Where to Stay in Huaraz

The centre of Huaraz

Huaraz was largely rebuilt after the 1970 earthquake, so it is an open, easy-going town of wide streets and big mountain views. Its strength is practical: gear shops, tour agencies, bus offices and restaurants line the streets around the main plaza, and the Cordillera Blanca rises behind everything when the clouds clear.

Staying here makes early starts easy, since most trekking and day-trip pick-ups are in the centre. Ask for a room away from the main roads, as traffic and early buses are noisy, and check hot water and heating, because nights are cold.

For how the town works as a base, see Huaraz; things to do in Huaraz lists the walks, lakes and excursions that start here, so you can see how much of your time will be spent in the centre.

Monterrey and the hot springs

Monterrey lies a few kilometres north of Huaraz and is known for thermal baths, set in a quieter, greener spot. Hotels and guesthouses here suit travellers who want a relaxing base after trekking and do not mind a short taxi ride to town. The hot springs are popular with locals at weekends, so evenings and weekdays are calmer.

The limitation is that you are removed from the dining and gear options in the centre, and you will need transport for early pick-ups.

Soaking in hot water feels wonderful after a long day on the trail, but give yourself time to cool down before returning to the cold evening air, and avoid long hot soaks if you feel dizzy or unwell at altitude.

Caraz and the northern valley

Caraz, roughly an hour or so up the Callejón de Huaylas valley, is a smaller, tidier town with a market, a plaza and quicker access to the northern lakes and trailheads, including Laguna Parón. It is ideal for travellers who want mountains without the bustle, though it has fewer services and less choice in restaurants and accommodation.

If your plans centre on the northern end of the range, a night or two in Caraz can save early starts and long drives. The geography of the Cordillera Blanca helps you match your base to the routes you want, and the Santa Cruz trek is one of the best-known multi-day routes in the area.

Acclimatisation and planning

Most visitors arrive by road from Lima, climbing quickly to the valley. Spend at least a night or two in Huaraz doing easy walks before heading to high trailheads or lake hikes. This helps with the altitude far more than fitness does, and a rushed schedule is the usual cause of a bad start. Anyone with heart, lung or blood conditions, or who is pregnant, should speak to a doctor before planning high-altitude activities.

Acclimatisation for treks explains how to build a gradual plan, and altitude sickness lists the warning signs that mean you should descend. A short walk to a lake such as Laguna Churup is a common test before bigger days.

Getting there and booking

Most visitors arrive from Lima on a long daytime or overnight bus, described in Lima to Huaraz. Night buses arrive early in the morning, so ask your lodging about early check-in or luggage storage. If you are heading straight onto a trek, many agencies will hold bags for you.

In the dry season, from roughly May to September, popular guesthouses fill up, so booking ahead is wise. Outside that period you can often arrange a room on arrival, but trekking and climbing guides may be harder to find in the wet months, when many routes are less safe. Read about strikes and road blockades before planning a tight connection.

Practical checks

Ask about heating, hot water and the location of the room relative to the road, because nights are cold and street noise starts early. If you are camping or trekking, check whether the lodging offers luggage storage and a place to dry wet clothes. Some guesthouses cater to climbers, with early breakfasts, maps and gear rental, and the staff can often point you to reliable guides.

Take the usual care with valuables on buses and in markets, and use registered taxis at night. The wider safety has general advice that applies across the region.