Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HUARAZ
043 / POP 48,500 / ELEV 3091M
Huaraz is the restless capital of this Andean adventure kingdom and its rooftops command
exhaustive panoramas of the city's dominion: one of the most impressive mountain ranges
in the world. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, Huaraz isn't going to win any
Andean-village beauty contests anytime soon, but it does have personality - and personal-
ity goes a long way.
This is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During the high season the streets buzz
with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or plan-
ning their next expedition as they huddle in one of the town's many fine watering holes.
Dozens of outfits help plan trips, rent equipment and organize a list of adventure sports as
long as your arm. An endless lineup of quality restaurants and hopping bars keep the belly
full and the place lively till long after the tents have been put away to dry. Mountain adven-
tures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is more subdued and some
places go into hibernation during the rainy season.
Sights
Monumento Nacional Wilkahuaín
(admission S5; 9am-5pm)
This small Wari ruin about 8km north of Huaraz is remark-
ably well preserved, dating from about AD 600 to 900. It's an imitation of the temple at
Chavín done in the Tiwanaku style. Wilkahuaín means 'grandson's house' in Quechua. The
three-story temple has seven rooms on each floor, each originally filled with bundles of
mummies. The bodies were kept dry using a sophisticated system of ventilation ducts.
Taxis cost about S20, or ask for a
combi
(minibus; around S1) at the bus stops by the Río
Quilcay in town. The two-hour walk up to Wilkahuaín is an easy, first acclimatization jaunt
and can be a rewarding glimpse into Andean country life, passing farms and simple
pueblos
(villages). Ask locally if it is safe before you set off; see Dangers and Annoyances
(
Click here
)
.
RUIN
