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Peru🇵🇪 | citiesHuarazCordillera Blanca, glacier lakes, trekking base, altitude prep | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Huaraz
🌟 Highlightcity ranked #6
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Huaraz sits at roughly 3,050 meters, and most trekkers spend their first two days here just to avoid altitude sickness on the trail. It lies in the north of Peru, in the Callejón de Huaylas valley, with the white wall of the Cordillera Blanca filling the eastern sky. I stepped off the night bus into a dark street, heard shutters rattling up and smelled fresh bread, then turned a corner and found glaciers glowing pink above the rooftops. Go if you want to hike, climb or scramble, and gear up in one afternoon. Skip it for nightlife or colonial polish, because an earthquake flattened most of the old town. Spending a few extra days here costs little and saves your trek, so acclimatize in town. Huaraz is rougher and more practical than polished Cusco, and far cheaper for mountain access.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #6 city in PeruThe unique appeal for travelers

Huaraz is where Peru's best high-altitude hiking becomes affordable and simple. Within an hour or two of town you can reach trailheads for multi-day treks, glacier lakes and climbing bases, and the town itself is full of agencies that rent tents, boots and stoves by the day. That means you can arrive with a daypack and leave with a full expedition kit. Hostels cluster around a few central blocks, many with rooftop views and hot showers, so meeting trekking partners is easy. The town is walkable, with the main strip along Avenida Luzuriaga serving good trekker food, from big breakfasts to pizza ovens that warm up cold evenings. Huaraz also works as a base for the Santa Cruz trek and the Cordillera Blanca peaks, with buses running to Lima and to northern towns. Come for at least four days if … read more 👉
Huaraz is where Peru's best high-altitude hiking becomes affordable and simple. Within an hour or two of town you can reach trailheads for multi-day treks, glacier lakes and climbing bases, and the town itself is full of agencies that rent tents, boots and stoves by the day. That means you can arrive with a daypack and leave with a full expedition kit. Hostels cluster around a few central blocks, many with rooftop views and hot showers, so meeting trekking partners is easy. The town is walkable, with the main strip along Avenida Luzuriaga serving good trekker food, from big breakfasts to pizza ovens that warm up cold evenings. Huaraz also works as a base for the Santa Cruz trek and the Cordillera Blanca peaks, with buses running to Lima and to northern towns. Come for at least four days if you plan to hike, since acclimatizing takes time. If you only want a quick city stop, it is too far off the main circuit to justify.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Laguna Llanganuco and the Cordillera Blanca day tour: Turquoise twin lakes beneath Huascarán and Huandoy, reached by a high road inside Huascarán National Park. Go in the dry months for clear peaks. Park entry runs about US$10 to 20 and a full-day tour about US$12 to 20, taking 8 to 10 hours.
  2. Laguna 69: The classic day hike, climbing past waterfalls to a glacier-fed lake at about 4,600 meters. Start early, since clouds roll in by midday. Expect US$15 to 25 for a tour plus park fee, and a full day of 10 to 12 hours.
  3. Parque Arqueológico Willkawaín: A stone temple of the Wari culture a short ride from town, with dark interior galleries you walk through with a headlamp. Entry is around US$2 to 4, and a visit takes 1 to 2 hours. Mornings are quiet.
  4. Museo Arqueológico de Áncash: Stone monoliths of
… read more 👉
  1. Laguna Llanganuco and the Cordillera Blanca day tour: Turquoise twin lakes beneath Huascarán and Huandoy, reached by a high road inside Huascarán National Park. Go in the dry months for clear peaks. Park entry runs about US$10 to 20 and a full-day tour about US$12 to 20, taking 8 to 10 hours.
  2. Laguna 69: The classic day hike, climbing past waterfalls to a glacier-fed lake at about 4,600 meters. Start early, since clouds roll in by midday. Expect US$15 to 25 for a tour plus park fee, and a full day of 10 to 12 hours.
  3. Parque Arqueológico Willkawaín: A stone temple of the Wari culture a short ride from town, with dark interior galleries you walk through with a headlamp. Entry is around US$2 to 4, and a visit takes 1 to 2 hours. Mornings are quiet.
  4. Museo Arqueológico de Áncash: Stone monoliths of the Recuay and Chavín cultures are laid out in a garden on the Plaza de Armas, with carved faces and fanged figures. Entry is about US$1 to 3, and an hour covers it.
  5. Mirador de Rataquenua: A steep walk or short ride up to a cross overlooking Huaraz and the white range. It is excellent in the afternoon for acclimatizing. It is free, takes 2 to 3 hours round trip, and needs water and sun protection.
  6. Mercado Central: A working market for fruit, cheese, quinoa, coca leaves and cheap set lunches. Go in the morning for the full spread. Spend US$2 to 5 on a meal and wander for an hour.
  7. Plaza de Armas and Pasaje de la Libertad: The rebuilt main square and nearby lanes show how the city rose after 1970. Evenings bring locals, snack stalls and mountain views. It is free and takes about an hour.
For day trips, consider Chavín de Huántar, Pastoruri Glacier and the Llaca and Churup lakes, all reachable from town. For a first visit, Laguna Llanganuco gives the most mountain scenery for the least effort.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do in Huaraz

