Huaraz Peru: Why Luxury Travelers Should Visit Peru's Winter Wonderland
Are you wondering if it’s worth visiting Huaraz Peru during your luxury vacation?
Set within the spiralling Andes of Central Peru, Huaraz is famous for its iconic snow-capped mountains and dramatic peaks of the nearby Huascarán National Park - as well as for its bright-blue lagoons and ancient Chavín de Huántar ruins. It’s a great destination to add to your itinerary for experiencing a more raw and rural side of Peru, where guests can enjoy different alpine scenery and authentic Andean culture.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore why it’s worth visiting Huaraz Peru during your luxury vacation. This includes the best thing to see and do here, the best time to visit Huaraz as well as how to get here. We’ll also answer anything else you need to know in our frequently asked questions section.
Everything You Need To Know About Huaraz Peru
Is It Worth Visiting Huaraz?
Huaraz tends to receive less attention as a prime luxury destination when compared with other destinations such as Cusco, Arequipa and Lima. This is mostly because it’s still lesser-known and located outside of the traditional Southern loop route in Peru - however it’s a perfect addition to your itinerary if you want to experience incredible icy white and glacial landscapes, or for those who are after a more raw Andean appeal.
Breathtaking alpine landscapes can be enjoyed with the Huascarán National Park, such as when visiting the panoramic Lake Parón and hiking up to the high altitude Pastoruri Glacier. Tourists who prefer a more exclusive and relaxing experience can stay in a private glamping dome within the Cordillera Blanca mountains that tower above Huaraz, visit the mysterious Chavín de Huántar ruins, or enjoy a curated gastronomical tour within the city.
The Total Elevation Of Huaraz
Huaraz is nestled between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges, up at a total elevation of 3053m (10,013ft). Similar to the altitude of Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley, proper acclimatization is also essential for travelers who head up to this Andean mountain city.
During your first couple of days, it’s highly recommended to spend your time relaxing as your body naturally acclimates, ideally within the city by seeing the sights, exploring typical Andean cuisine and perhaps enjoying a private horseback excursion. Drinking Coca Leaf Teas is suggested to prevent any unwanted altitude sickness symptoms, which are served in most boutique hotels and apartments - while Diamox is another commonly used option, although it should only be taken if approved by your doctor.
Is Huaraz A Safe City To Visit?
Overall, the city center of Huaraz (around the Plaza de Armas) is considered a safe area to stay in, where we can also find many boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants. Certain luxury hotels may also be located in more residential neighborhoods such as the Andino Club Hotel in Pedregal, or others situated within private valleys like is the case with the Cuesta Serena Resort. It’s recommended to leave valuables in your hotel when exploring the city as pickpocketing can sometimes be an issue - and to also take taxis to and from your destinations when out during the evenings.
The Best Things To See And Do In Huaraz For Luxury Tourists
Visit The Fascinating Ancient Ruins Of Chavín De Huántar
Built by the pre-Inca Chavín civilisation in 1200BCE, these ruins are arguably one of the star highlights for tourists visiting the region around Huaraz. Unlike many of the other incredible ruins in Peru which are only viewed from outside, here you can walk inside the tunnels and see how the ancient Chavín created mind-blowing acoustics to perfectly mimic different animal sounds. Chavín de Huántar is located some two hours away from Huaraz, and is best explored with an expert private tour guide.
Stay In A Luxury Glamping Dome Within The Cordillera Blanca
If you want an unforgettable night of starlit skies and red sunsets hanging over bright white peaks, then a luxury glamping stay is a must during your time in Huaraz. These circular domes are based right within the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, and offer all the luxury amenities, warm beds and delicious hot meals that you’ll need during your stay. Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we can help you organise your stay here along with private transport and expert guides during your trip.
Head On A Guided Tour To The Famous Lake Parón
Any visit to Huaraz simply cannot be complete without visiting Lake Parón. Here you’ll journey deep into the Cordillera Blanca by private transport to witness one of Peru’s most beautiful glacial lakes - which is known for its striking turquoise waters with a backdrop of giant granite peaks. By going with a private guide, you’ll get to skip the crowds and enjoy the hike and panoramic views at your own leisurely pace, while also being able to take a tranquil kayak ride across the lake.
Enjoy A Private Gastronomy Tour Of Huaraz
In recent decades, Peruvian cuisine has become world-famous due to this country’s rich abundance of mouthwatering dishes - which include Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and Papa a la Huancaina. While Andean cuisine from Ancash is lesser-known, it’s still an enjoyable experience and treat for anyone heading to Huaraz. Led by a private local chef, you will sample exotic Andean fruits and premium cheeses in traditional markets, while also trying typical cuisine such as the Ceviche de Choclo which hails from the region.
