If you’re looking to spice up your experience through the Peruvian Andes, then you must check out our top things to do in Huaraz that will give your trip that adrenaline boost you’re looking for! Huaraz is the Trekking Capital of Peru and there’s no doubt about that, here we’ll show you everything you can do around the region.
The Ancash region receives around 220,000 tourists per year, making it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Peru. This part of the northern Andean mountain range holds peaks that surpass 6,000 meters of elevation among other natural wonders.
Therefore, those looking to get immersed in the natural heritage of our country are highly attracted by the distinctive scenery of the Cordillera Blanca since it offers the perfect setting for outdoor activities.
From multiple-day climbing tours to day trips, Peruvian Switzerland could have everything you’ve been longing to do during your stay in South America. Are you up to this adventure? Continue reading and find out everything about it!
If you thought that Huaraz was only about trekking and camping, here we’ll show you otherwise. The region grants the perfect activities for those eager to experience an adrenaline-packed adventure, check them out:
1. Bungee Jumping in Huaraz
If you have what it takes to jump over a 30-meter bridge (enough courage), then this could be that extreme sport you’ve been looking for. Different operators offer this activity on the Pariac Bridge, located 10 minutes away from Huaraz city.
However, we highly recommend doing proper research and doing this activity with reliable experts. This 30-meter drop will certainly add an outstanding energy rush to your itinerary.
After that, some operators offer a walk to the Wilcacocha Lagoon, a natural viewpoint to the magnificent Cordillera Blanca.
2. White Water Rafting in Rio Santa
Huaraz also holds options for those who prefer a more water-related experience, where you can cross the rapids at Rio Santa on a white water rafting experience.
This beautiful river covers a great extension of the Callejón de Huaylas, 30 kilometers away from the so-called Generosity City.
If you’d like to join this adventure, make sure to choose your travel operator carefully, the rapids go from a 2nd to a 5th-class difficulty level and you must enter the river with a professional guide.
3. Paragliding in Callejón de Huaylas
The Callejón de Huaylas is a flourishing valley guarded by the towering Cordillera Blanca (white mountain range) y Cordillera Negra (black mountain range) and offers a pretentious scenery optimal for paragliding.
This paragliding activity is the perfect activity for those who are not afraid of heights and would love to experience the natural scenery of the region from an S-eye point of view.
4. ATV Quad Biking in Huaraz
For those looking for a more connected-to-earth experience, there’s also the possibility of doing a quad biking tour across these lands. Most operators offer this modality to get to the Wilcacocha Lagoon or even to Rataquenua and Pukaventana.
You’ll find several operators offering this tour in the city of Huaraz, which is why we mention it again, to make sure that the company fits your requirements and is reliable enough to take this ride with them.
Important Note: As you may have noticed, we talked about the many options you’ll encounter during your trip. However, we do not organize any of these activities but our travel specialists can give you recommendations regarding that.
Ok, here’s what you’ve probably known about Huaraz all along, the entire Ancash region is suitable for mountaineering and trekking excursions. Therefore, we couldn’t leave this section behind while listing the best things to do in Huaraz, check our top picks here:
As we mentioned earlier in the blog, the entire Huascaran National Park is the perfect setting to practice mountaineering. It is one of the perfect sceneries for those who want to immerse themselves in the authentic nature of the Andes.
The Cordillera Blanca holds over 600 glaciers like the Alpamayo (5,957 m) and Huascarán (6,768 m), two impressive snow-capped mountains within the region, and the most in-demand hiking trails in the national park:
1. Nevado Alpamayo Hike
It takes about 6 days and 5 nights to get there and back. The trail is certainly not for the fainthearted since it takes you through altitudes over the 5,300 m.a.s.l. The Alpamayo snow-capped mountain was declared the Most Beautiful Mountain in the World by the World Scenic Photography contest in 1966.
2. Nevado Huascaran Hike
In case you didn’t know, the Huascaran snow-capped mountain is the highest peak in Peru, it reaches an altitude of 6,768 meters above sea level and it takes about 7 days to trek all the way to this wonder of nature and back.
It is worth mentioning that both of these treks are only for experienced trekkers. However, there are other easy-to-go attractions that you certainly shouldn’t miss during your trip:
1. Lagoon 69
This is one of the most in-demand outdoor activities in the surroundings of Huaraz. This unique water body is nourished by a waterfall that originated during the thaw season, and it’s located at 4,504 meters above sea level.
The trek to this outstanding natural wonder takes about 5 hours roundtrip. However, the impressiveness of this turquoise-water lagoon will leave you breathless, without mentioning its visually striking scenery. A total payoff to all that hard work!
2. Llanganuco Lakes
Surrounded by the imposing Hauscarán, Pisco, Huandoy, Chacraraju, Yanapaccha, and Chopicalqui snow-capped mountains lie two twin water bodies called Orconcocha and Chinancocha. They share the same turquoise coloration as Laguna 69 and are nourished by a glacier.
Likewise, these twin lagoons are also recognized for the exuberant nature that grows in their outskirts. If visiting Huaraz, make sure to pay a visit to these natural wonders, you’ll surely won’t regret it!
3. Nevado Pastoruri
It is one of the highest mountains within the Huascaran National Park since it sits at an altitude of 5,240 meters above sea level. This snow-capped mountain has been struck by global warming, just like the glacier that slides through its northern mountainside.
However, the Nevado Pastoruri remains a tourist attraction and the ascend to the summit is easy since it does not require a high physical level to complete this trek, but the companion of an official guide is mandatory.
4. Laguna Paron
This famous waterbody is considered the largest freshwater lagoon of the Cordillera Blanca and the Ancash region since it extends to 1,408,489 m2. It is located 32 km away from the city of Huaraz and has an altitude of 4,185 meters above sea level.
Laguna Paron was declared a National Heritage Site in 2010 to protect its authentic scenery. From this location, it is possible to visualize the imposing Artesonraju, Piramide, Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Paria snow-capped mountains.
Would you like to travel off the beaten path? Well, we got you covered! Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have an authentic experience across our beautiful country. Check our travel packages and uniquely explore Peru with us!
