Recognized like one of greatest mountain ranges of the world, their tops culminate, in their majority, to more than 6000 meters on the level of the sea, including the Snow-covered Huascarán, that with his 6.768m is the highest tip of Peru.
They are 180 kilometers in length, that conform the natural barrier between the desert coast and the amazonian depression. These tops will give satisfaction most demanding.
The landscape is compound of snow-covered tips and lagoons of origin turkish glacier of blue color. In addition, the area includes the ruins of Chavín de Huántar, important preincaica culture of which temples, galleries, and stone sculptures are conserved. This place was the most important ceremonial center of the old Chavín culture.
Huaraz, and on smaller scale, Caraz, is the more important points of supplying. Once the Alley of Huaylas is transferred, where great number of towns throughout the valley exists, enters a world where it seems to have stopped the time. Remote areas of humble and hospitable people.
Altitude: Huaraz: 3.100m; Caraz: 2.250m; Trekking: between the 3,900 and 5000m. Accesses: Daily buses from Lima to Huaraz (400 km, 8 hours). From Trujillo they are 10 hours (570 km).
Minimum demurrage: 5 days (including the days of going and return). The routes of trekking vary between 2 and 14 days. Chavín de Huántar can be visited in a day from Huaraz.
Recommendations: Days of acclimatization, to consume food of easy digestion, to drink cocaine mate.
Recommended season: Of May to September, when the sky is cleared. The nights are cold in the mountain and fresh in Huaraz. There are perpetual snows from 4.600m.
Celebrations: In February the Carnival; Week of the Andinismo between May and June; Celebration of San Pedro de Corongo the 29 of June, with the famous dance of pallas; and the 25 of July the anniversary of Huaraz.
Gastronomy: Sharp of guinea pig (stew of guinea pig with sauce of peanut and red pepper), Cuchikanca (sloppy marinaded in vinegar and horneado), Sins Broth (broth of head of sheep with mondongo); Pachamanca (diverse meats, maize and Popes).
Crafts: Preparation of typical suits, manufacture of candles, works with ovine wool and of flame, forged iron ceramics, objects, basketwork, and leather works.