Pollo, or Pollo Milanesa.
8. Stroll through the City
Huaraz lies at an altitude of 3,052 m. This means that you have to take a little time to adapt, when you come from Ecuador or sunbathing on the beaches in northern Peru. The best way to do this is a quiet stroll through the city. This will give you a glimpse of Peruvian life and take you away from the noise of the tourist hotspots.
Conclusion
Huaraz and its variety of available activities is a city that is considered to be a paradise by outdoor enthusiasts. It is the perfect place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a more relaxed yet exciting vacation. With our list of top 8 things to do, you will definitely have a great time there.
