HUARAZ

Altitude: 3,052 m (10,013 ft)
Climate: 8–22°C | Dry from May to September, rainy from October to April; cold nights
How to get there: Bus from Lima (8 hrs)

Welcome to Peru’s mountain capital — a paradise for trekkers, climbers, and nature lovers. Nestled between the Cordillera Blanca (the highest tropical mountain range in the world) and the Cordillera Negra, Huaraz is surrounded by glaciers, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks.

The most famous hike is the Laguna 69 trek — a tough 4-5-hour ascent to 4,600 m (15,092 ft), but the payoff is unreal: an electric-blue lake framed by ice-covered mountains. Every step is worth it.

For multi-day trekkers, the Santa Cruz Trek is a world-class route (4–5 days) through the Huascarán National Park, passing glaciers, valleys, and alpine lakes — with unforgettable views of Alpamayo, often called “the most beautiful mountain in the world.”

Don’t miss Chavín de Huántar, a 3,000-year-old archaeological site with underground temples and sacred plazas — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Peru’s oldest ceremonial centers.

Another must-see is Pastoruri Glacier, accessible by car almost to the top. From the parking lot (5,000 m / 16,400 ft), it’s a short 30-40 minute walk to the ice fields. The glacier is retreating rapidly, so seeing it now is both humbling and urgent.

Travel Tip: Huaraz sits above 3,000 m — give yourself 1–2 days to acclimatize before doing any major hikes. The dry season (May–September) offers the best conditions. Bring proper mountain gear — weather changes fast, and nights can be freezing.