69 Lake - Cordillera Blanca

69 Lake - Cordillera Blanca

4.8(65)
From €32
per personViator
Climbing Mateo - Your first 5 thousand

Climbing Mateo - Your first 5 thousand

5.0(57) 24h
From €109
per personViator
HHuayhuash-One of the most impressive hikes in the world

HHuayhuash-One of the most impressive hikes in the world

5.0(46) 5h
From €967
per personViator
Tour Climbing Nevado Mateo | Your First 5,150 m Summit | 12 Hours

Tour Climbing Nevado Mateo | Your First 5,150 m Summit | 12 Hours

5.0(42)
From €100
per personViator
Huayhuash Trek (10 days)

Huayhuash Trek (10 days)

5.0(34) 240h
From €1,053
per personViator
Snowy Mateo - Cordillera Blanca Expedition

Snowy Mateo - Cordillera Blanca Expedition

5.0(28) 24h
From €127
per personViator
Laguna Parón (Full Day)

Laguna Parón (Full Day)

4.9(13) 10h
From €36
per personViator
Parón Lake - Cordillera Blanca - Private Service

Parón Lake - Cordillera Blanca - Private Service

5.0(10) 10h
From €177
per personViator
Santa Cruz Llanganuco Trek Cordillera Blanca

Santa Cruz Llanganuco Trek Cordillera Blanca

4.7(12) 96h
From €972
per personViator
69 Lake - Cordillera Blanca - Private Service

69 Lake - Cordillera Blanca - Private Service

4.9(10)
From €175
per personViator

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Huaraz

Huaraz sits in the Callejón de Huaylas at about 3,050 m (10,000 ft), and the places worth your boots are close enough to cover on foot or with a cheap hop. Here is how the pieces compare.
  • Centro (around Plaza de Armas): This is where you land and start moving. Pizza joints, trekking agencies, cafés and tour offices crowd the streets around Av. Luzuriaga, and everything is walkable in minutes. Nights stay lively but mellow, with a few bars and live-music spots. For a backpacker it gives the most for the least effort, since you skip taxis entirely.
  • Av. Raimondi and the market area: Dive into the Mercado Central for fresh fruit, quinoa porridge and cheap set lunches. It is loud, crowded and rewarding, and a short walk from the plaza. Go in the morning when stalls are fullest.
  • Belén: Climb the hill
… read more 👉
Huaraz sits in the Callejón de Huaylas at about 3,050 m (10,000 ft), and the places worth your boots are close enough to cover on foot or with a cheap hop. Here is how the pieces compare.
  • Centro (around Plaza de Armas): This is where you land and start moving. Pizza joints, trekking agencies, cafés and tour offices crowd the streets around Av. Luzuriaga, and everything is walkable in minutes. Nights stay lively but mellow, with a few bars and live-music spots. For a backpacker it gives the most for the least effort, since you skip taxis entirely.
  • Av. Raimondi and the market area: Dive into the Mercado Central for fresh fruit, quinoa porridge and cheap set lunches. It is loud, crowded and rewarding, and a short walk from the plaza. Go in the morning when stalls are fullest.
  • Belén: Climb the hill on the east side for views over the city toward the Cordillera Blanca. It is quieter, mostly residential, and the walk is steep at altitude, so take it slowly or grab a short taxi up.
  • Nicrupampa and Independencia: These residential neighborhoods lie a bit out, with local eateries and fewer visitors. They suit you if you want a calmer stretch, but you will rely on colectivos or taxis for evenings in the center.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Huaraz

