Huaraz is generally safe, and you can comfortably walk around the centre during the day. As with anywhere in Peru, be a little more cautious at night, especially if you have your phone or valuables out.

Are there ATMs in Huaraz?

Yes, there are plenty of ATMs in central Huaraz. I would recommend using Banco de la Nación / MultiRed ATMs, as I wasn’t charged a local ATM fee when I used them. However, this may vary depending on your card.

Can I pay by card in Huaraz or do I need cash?

You can pay by card at some hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but you will definitely still need cash. Colectivos, small shops, markets, entrance fees and many tours are commonly paid for in cash, so I would always keep some soles on you.

What SIM card or mobile network works best in Huaraz?

Claro and Movistar are both good options for Huaraz. Either should work well around town, although reception becomes much less reliable once you head into the mountains.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Huaraz?

Huaraz has a treated municipal water supply, but I would still recommend drinking bottled water rather than straight from the tap. Bottled water is easy to find at supermarkets and small tiendas throughout the city.

How long should I acclimatise before doing the higher-altitude hikes in Huaraz?

If you are coming from sea level, I would give yourself at least two full days in Huaraz before attempting the higher-altitude hikes. Complete the Laguna Wilcacocha hike as your first acclimatisation hike before moving on to higher-altitude or more difficult ones.

Can you rent hiking and mountaineering gear in Huaraz?

Yes, Huaraz has several shops where you can rent everything from trekking poles, tents and sleeping bags to crampons, ice axes, boots and climbing gear. Williams Outdoor is a popular option, with a wide range of equipment available at a fair price.

Do I need to book hikes and tours in Huaraz in advance?

Not really. Huaraz is one of those places where you can arrive, walk into a tour agency and book something for the following day. I would only do this once you are acclimatised and know how you are feeling at altitude. The main exception is around Peruvian public holidays, when tours and transport can be much busier, so booking a little earlier may be required.

Huaraz Travel Guide - Do It Self Guided

By Leo Laucher-Linares, backpacked South America for 15 months and hiked around Huaraz in March 2024. Updated September 2026.

Huaraz, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Peru”, earns the nickname from the mountains surrounding it rather than the town itself. Sitting between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, it is one of the best hiking bases in South America, with everything from turquoise lakes you can reach in a day to demanding multi-day treks like the Huayhuash Trek, with plenty in between.

The guide below covers everything you need to plan your time in Huaraz, including which hikes, treks and summit climbs to prioritise, where to stay and eat, and the easiest ways to get around. I could easily tell you to spend a month here, but I have also included a few suggested itineraries depending on how many days you have, so you can work out what realistically fits into your trip.

Where Is Huaraz?

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Plan Your Trip to Huaraz

The hikes, treks and summit climbs worth making time for

Laguna 69

One of Huaraz's best-known day hikes, climbing through the Cordillera Blanca to a bright-blue glacial lake beneath the surrounding peaks.

Distance14 km / 8.7 mi Time14 hrs Max altitude4,600 m / 15,090 ft Elevation gain+730 m / +2,395 ft

Read my Laguna 69 guide →

Laguna Churup

A steep acclimatisation hike from Huaraz with rocky terrain, a rope-assisted section and a high-altitude lake at the top.

Distance6.5 km / 4 mi Time6 hrs Max altitude4,450 m / 14,600 ft Elevation gain+650 m / +2,130 ft

Read my Laguna Churup guide →

Laguna Wilcacocha

The perfect first hike to complete in Huaraz, even if you’re still feeling a little drowsy after arriving on the overnight bus.

Distance6.5 km / 4 mi Time4 hrs Max altitude3,745 m / 12,287 ft Elevation gain+569 m / +1,867 ft

Read my Laguna Wilcacocha guide →

Laguna Parón

An easy day trip ending at one of the best viewpoints in the Cordillera Blanca over a turquoise lake.

Distance3.2 km / 2 mi Time~10 hrs Max altitude4,500 m / 14,760 ft Elevation gain+300 m / +985 ft

No guide yet

Pastoruri Glacier

A short high-altitude walk that gets you close to the glacier, with stark mountain scenery that feels completely different from the lake hikes around Huaraz.

