Ancash

CULTURE

Huaraz: Museums and culture

In the city of Huaraz, capital of Ancash, history and tradition await you in every corner. Stroll through its historic center, with orderly streets, wide squares and an Andean atmosphere that mixes modernity with cultural heritage . Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ancash “Augusto Soriano Infante”, with a valuable collection of pre-Hispanic pieces and a unique garden of lithic sculptures. Visit the Señor de la Soledad Sanctuary, dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

Chavin culture: Great pre-Hispanic civilizations

Explore the Archaeological Site of Chavin de Huantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ceremonial center of the millenary Chavin culture. Visit its stone temples, subway galleries and sculptures such as the imposing Lanzon Monolithic, symbol of a religion that unified various peoples of ancient Peru. At the National Museum of Chavin, discover original pieces such as nail heads, ceramics and ritual objects that reveal the symbolic, artistic and religious complexity of this visionary culture. The Chavin culture is living history.

Chankillo Archaeoastronomic Complex

Discover Chankillo, the oldest solar observatory in America, in the magical Casma Valley. With more than 2,200 years of history, this archaeological complex, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, will surprise you with its 13 aligned towers that accurately marked solstices and equinoxes. Walk among its structures, watch the sunrise from its viewpoints and marvel at the astronomical wisdom of the Casma-Sechin culture. An unforgettable experience where ancient history is lived outdoors.

Traditional Water Judges System of Corongo: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Live a unique experience in Corongo with the Traditional System of Water Judges, an ancestral practice recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Every year, communities elect their judges to organize the use of water in a fair and collective way, combining local rules with Andean rituals. This tradition reflects the deep respect for nature and community cooperation, inviting you to learn about a way of life based on balance and ancestral wisdom.

NATURE

Huascaran National Park: Mountains, volcanoes and snow-capped peaks

Discover the Huascaran National Park, the most impressive natural treasure of Ancash and UNESCO World Heritage, dazzles visitors with snow-capped peaks such as Huascaran, Vallunaraju Peak, and stunning lakes including Llanganuco, Churup and the intensely blue Laguna 69. Hike unforgettable trekking routes, travel through high mountain landscapes, observe unique species and be amazed by the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca. It is a must-see destination for nature, adventure and photography lovers.

Cordillera de Huayhuash: Mountains, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains

The Cordillera de Huayhuash, in Ancash, is a spectacular destination for adventure and nature lovers. With peaks exceeding 6,000 meters, it offers landscapes of snow-capped mountains, crystalline lagoons and deep valleys. Its trekking routes are world famous, challenging but full of unique beauty. Walk among glaciers and observe an impressive biodiversity. Huayhuash is a paradise for photographers, mountaineers and those seeking an authentic experience in the Peruvian Andes.

Pato Canyon

The Pato Canyon will surprise you with one of the most spectacular landscapes of Ancash. This narrow canyon separates the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, with imposing rock walls and the Santa River flowing between them. The route includes more than 30 tunnels carved into the mountain, ideal for traveling by vehicle or bicycle. It is a perfect destination for lovers of Andean scenery, photography and adventure on wheels.

Hatun Machay Stone Forest

Discover the Stone Forest of Hatun Machay, a spectacular natural site in the Cordillera Negra. This stony forest presents eroded volcanic formations that reach up to 60 meters high, with figures that evoke animals, faces and different shapes. Ideal for sport climbing, trekking among rocky quarter tunnels, petroglyphs and cave paintings. The experience combines adventure and connection with the ancestral geology of Ancash.

The Callejón de Huaylas

The Callejón de Huaylas is a natural paradise in Ancash, where the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra embrace for 180 kilometers. This inter-Andean valley offers a unique combination of landscapes from snow-capped mountains like Huascaran to turquoise water lagoons like Llanganuco and Antacocha. Its towns, such as Carhuaz and Caraz, preserve living traditions and offer access to activities such as trekking, mountain biking and thermal baths. A complete experience between nature, culture and adventure.

Chimbote City: Water that creates and connects

Chimbote also offers surprising natural attractions. Sail to Isla Blanca, home to seabirds and sea lions. Enjoy the scenery in the tranquil El Ferrol Bay, ideal for walks and sunsets. Explore the Villa María Wetlands, a refuge for migratory birds, and relax on peaceful beaches like Vesique and Caleta Colorada, just a few kilometers from the city. Coastal nature and wildlife perfectly complement your cultural visit to Chimbote.

ANCESTRAL COMMUNITIES AND RURALITY

In Ancash, the ancestral communities keep alive a rich cultural heritage that fascinates visitors. The Recuay, known for their pottery and stone sculptures; the Chavin, pioneers in architecture and religious art; and the Casma-Sechín, with advanced knowledge in astronomy and construction, stand out. These communities preserve traditions, festivities and millenary knowledge that are reflected in their handicrafts, music and dances. To visit Ancash is to immerse yourself in a living legacy full of history and authenticity.

Holidays:

Ancash invites you to experience its most representative festivities. In September, the Festivity of the Virgin of Las Mercedes in Carhuaz summons thousands of faithful with solemn processions and religious festivities. On June 29, the Patron Saint Festival of San Pedro and San Pablo in Chimbote honors the patron saint of fishermen with a colorful maritime procession. And in February, the Andean Carnivals fill the streets of Huaraz, Caraz and other cities with music, comparsas and joy. In July, get ready for Caraz's tourist week, enjoy festivals, local gastronomy and adventure experiences such as rafting and cycling in its beautiful Andean landscapes.

GASTRONOMY

Traditional Andean cuisine

Get ready to savor the Andean tradition with the most representative dishes of Ancash. Start with the Pachamanca, an acestral underground cooking that combines meats, potatoes, beans, aromatics herbs, cheese and tamales in an explosion of flavor. Try the Picante de cuy, a tasty guinea pig stew prepared with yellow or red hot chili peppers (ají amarillo or ají colorado) and Andean potatoes. Enjoy Llunca Kashki, a thick and comforting soup made with cracked wheat, chicken and herbs. Be tempted by cuchicanca, marinated and baked pork served with mote and sarsa.

CRAFTS

In Ancash, popular art is kept alive through its handicrafts. Discover weavings loomed from alpaca wool, ceramics decorated with Andean motifs and works in stone and wood that reflect the identity of the highlands. In towns like Chacas and Huari, you can see the artisans in action and take away unique pieces that tell stories of tradition, creativity and cultural pride.