Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Festivals & Events
RELIGIOUS
Carnival
Carnival in Huaraz is very busy, with Peruvian tourists flooding to town, many of whom
will get soaked on the city's take on
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday)
. On
Ash Wednesday
colorful funeral processions for
ño carnavalón
(king of carnival) converge on the Plaza de
Armas. Here, his 'will' is read, giving the opportunity for many jabs at local politicians,
police and other dignitaries, before the procession continues to the river where the coffin
is thrown in. Participants dress in colorful costumes with papier-mâché heads, some of
which are recognizable celebrities.
MARTES GUERRA
You might want to invest in a waterproof suit or brave the high-altitude chill in your bathing suit if you are in
Huaraz on Carnival's Fat Tuesday, a day of intense water fights throughout the city. Known as Martes Guerra
(War Tuesday), thousands of kids run around the city with buckets searching for public sources of water and have
huge water fights. Women, senior citizens and tourists are prime targets. Police are everywhere, even the military,
but none of them can control these wild water bandits. Stay inside your hotel if you don't want to get drenched!
El Señor de la Soledad
Huaraz pays homage to its patron (the Christ of Solitude) beginning May 3. This
weeklong festival involves fireworks, music, dancing, elaborately costumed processions
and lots of drinking.
RELIGIOUS
Semana de Andinismo
Held annually in June, it attracts mountaineers from several countries and competitions
and exhibitions are held.
MOUNTAINEERING
Sleeping
The prices given here are average high (dry) season rates. Hotel prices can double during
holiday periods and rooms become very scarce. Perhaps because Huaraz is seen as a
trekking, climbing and backpacking center, budget hotels predominate.