Distance4 km / 2.5 mi Time~9 hrs Max altitude5,000 m / 16,400 ft Elevation gain+160 m / +525 ft

No guide yet

Huayhuash Circuit

One of the most beautiful treks in the world, weaving past turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks, but do not underestimate the difficulty or altitude.

Distance120 km / 75 mi Time8 – 12 days Max altitude5,020 m / 16,470 ft Elevation gain+5,350 m / +17,550 ft

No guide yet

Santa Cruz Trek

A classic multi-day trek through glacial valleys and high mountain passes, with some of the best scenery in the Cordillera Blanca.

Distance50 km / 31 mi Time4 days Max altitude4,750 m / 15,580 ft Elevation gain+2,460 m / +8,070 ft

No guide yet

Nevado Mateo

A good first taste of mountaineering in the Cordillera Blanca, with glacier travel and panoramic views across the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Time~12 hrs Max altitude5,150 m / 16,896 ft Elevation gain+414 m / +1,360 ft

No guide yet

Nevado Pisco

A more serious high-altitude climb with a longer summit day, but still one of the more accessible major peaks around Huaraz.

Time3 days Max altitude5,752 m / 18,871 ft Elevation gain+1,902 m / +6,240 ft

No guide yet

Chopicalqui

A demanding expedition-style climb for experienced mountaineers, with long days, technical terrain and high altitude to go with it.

Time4 – 5 days Max altitude6,354 m / 20,847 ft Elevation gain+2,004 m / +6,575 ft

No guide yet

Where to base yourself between days in the mountains

Huaraz is a compact city, but there are a couple of distinct areas to consider depending on the type of stay you’re after.

Central Huaraz

Best for convenience

Stay around Plaza de Armas and Mercado Central to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, tour agencies and supermarkets.

Outside the Centre

Best for peace and quiet

A good option if you want a quieter stay in a boutique hotel where you can properly relax after a day in the mountains.

The red street entrance of Vaca House Hostel in Huaraz, with its stone facade and painted tour signs

$ Budget Vaca House B&B

This is where I stayed in Huaraz, and I’d happily stay again. It is a relaxed, family-run B&B with clean rooms, dorms, breakfast and a well-equipped shared kitchen, making it a really easy base for hiking.

Twin room at San Sebastián Hotel Boutique in Huaraz, with a wood-panelled ceiling and doors opening onto a balcony

$$ Mid-range San Sebastián Hotel Boutique

A charming, quieter stay near central Huaraz, with a beautiful garden, comfortable private rooms and its own restaurant and bar.

Bedroom at Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel with a picture window framing a snow-capped peak over the garden

$$$ Luxury Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel

A peaceful escape outside Huaraz with spectacular views towards the Cordillera Blanca. Perfect if you want somewhere special to unwind after a day in the mountains.

Unique places I’d eat and drink again

A relaxed spot beside a small square that is particularly good for lunch. Grab one of the outdoor tables and order the menú del día for an inexpensive meal somewhere that feels tucked away from the busier streets of Huaraz.

Get directions

A surprisingly good Indian restaurant and an easy choice when you want a break from Peruvian food. The curries are full of flavour, there are plenty of vegetarian options, and there is even a menú del día for lunch.

Get directions

The place I would choose for a more special dinner in Huaraz. It is a tiny Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant where the owner cooks, serves and performs live music, turning dinner into much more of an experience than just another meal.

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A casual spot serving burgers and other comfort food in a setting that feels a little different from the usual restaurants around Huaraz. The inside was not the flashiest, but the food was decent.

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Not the most polished bar inside, but that is not really why you come here. The cocktails are made fresh using Peruvian fruits and ingredients, and the bartender takes the time to explain what goes into each drink.

Get directions

One of the better places in Huaraz to try locally brewed craft beer, with several of their own beers on tap and some more unusual varieties to choose from. There are also pool tables and occasional live music, making it an easy place to spend a few hours after a day in the mountains.

