Three Lagoons at Huayhuash Trek, Peru

Huaraz & Central Mountains

The city of Huaraz is known as ‘the Switzerland of Peru’ due to the beauty of the spectacular Cordilleras Blanca and Negra that surround it, and the gateway for those seeking adventure.

Huaraz is the capital of the Ancash Department, and is located in the middle of the valley known as the Callejon de Huaylas, on the Santa River. Surrounded by the imposing mountain ranges Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, Huaraz is a stunning paradise for trekkers and climbers. The snow-capped peaks of Cordillera Blanca offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Peru.

Caral, near Supe, Barranca Province, Peru
Caral, Barranca Province, Peru

A little more about Huaraz and Central Mountains

The Huascaran National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the highest mountain in Peru, Huascaran at 6,768 metres as well as over 600 glaciers, almost 300 lakes and three rivers.

Stunning beauty aside, visitors will also be in awe of the 3,000-year-old Chavin de Huantar ceremonial centre, one of the most important archaeological monuments in all of Peru, not only due to its historic value but also because of its beauty and structure.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Hatun Machay Stone Forest, Peru
Huaraz and Central Mountains

Discover Hatun Machay

Visit the stone forest of Hatun Machay, in the southern Cordillera Negra, to walk amongst remains of rock carvings and paintings from the Wari culture.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Huayhuash, Huarez, Peru
Huaraz and Central Mountains

Journey through the Mountains

Embark on a full week of hiking in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, camping at some of the most stunning alpine sites in South America.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Three Lagoons at Huayhuash Trek, Peru
Huaraz and Central Mountains

Hike to the Llanganuco Lakes

Trek to the mesmerising turquoise Llanganuco Lakes at the foot of Huarascan mountain in the high Andes.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lazon, Chavin site, Peru
Huaraz and Central Mountains

View the Lanzón

Marvel at this 4.5 metre carved granite monolith, which depicts the main deity of Chavin culture, in the central highlands of Peru.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Three Lagoons at Huayhuash Trek, Peru
Huaraz and Central Mountains

Gaze at Laguna 69

Drive to Cebolla Pampa before hiking to the spectacular waterfall-fed clear glacial lake, Laguna 69.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chavin de Huantar Temple, Ancash Province, Peru
Huaraz and Central Mountains

Chavin National Museum

Visit the Chavin National Museum, home to a collection of significant archaeological artefacts from the Chavin culture, including the Tello Obelisk.

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our Peru experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

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  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

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  • 01285 880 980

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