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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Huaraz Region
Huaraz Region
One of the most beautiful and rugged parts of Peru nestles in
the Andean Highlands of the Huaraz region northeast of Lima, part
of the Huascarán National Park that is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
and World Heritage Trust site. This area is the climbing and hiking
centre of Peru and the spectacular Callejón de Huaylas Valley is a
magnet for thousands of travellers looking for beautiful mountain
scenery, superb hiking opportunities, glacial lakes and quaint
mountain villages and markets.
Wedged between the dramatic snow-capped mountains of the
Cordillera Blanca and the dry, dark Cordillera Negra range, the
wide valley is split by the powerful Santa River. It is fringed by
a group of picturesque little villages and towns that serve as
starting points for hiking expeditions into the Andes. Situated
among them is the town of Huaraz, a tourist hub and the primary
base for exploring the area, which is surrounded by peaks of over
16,500 feet (5,000m). Towering above them all is Peru's highest
mountain, Huascarán.
The valley gave rise to the ancient Chavín civilisation and the
spectacular 1,500 year old ruins of the Chavín de Huántar temple
can be visited just hours away from Huaraz, stunningly set among
the majestic peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. The region also offers
hot springs at Monterrey, immense glacial lakes like Lago Parón and
spectacular lookout points from the narrow and twisting roads
leading into the valley.
Information & Facts
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Time