Huaraz holidays
Huaraz holidays at a glance
Huaraz sits high in Peru’s Ancash region and is widely regarded as the country’s premier base for Huaraz trekking and mountain exploration. From here, you can reach both the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash, ranges famous for their dramatic scenery, glacial lakes and snow-covered summits.
Towering above the town is Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Andes – part of it sheared away in the earthquake of 1970, a reminder of just how much force these mountains hold. The surrounding landscapes are shaped by huge rock walls, glacial valleys and brilliant turquoise lagoons that rival anything else on the continent.
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to appreciate any of this. Many of the region’s most spectacular viewpoints can be reached on day trips from town, which makes the scenery accessible to a far wider range of visitors than the trekking reputation might suggest.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Huaraz
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
For many serious walkers, Huaraz offers some of the finest trekking anywhere in South America, while even non-trekkers can enjoy extraordinary scenery with relatively little effort.
When to visit Huaraz
The best time to visit depends largely on your interest in trekking and mountain views. From November to April, rain becomes more frequent and landscapes turn a deeper green, but trekking conditions get noticeably tougher.
These are the months with most rainfall – expect some on at least half of all days. Daytime temperatures are pleasant and there and there should still be sunny intervals. Increased cloud cover keeps the nighttimes relatively mild.
Showers gradually become less frequent as the rainy season in the Andes draws to a close. Landscapes tend to be green and fresh. Cloud cover is still common, so if planning to trek, it may be waiting for the drier period from May onwards.
This is the start of the drier, cooler season. Days are increasingly clear and the night-time temperatures drop noticeably. Trekking season starts.
This is the driest season in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. It is peak trekking season, with invigorating and clear days, with strong Andean sun. Night-time temperatures are at their coldest, and can drop below freezing.
There will be plenty of daytime sunshine, though expect the occasional shower as the dry season draws to a close. Temperatures still drop come night-time, but are milder than June to August. Trekking season continues through most of this period.
The rains gradually increase, though tend to come in bursts and there should still be plenty of sunshine. Temperatures are pleasant, though still cool at night.
Top Things to do in Huaraz
Huaraz is Peru’s mountain adventure hub, offering a combination of spectacular treks, archaeological discoveries and breathtaking alpine scenery. There are guides and mules for hire in town for those heading into the mountains, and enough shops and provisions to stock up before setting off. Whether you’re planning an epic multi-day expedition or a shorter scenic outing, this is a region built for outdoor enthusiasts of every level.
Take on the tough but rewarding challenge of a 10-day trek in what is arguably Peru’s best and most beautiful trekking region.
Explore some of Peru’s most dramatic scenery on a 5-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca.
Take a guided tour of the ancient ruin of Chavín de Huantar, one of Peru’s oldest major archaeological sites.
Accommodation in Huaraz
Accommodation here focuses on giving you a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding mountains and national parks. Our current portfolio includes the Santa Cruz Lodge, set close to the region’s main trekking routes and natural attractions.
A comfortable Eco-Lodge that acts as the ideal base from which to prepare for the scenic challenge of the Santa Cruz trek.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Huaraz
Huaraz is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Huaraz?
To be confident of views in clear dry weather, most visitors arrive here May-Oct when there is little or no rain.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Huaraz?
The main language spoken in Huaraz is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Huaraz?
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is the main currency used in Huaraz. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is a bank in Huaraz where you can exchange dollars into local currency.
- What is the time difference between Huaraz and the UK?
The time difference between Huaraz and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What does a visit to Huaraz combine well with?
The colonial cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo, and the Moche and Chimú cultures of the Pacific coast, further north on the Panamericano highway (or via the spectacular Cañon del Pato road which partly follows an old railway track).
- How do you get to Huaraz?
From Lima to Huaraz (420 km) is a 7-8 hour drive on a paved road; there are also short flights with LC Airlines.
- What key events are there in Huaraz?
Semana Santa, Easter. Lively and colourful.
El Señor de la Soledad: Annually in week starting 3 May. Processions, dancing, music and fireworks.
Semana de Andinismo (mountaineering week): Annual climbing and skiing week.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.