Huaraz Main Square and Cathedral with snowcapped peaks in the background

Huaraz City Tour

Discover Huaraz's history and culture: Plaza de Armas, Soledad Temple, historic Jose Olaya Street, ancient Waullac ruins, and Monterrey thermal springs.

Non-technicalDemand: Low

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

3,150 m

Season

Jan-Dec

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

3,150 m

Hiking

1.5h

From Huaraz

0.25 h

Season

Jan-Dec

History, culture, amazing viewpoints and lovely people. All in one day in Huaraz.

The Huaraz City Tour is the ideal gentle excursion for your first day in the Callejón de Huaylas. Designed as a relaxing cultural experience suitable for all ages, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions, history, and heritage of Huaraz while comfortably easing your body into the Andean altitude.

The itinerary starts at the Plaza Mayor and Huaraz Cathedral, visits the Sanctuary of the Lord of Solitude (patron saint of the city), and strolls through historic José Olaya Street the sole preserved colonial corridor to survive the devastating 1970 earthquake. We then explore the ancient stone chullpas (funerary tombs) of the Waullac archaeological site.

To complete the experience, we drive up to the scenic Rataquenua viewpoint for sweeping panoramic vistas over Huaraz and the glaciated summits of the Cordillera Blanca, followed by a soothing dip in the natural mineral hot springs of Monterrey.

Plaza Mayor, Cathedral and Lord of Solitude Sanctuary

Historic Jose Olaya Street, colonial gem of Huaraz

Waullac archaeological ruins and Rataquenua viewpoint

Relaxing mineral thermal hot springs at Monterrey

Itinerary

1 day · 1.5h hiking · no overnight

Day 1

Huaraz – Plaza Mayor – Soledad Temple – Waullac – Rataquenua – Monterrey Hot Springs

Departure at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM from central Huaraz. Guided exploration of the Plaza Mayor, Lord of Solitude Temple, and colonial Jose Olaya Street. Continue to Waullac archaeological ruins and drive up to Rataquenua Viewpoint for panoramic vistas. Conclude with relaxing thermal waters at Monterrey Hot Springs and return to hotel.

3,100 → 3,350 → 3,100 m1.5 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Shared round-trip tourist transportation (pick-up at central lodging).

Certified official tour guide (Spanish / English).

Guided visits to all urban and peripheral circuit attractions.

First aid kit and medical oxygen tank for emergencies.

Medical oxygen tank aboard the vehicle.

Complete first aid kit.

Not included

Monterrey Thermal Springs entrance ticket (approx. S/. 5 - S/. 8 PEN).

Optional entrance to Ancash Archaeological Museum or Waullac ruins (approx. S/. 5 PEN).

Meals and beverages.

Comfortable walking shoes or light sneakers.

Swimsuit and personal towel for Monterrey thermal springs.

Tips for the guide and driver.

Light jacket or sweater for late afternoon and viewpoint.

Sun hat or cap and UV-protection sunglasses.

Cash in soles for entrance tickets and local crafts.

Sunscreen (SPF 50+).

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).