Huaraz Tourist Attractions
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Huaraz, in the Callejón de Huaylas Valley, is a unique city. Although this is an old Andes city, much of it was destroyed in the 1970 earthquake. It was subsequently rebuilt in a hurry, with square characterless concrete buildings. Despite this, Huaraz is set amidst beautiful snowcapped mountains which ring the city and has its own appeal.The main attraction for visitors coming to Huaraz is the adventure that awaits just beyond the city. For mountain climbing, trekking, and other high altitude sports, this is the place to visit. Huaraz is the adventure capital of Peru.The city is at an altitude of 3,091m / 10,138ft. The high season here is the dry season of May to October. The rainy season begins in November and runs until April, although November and April can still be descent months.There are a side variety of agencies in Huaraz offering all kinds of adventure tours. If you don't have your own gear it is easy enough to get outfitted here as well, although it will certainly add to the price of your tour.
Ancash Regional Museum
The Museo Regional de Ancash offers a little information on all the cultures that have inhabited the Cordillera Blanca region. In the garden are almost 100 Recuay and Wari monoliths dating to around 400 BC to 600 AD. There are mummies and descriptions related to mummification, as well as skulls showing indications of trepanning (an ancient form of surgery involving cutting into the skull). Stone sculptures from the Chavín culture date to 800 to 200 BC, and other from the Recuay culture from 200 to 700 AD. A pottery collection, textiles, and metal works cover the Wari, Chimú, and Inca cultures.The museum is actually quite small but nonetheless, interesting. It is located at the southwest corner of the Plaza de Armas.
Wilcanwaín Archeological Monument
Just outside Huaraz is the Monumento Arqueológico de Wilcanwaín, consisting of two stone buildings from approximately 800 to 1000 AD, known as Chico and Grande. The main building was used to store mummies and conduct ceremonies. The rooms even had a rudimentary form of ventilation, designed to help preserve the mummies. The exterior was adorned with carvings, including the sculpted head of a mountain line, which is till visible.The Monumento Arqueológico de Wilcanwaín is a well preserved site, almost completely intact. It is located 7km / 4mi north of Huaraz, and easily reached by bus or taxi.