7:30 AM, Mercado Central: Begin here because the market is at its best early, and a hot breakfast of bread, fruit juice and cheese preps you for altitude. Walk five minutes afterward to the main square.
9:00 AM, Museo Arqueológico de Áncash: Spend an hour among the carved stone heads and monoliths in the garden. It gives context for everything you will see later in the valley.
10:30 AM, Parque Arqueológico Willkawaín: Take a colectivo or taxi out to this temple. Bring a headlamp and slip through the narrow stone galleries, which few backpackers bother to visit. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
1:00 PM, Lunch on Avenida Luzuriaga: Return to town for a menú del día or a trout dish. Rest a while, since the altitude can sneak up on you.
3:00 PM, Mirador de Rataquenua: Climb slowly up the hill road for a view across … read more 👉
7:30 AM, Mercado Central: Begin here because the market is at its best early, and a hot breakfast of bread, fruit juice and cheese preps you for altitude. Walk five minutes afterward to the main square.
9:00 AM, Museo Arqueológico de Áncash: Spend an hour among the carved stone heads and monoliths in the garden. It gives context for everything you will see later in the valley.
10:30 AM, Parque Arqueológico Willkawaín: Take a colectivo or taxi out to this temple. Bring a headlamp and slip through the narrow stone galleries, which few backpackers bother to visit. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
1:00 PM, Lunch on Avenida Luzuriaga: Return to town for a menú del día or a trout dish. Rest a while, since the altitude can sneak up on you.
3:00 PM, Mirador de Rataquenua: Climb slowly up the hill road for a view across the rooftops to the glaciers. Take water, a hat and a jacket. Go down before the light fades.
6:00 PM, Plaza de Armas: Finish where locals gather. Snack on a pastry, look up at the peaks and pick a pizzeria or a peña with live music for dinner.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Huaraz is best from May to September, when trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca are open and dry.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days are sunny, about 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F), but nights drop to around 0°C (32°F) or below at higher camps. Daylight runs roughly 11.5 to 12.5 hours. Crowds and prices peak in July and August, especially around the Santa Cruz trek and Peruvian holidays in late July.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer trekkers, mostly good weather, and occasional afternoon showers. Tour prices are easier to negotiate.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Afternoon rain and snow are frequent, with cloud hiding peaks. Highs sit around 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F). Many treks are muddy, but the valley turns green and beds are cheap.
Book guides and gear a day ahead in July and August, … read more 👉
Huaraz is best from May to September, when trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca are open and dry.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days are sunny, about 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F), but nights drop to around 0°C (32°F) or below at higher camps. Daylight runs roughly 11.5 to 12.5 hours. Crowds and prices peak in July and August, especially around the Santa Cruz trek and Peruvian holidays in late July.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer trekkers, mostly good weather, and occasional afternoon showers. Tour prices are easier to negotiate.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Afternoon rain and snow are frequent, with cloud hiding peaks. Highs sit around 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F). Many treks are muddy, but the valley turns green and beds are cheap.
Book guides and gear a day ahead in July and August, but leave a few spare days for the weather window.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The best budget stay in Huaraz is within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas, where hostels and cheap guesthouses are densest. Dorm beds are plentiful and you can usually find a private room at a modest price, with the highest demand in July and August. Tour agencies, ATMs, restaurants and the colectivo stops are all a short walk away, and most places offer luggage storage and gear rental connections. The central streets are lively until late and some rooms facing the bars can be noisy, so ask for a back room. Night walking in this zone feels fine, with taxis easy to flag.
The second choice is the … read more 👉
The best budget stay in Huaraz is within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas, where hostels and cheap guesthouses are densest. Dorm beds are plentiful and you can usually find a private room at a modest price, with the highest demand in July and August. Tour agencies, ATMs, restaurants and the colectivo stops are all a short walk away, and most places offer luggage storage and gear rental connections. The central streets are lively until late and some rooms facing the bars can be noisy, so ask for a back room. Night walking in this zone feels fine, with taxis easy to flag.
The second choice is the area toward Av. Raimondi and Centenario, slightly quieter and still within 10 minutes on foot of the plaza. Beds cost a little less here and you are close to the market for cheap meals. Hot water and heating vary from place to place, so check for blankets, since nights at this altitude get cold.
Best hostels in Huaraz


