Chiquian is an isolated village, that isn't very interesting in itself, other than the countryside that surrounds it. Most of all I enjoyed a short walk in the surrounding hills, which offer a magnificent view of the Cordillera: at dawn it's absolutely splendid.
In theory, the only reason that would bring you to Chiquian during your trip to Peru, is to shorten the journey towards the departure point of the Huayhuash trek. This isn't a bad idea by the way. The hike is stunning and you'll also be thrilled not to have to get up at 4am in the morning on the first day to catch the bus from Huarez.
The other reason would be if you have decided to make the trek alone. In fact, if you don't go through an agency, you won't have any choice other that to stay there, or least somewhere nearby. You can buy food for meals there (their cheese is very good!) and find a mule driver and if a cook if you want one. One little point; in July this process could be be complicated, these people being already snowed under.
There are a few hotels of various types, some even offering hot water. Above all, the staff are kind and full of good advice to help you get organised before you set off towards the magical Cordillera.
Chiquian is a little village situated between Huaraz and the Cordillera Huayhuash. This village is generally a base camp for trekkers who come to discover the spectacular scenery of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
It's from this village of Chiquian that our trek started. The night before, we preferred to delay our departure and spend the night in the hamlet due to sudden exhaustion. After a good night's sleep, all was back to normal and we were ready to depart on our new adventure.
Before we left, our host gave us some precious pieces of advice and even offered to give us some precious coca leaves, useful in the case of altitude sickness. We left at dawn and we were filled with wonder by the magnificent scenery of the Ancash region.