Huaraz is one of the places I like best in Peru, In fact it may even be my favourite! Like most visitors to the city, I took advantage of my time here to tackle some of the region's mountains. In particular, I've been left with wonderful memories of my trip to Lake Parón. I had a stroke of luck, because on the day of my visit there was a community festival taking place near the lake. I also took on the challenge of the snow-capped Churup mountain. And after that I walked through the snow of the Pastoruri glacier, which lies at an altitude of almost 5000 metres.
Though Huaraz's architecture is quite unique, it isn't exactly impressive. Ninety-five percent of the city was basically destroyed by a violent earthquake in 1970. Nevertheless, Mother Nature did leave one small street undamaged. Today it's somewhere I recommend you visit for the chance to try some delicious Pachamanca. This traditional local dish contains potatoes, corn, meat and lima beans, with the whole cooked in the ground under a pile of hot stones. In fact, this is what gives it its name, with "pacha" signfying "earth" and "manca" literally meaning "pot".
Whether it's the area's regional dishes or, alternatively, its spectacular scenery, a visit to Huaraz certainly won't leave anyone feeling indifferent!
- Huaraz is very authentic. It's a small town on a human scale where life slowly passes by. Tourists aren't yet common because its a long way to go. Thus the town has been able to retain all it's charm and authenticity. All the activity is concentrated around the central square, where the atmosphere is very warm and the locals are friendly and outgoing!
I stayed there for ten days or so and I happened to arrive in the middle of the carnival season. The whole town was gathered in the Plaza de Armas for two days to join in the with the colourful parade, singing and dancing.... Really lovely!
- Huaraz for sports-lovers : tourists having had the idea to come here are often trekking enthusiasts. Huarez is a well-known departure point for the famous Santa Cruz Trek and for hiking trails, which can be very steep by the way, to the fabulous Laguna 69. Not to be missed! Every summer the town organises various sporting events, sometimes free of charge, don't forget to find out!
-Here you can try the famous "trucha", or mountain trout, caught before your very eyes... you can't get fresher than that!