Get directions

The place to head if you want a later night rather than just a quiet drink. It starts fairly relaxed but gets much livelier as the night goes on, with DJs, electronic music and a mix of locals and backpackers.

Get directions

Getting here and around once you arrive

Huaraz is tucked away in the mountains of northern Peru, so reaching it takes a little more effort than travelling between the country’s main tourist cities. Most travellers arrive from Lima, either by taking a short flight followed by a taxi into the city or an eight-to-nine-hour bus journey. Both options are straightforward, with your choice mostly coming down to whether you would rather save time or money.

Fly from Lima

1 hr 5 mins US$60–150 Fastest

LATAM flies directly from Lima to Anta Airport, where you will need to arrange a shuttle or taxi for the final journey into Huaraz. This is easily the quickest option, but fares can rise considerably if you book close to departure, so make sure to book early if you know your dates.

Overnight bus from Lima

8–9 hrs US$15–30 Budget

The overnight bus is the cheapest and most practical option for most travellers, while also introducing you to the altitude more gradually than flying. Book a bed-class or fully reclining seat so you can sleep through most of the journey and arrive in Huaraz early the following morning. Buses leave from several terminals around Lima, so check your departure location carefully.

You have three main options for getting around Huaraz, and each serves a different purpose. Use the cards below to see when each one is most useful.

Walking

Best for reaching restaurants, cafés, bars, tour agencies and everyday essentials in the centre.

Colectivos

The cheapest way to reach trailheads and nearby towns around Huaraz.

Taxis & inDrive

Best for reaching the bus terminal with luggage. Use inDrive to agree on a price before the trip.

The best times to hike without the crowds

Although you can visit Huaraz at any time of year, each season comes with its own trade-offs. Use the cards below to decide which time of year suits your trip best.

★ Best Time to Go

May & September

Shoulder season

The best balance if you want good hiking conditions without Huaraz feeling as busy as it does in peak season.
May is noticeably greener after the rains, while September has the drier look of the end of the trekking season.
Easier to book accommodation and guided tours without needing to organise too far in advance.
Huaraz should still have a good atmosphere at night, with plenty of people out in the bars and restaurants.

Driest Conditions

June, July & August

Dry season, most popular months

This is when Huaraz gives you the most reliable mountain visibility, with clear mornings and the lowest chance of rain.
Trails conditions are at their driest and firmest, making this the best period for longer treks and summit climbs.
Huaraz is at its most social during these months, with busier hostels and plenty of other hikers arriving to trek and climb.
Popular routes such as Laguna 69 and Santa Cruz will be noticeably busier, while guides, trekking crews and accommodation are in higher demand.
Days can feel surprisingly warm in direct sun, but mornings, evenings and high camps can be extremely cold.

Avoid If You Can

October to April

Wet season

Cloud cover becomes more common, especially from December to March.
Frequent afternoon rain can make dirt trails muddy and slippery.
Serious multi-day treks and summit climbs become much harder to plan around the weather.
The upside is a much greener landscape, fuller waterfalls and dramatically fewer people both on the trails and around Huaraz.

High-level plans for however much time you have

Day 1

Laguna Wilcacocha

A short hike with easy terrain that gives you panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca without the usual crowds.

Read my Laguna Wilcacocha guide →

Getting there: Take Colectivo Line 10 or E from Mercado Central to Puente Santa Cruz.
Why this order: The easiest acclimatisation hike in Huaraz, and it can be done in half a day after arriving on a night bus.
Food & drink: Lunch: Inka Frut

Dinner: Paulino’s Indian Cuisine

Drinks: Trece Buhos

Day 2

Laguna Churup

A steep, rocky hike to one of my favourite lakes around Huaraz, with the option of a rope-assisted climb beside a waterfall near the top.

Read my Laguna Churup guide →

Getting there: Take a colectivo from Avenida Agustín Gamarra to the trailhead (Pitec).
Why this order: A clear step up from Wilcacocha, giving you another day at altitude before taking on the longer Laguna 69.
Food & drink: Lunch: Packed lunch

Dinner: La Casita del Mago

Drinks: Kuya Kuya

Day 3