Peru Guide : Huaraz > Attractions

The Puya Raymondi is a member of the bromeliad family, although it is often confused with a cactus. The plant can reach a height of up to 15 metres, and is the largest bromeliad in the world. Seeing the plant is impressive at any time, but especially when it is in bloom, an occurrence that happens only once every hundred years. When this takes place, the plant is covered with up to 20,000 flowers and it releases 10 million seeds. The plant is visible in the many areas of the central highlands of Peru and in the Huaraz area..

Most people who visit Huaraz do so in order to have a base before heading out to the mountains. However, there are a couple of items of interest in the city itself. The most interesting attraction in Huaraz itself is the Museo de Arqueología de Ancash (**) (Plaza de Armas), which has an interesting collection of Recuay and Chavín culture artefacts, and a very good collection of Recuay monoliths well displayed in its garden. There is also a small Puya Raymondi in the garden.

Although not much of the old city remains, the best example of what Huaraz was like before the earthquake is the Calle José Olaya, as well as the Iglesia Señor de Soledad. The modern Plaza de Armas is newly built, and there is a giant, although slightly deformed, statue of Christ in the centre. The modern cathedral is also on the Plaza de Armas. There are several places in the town giving fine views of the glaciers, although the best views are from the Cerro Pucaventana, overlooking the town.

There are several small ruins near Huaraz, including the Wari ruins of Huallaoc and Wilkahuaín. There are also some thermal baths in the nearby town of Monterrey. Catch a combi to the town.

For travellers who want to experience the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca without strenuous activity, there are many travel agencies in Huaraz offering tours in the area. These include transport and a guide, and allow you to see several different places without much effort, although they generally do not give much time in any one place.

Most agencies offer four tours in the area. A full-day tour to the Callejón de Huaylas, including the Laguna de Llanganuco, Carhuaz, Yungay cemetery and Caraz normally costs around $6-$7. A full-day tour to the Pastoruri glacier, including stops at the Laguna de Patococha and a Puya Raymondi forest, costs $6-$7. A full-day tour to the ruins of Chavín de Huántar costs around $8. A half-day city tour, including some of the attractions in Huaraz itself and some of the ruins nearby, is also offered.

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