Relax With A Day Of Proper Andean Spa Treatment And Relaxation
There’s no better way to wind down and relax after a day of mountain trekking or city exploring by booking a day at a luxury spa. Premier eco-resorts like the Cuesta Serena (which is located in the remote and peaceful Anta Valley) offer customised therapies that include medicinal herb baths, hot volcanic stone massages and organic mud treatments. Sitting in the heated indoor pool while enjoying vistas of the towering glacial peaks is by far one of the biggest highlights for most guests.
Embark On A Private Horseback Ride Through The Cordillera Negra
If you want to enjoy scenic Andean views without worrying about walking at high altitudes - then a private horseback ride is a great way to spend a day during your time in Huaraz. Paired with a well-trained horse suited to your experience level, you will slowly ascend through the Andes - passing traditional rural communities and along the mountain foothills. Most tours depart in the early or mid afternoon, meaning you will enjoy an unforgettable sunset as you reach the top of the high ridges.
When Is The Best Time To Explore Huaraz?
The dry season months of May until September are the very best for exploring Huaraz. This is because rainfall is minimal, meaning we can enjoy clear blue skies with warm daytime temperatures - as well as the most stable hiking paths around the different alpine lakes and mountain treks. It’s important to know that the nighttimes will be at their coldest this time of year (lows of between 27-30°F) - so it’s crucial that you bring warm layers like a thick jumper, coat and a hat ready for the evenings.
The months of October until April fall within the rainy season for Huaraz, which peaks between January and March. During the heaviest months, showers are common and can sometimes cause travel delays and tour interruptions. However the benefits include warmer temperatures both during the days and nights this time of year, less crowds at top destinations, as well as more chance of seeing snowfall and icy-covered peaks given the combination of rains and the cold temperatures in these higher elevated regions.
How To Best Visit Huaraz As A Luxury Traveler
Getting To Huaraz
Given Huaraz’s secluded location within Peru’s central mountain regions, Lima is usually the starting point for transport heading here. The most comfortable and seamless way of arriving is by taking a flight from Lima to Anta (which is roughly one hour), and then having a private chauffeur or taxi ready to drive you to Huaraz which is roughly 40 minutes away. Alternatively, you can hire a private overnight transfer from multiple destinations such as Lima, Trujillo and Chiclayo, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV.
Explore Huaraz With The Luxury Peru Travel Company
Here at the Luxury Peru Travel Company, we can easily organise all private transfers, luxury accommodation and exclusive experiences for you if you would like to visit Huaraz during your Peru vacation. As well as enjoying guided visits to the must-visit destinations of Lake Parón, Pastoruri Glacier and the Chavín de Huántar Ruins, our professional tour guides will also be at hand to help you have the most comfortable experience up at these higher altitudes - while our expert team will help you plan your dream itinerary and have the most unforgettable time throughout Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Why Huaraz Peru Is Worth Visiting
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about why luxury travelers should visit Huaraz Peru, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Huaraz?
Any month within the dry season (May until September) is usually considered best for tourists to visit Huaraz - where clear blue skies and little rainfall make it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor experiences. In particular, the shoulder season months of May, September and October are arguably the best as they will have slightly warmer evening temperatures than deep winter months along with less rainfall than the wet season - as well as less crowds at major destinations like Lake Parón and the Chavín de Huántar Ruins.
Why Is Huaraz Famous?
Huaraz is most famous for being known as the unofficial hiking capital of Peru, boasting incredible alpine and winter wonderland scenery along its most famous treks. This includes Lake Parón and Laguna 69 which are found within the Huascarán National Park, as well as the towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. While Cusco is also noteworthy for its Andean scenery and the abundance of must-see sights in the surrounding Cusco region, Huaraz tends to have more snowfall and overall less crowded treks.
What Clothes Should I Wear In Huaraz?
Packing warm and thick layers is necessary for your visit to Huaraz, given temperatures can get very cold during the late afternoon and evenings. This includes thick jumpers, a coat, gloves and a hat - as well as rainproofs if visiting between October and April. Given the high elevations in and around Huaraz, temperatures can get very warm in the day - so you’ll also need thin layers, a hat, and also plenty of sunscreen.
Overview Of How Luxury Travelers Can Best Visit Huaraz Peru
And that’s all for this guide on why Huaraz Peru is worth visiting.
This South American country is most famous for its deep canyons of Arequipa and Cusco, Pacific Coastlines of Lima, and the Amazon Rainforest of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. However those who want to enjoy snowy landscapes are also in luck - with Huaraz providing mesmerizing alpine lagoons, unforgettable mountain treks and authentic Andean culture of the Ancash region.
Are you looking to explore Peru? Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we have decades of experience crafting perfect vacations for our guests. Get in touch with our expert team now to start planning your dream itinerary.