Best quality hotels in Peru

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

The center of Huaraz is compact enough that you can cross it on foot in 15 minutes, and walking stops making sense only when you head for the hillside barrios, the airport at Anta, or trailheads far up the valley. Traffic is noisy but not gridlocked, and the altitude makes even short climbs tiring. Public transport is informal yet frequent.
  • Walking: Free and fastest for the plaza, market and agency streets. Take it easy for your first two days while you acclimatize, and carry water.
  • Taxis: Rides within town cost about US$1 to 2 and cover most trips in under 10 minutes. Agree the fare before you hop in, because there are no meters. They beat everything else for late nights and for the hill to Belén.
  • Combis and colectivos: Minivans run along fixed routes inside Huaraz for around US$0.30 to 0.50
… read more 👉
The center of Huaraz is compact enough that you can cross it on foot in 15 minutes, and walking stops making sense only when you head for the hillside barrios, the airport at Anta, or trailheads far up the valley. Traffic is noisy but not gridlocked, and the altitude makes even short climbs tiring. Public transport is informal yet frequent.
  • Walking: Free and fastest for the plaza, market and agency streets. Take it easy for your first two days while you acclimatize, and carry water.
  • Taxis: Rides within town cost about US$1 to 2 and cover most trips in under 10 minutes. Agree the fare before you hop in, because there are no meters. They beat everything else for late nights and for the hill to Belén.
  • Combis and colectivos: Minivans run along fixed routes inside Huaraz for around US$0.30 to 0.50 and to nearby towns like Monterrey (hot springs) for a similar price. They are crowded and slow at rush hour, but the best value if you do not mind squeezing in.
  • Shared vans to trailheads and valley towns: Colectivos for Caraz, Yungay and Carhuaz leave from terminals near Av. Fitzcarrald and Cruz Roja, at roughly US$1.50 to 3, running from early morning until late afternoon. These give the most reach per dollar. Tours to Laguna 69 or Pastoruri cost more, about US$12 to 20, but save you the logistics and fit a single day.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacker in Huaraz can expect to spend about US$38 per day in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm (high season)US$8 to 12Central hostels fill in July and August, often with breakfast included.
Dorm (off-season)US$6 to 9Discounts are easy to find from November to March.
MealsUS$9 to 14Market menú about US$2 to 3, café meals US$4 to 7.
Local transportUS$1 to 3Combis cost US$0.30 to 0.50, taxis US$1 to 2.
City transport passNot availableYou pay per ride in cash.
Activities/entry feesUS$8 to 15Park entry about US$10, and day tours US$12 to 20.
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 6Water, snacks, laundry, and the occasional beer.
Total Daily BudgetUS$38Based on high-season dorm, with a day trip in the mix.
To save money, eat the market set lunch and book tours in person with a couple of agencies, which often lets you bargain a group price.

source: peru.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Huaraz works superbly as a day-trip base, since most major Cordillera Blanca sights are reachable between dawn and dusk by tour or colectivo.
Laguna 69:
A turquoise lake beneath glaciers, reached by a 3 to 4 hour hike (about 14 km round trip) that peaks near 4,600 m. Tours cost roughly US$12 to 18 plus park entry of about US$10, with a 3-hour drive each way. Go between May and September, and give yourself at least two days to acclimatize first, which is the mistake most first-timers make.
👉 Explore Laguna 69
Chavín de Huántar:
An ancient ceremonial site with underground stone galleries and carved heads, about 3 hours by road through the Cahuish tunnel. Tours run around US$15 to 20 plus an entry fee near US$9. It is best on dry days and a good choice when high peaks are cloudy.

