Huaraz

Huaraz is a city in Ancash Department in the central Peruvian highlands, sitting at roughly 3,050 meters elevation in the Callejón de Huaylas valley between two mountain ranges. The Santa River runs through the city, and the surrounding peaks are visible from most streets.

A severe earthquake destroyed nearly the entire city in 1970, and the subsequent reconstruction changed the cityscape completely. The city was later named capital of international friendship because many countries helped with rebuilding efforts.

Most streets were laid out in a grid pattern after the earthquake, and the cityscape is shaped by low residential buildings with simple facades. On market days the plazas fill with vendors from surrounding villages offering fresh vegetables and handwoven textiles.

The city sits high in the mountains, and travelers coming from lower elevations should plan a day or two to acclimatize. Buses from Lima run regularly and take around eight hours to cross the Andes.

A gold mine from the nineties sits near the city and contributes to the local economy alongside tourism. Many residents work either in that mine or in services related to mountaineers and trekkers.

Location: Ancash Department

Inception: January 20, 1574

Elevation above the sea: 3,052 m

GPS coordinates: -9.52985,-77.52900

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:24