Pastoruri Glacier: … read more 👉
Huaraz works superbly as a day-trip base, since most major Cordillera Blanca sights are reachable between dawn and dusk by tour or colectivo.
Laguna 69:
A turquoise lake beneath glaciers, reached by a 3 to 4 hour hike (about 14 km round trip) that peaks near 4,600 m. Tours cost roughly US$12 to 18 plus park entry of about US$10, with a 3-hour drive each way. Go between May and September, and give yourself at least two days to acclimatize first, which is the mistake most first-timers make.
👉 Explore Laguna 69
Chavín de Huántar:
An ancient ceremonial site with underground stone galleries and carved heads, about 3 hours by road through the Cahuish tunnel. Tours run around US$15 to 20 plus an entry fee near US$9. It is best on dry days and a good choice when high peaks are cloudy.

Pastoruri Glacier:
A high-altitude excursion at around 5,000 m, with a short walk across the ice edge. Allow about 2 hours each way and US$10 to 15 for the tour plus an entry fee of about US$5. Take warm layers and go slowly with the thin air.

Llanganuco Lakes:
Two bright lakes reached via Yungay, around 2 hours away. Colectivo to Yungay (US$2) then a hired car or tour for about US$10 to 15 total. Mornings are clearest.

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

Huaraz cooking leans on Andean ingredients and mountain comfort. Try Caldo de gallina or the hearty sopa de chochoca, a thick corn-based soup, for warmth at altitude. Cuy (guinea pig) appears in local restaurants, and trucha (trout) from highland streams is worth ordering fried or grilled. Look for picante de cuy and humitas at weekend stalls. For a hot start, quinoa porridge and fresh bread are everywhere in the morning.
The Mercado Central is the cheapest place for a set lunch (menú), usually US$2 to 3 for soup and a main. Around Av. Luzuriaga you will find cafés with strong Andean coffee, wood-fired pizza and trekker-friendly breakfasts at US$3 to 5. At night the plaza area fills with bars serving pisco sours and local craft beer. Hot emoliente from street carts is a cheap warmer on cold evenings.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Huaraz is broadly safe for backpackers, and most problems are petty. Keep phones and cameras tucked away on crowded combis and in the market, where pickpocketing happens. After dark, stick to the lit central streets and take a taxi rather than walking the hillside barrios or long dark stretches alone. Solo travelers, including women, generally manage well, but avoid walking back drunk. Altitude is the bigger issue: give yourself two or three days before serious hikes, drink plenty of water and skip heavy alcohol early on. Hire guides and agencies with good reviews and check gear and insurance. Taxis have no meters, so agree the price first. Trekking alone on remote routes is where real risk lies, so register your route or go with a group.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Plan on four to five days in Huaraz. Spend the first two acclimatizing at about 3,050 m with town walks and a trip to Chavín de Huántar, then add Laguna 69 (a 3-hour drive each way). Multi-day treks such as Santa Cruz take 4 days on top of that.
Huaraz is generally safe for solo backpackers, with petty theft being the main concern in the market and on crowded combis. Taxis cost about US$1 to 2 and are the better choice after dark. Altitude sickness is the more likely problem, so rest for two days before hiking, and go with a registered guide for remote treks.
Huaraz is known as the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca and Huascarán National Park, with peaks over 6,000 m including Huascarán at 6,768 m. It is famous for Laguna 69, the Santa Cruz trek and the Chavín de Huántar ruins. Dorms run about US$6 to 12 a night and guided day tours around US$12 to 20.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Peruvian cities near Huaraz

Explore more nearby:

  • Tingo María—Oilbird cave, Huallaga valley, waterfall pools, Sleeping Beauty ridge| 170 km away
  • Trujillo—Chimú adobe, Moche temples, pastel colonial grid, reed boats| 227 km away
  • Cajamarca—Thermal springs, Atahualpa’s ransom room, market cheese, cool highlands| 285 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Huaraz is where travelers make one common mistake: they fly or bus in from Lima and head straight for a high trek. Give yourself two or three easy days first, with a walk up Rataquenua and a low-altitude day trip. I would book the big hikes only after that, and always carry cash for park fees.

✈️ When did I visit Peru?
Peru I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Peru, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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