Things to Do in Huaraz
44 curated spots from Huaraz itineraries
Activities & Attractions
24 curated experiences
Plaza de Armas de Huaraz
Stroll the main square, let the kids run around the gardens, and snap first photos with the church and mountain backdrop.
1h · Free
Regional Museum of Ancash
Visit small but interesting exhibits of stone sculptures and mummies set in a leafy courtyard with cactus garden.
1h 30m · $2-4 per person
Baños Termales de Monterrey (Hot Springs)
Take a short taxi or colectivo to these thermal pools set among green hills, and soak together in warm mineral water.
2h 30m · $5-8 per person (entry, excluding transport)
Craft Huaraz (Artesanía & Textiles)
Browse a concentrated selection of Andean textiles, small handicrafts, and souvenirs in a compact shop space filled with color.
45m · Free to enter (souvenirs $5-25)
Evening Board Games / Reading at Café California
Use the café’s relaxed atmosphere and books/games to unwind and let the kids decompress indoors.
1h · Free to play, pay for drinks
Free Explore: Río Santa Riverside & Mercado Central
Wander down toward the river and through the central market area, watching daily trade in fruits, grains, herbs, and textiles.
2h · Free (plus any purchases)
Huaraz Handicraft Market (Mercado Artesanal)
Browse stalls of Andean textiles, hats, and small souvenirs; involve the kids in choosing a hat or scarf for the cold days.
1h · Free to enter, $5-20 for small purchases
Huaraz Local Market (Mercado Central)
Explore fruit, vegetables, grains, and herb stalls; focus on fresh produce, nuts, and packaged goods with clear ingredients; avoid ready‑made meats since halal standards are unlikely.
1h · $3-8 depending on what you buy
Huaraz Main Market (Mercado Central)
Explore narrow aisles stacked with fruits, herbs, and flowers, giving a wild, colorful vibe; buy snacks like nuts, fruit, and bottled water for upcoming hikes.
1h 30m · Free (plus any purchases)
Huaraz Pastoruri Glacier Day Tour
Travel south by bus to near 5,000 m, then walk a gently ascending path to viewpoints near the Pastoruri Glacier, passing bizarre Puya Raimondii plants on the way.
9h · $25-40 plus park fee
Laguna Wilcacocha Half-Day Hike
Short hike starting from the road above Huaraz through rural paths to a small lake overlooking the Cordillera Blanca, with grazing animals and fields giving a wild countryside feel.
4h · $5-10 (transport) or $25-40 (simple guided tour)
Local Market Visit (Mercado Central de Huaraz)
Walk through the fruit and vegetable sections, show the kids unusual Andean produce, and buy fruit and nuts for the journey home.
1h 30m · Free to enter, $3-8 for snacks
Main Square of Huaraz (Plaza de Armas)
Ease into the altitude with a gentle walk around the leafy central plaza, framed by mountains on clear days; sit on a bench, people-watch, and take a few orientation photos.
1h · FreeMercado Central de Huaraz
Wander rows of fruits, vegetables, grains, and household goods in this bustling covered market; buy fruit, nuts, and snacks for upcoming hikes.
1h · Free to enter; $3-8 for snacksMercado Central de Huaraz (Central Market)
Explore aisles of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and grains; focus on produce, spices, and packaged snacks, avoiding prepared meats and broths to keep things halal‑friendly.
1h · Free (plus any shopping)
Mirador Rataquenua
Take a short taxi up then walk to the viewpoint for sweeping views over Huaraz and the surrounding mountains, with scrubby hillside giving a semi-wild feel.
1h 30m · $3-6 (taxi round-trip)
Mirador Rataquenua Short Hike
Take a short taxi from the center and then walk up the final stretch to the viewpoint, where you’ll see Huaraz spreading through the valley and the Cordillera Blanca peaks behind it; go slowly due to altitude.
2h · $4-8 for taxis round trip
Parque del Periodista & Mirador
Walk up quiet streets from the plaza to this small park and overlook, with trees and a broad view over Huaraz and the surrounding hills.
1h · Free
Plaza de Armas de Huaraz & Surrounding Streets
Stroll the main square, sit under the trees, and explore the surrounding streets with mountain views, small shops, and casual photo spots.
1h · Free
Recovery Soak at Baños Termales de Monterrey
On a lighter day after Laguna 69, take a short colectivo or taxi to soak in warm, mineral-rich pools surrounded by green hills.
2h 30m · $3-6 plus transportRegional Museum of Ancash (Museo Arqueológico de Ancash)
Small museum near the plaza with stone sculptures, pre‑Inca artifacts, and a peaceful garden with monoliths.
1h 30m · $2-4
Short Hike: Mirador Rataquenua
Take a taxi to the trailhead above town then walk an easy path to a viewpoint over Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca.
2h 30m · $5-8 (taxi round trip)
Templo de Wilcahuain Ruins
Visit pre-Inca ruins on a hillside above Huaraz, reached by short taxi ride; explore the stone structures and enjoy views back toward the city.
3h · $5-10 including transport and entry
Wilcacocha Viewpoint Hike
Do the manageable uphill hike for broad views over Huaraz, the valley, and the Cordillera Blanca; stop often so kids can enjoy it.
3h · Free or small local guide feeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Café Andino
Cozy, wood‑and‑plant filled café with big windows overlooking the mountains; order vegetarian omelettes, avocado toast, fresh fruit with yogurt, and coffee or tea (avoid meat dishes as they’re not certified halal).
1h · $6-10 per person
Cafe Andino
Cozy upstairs café with plants and wood, good mountain views, and a mellow backpacker vibe; for halal, choose vegetarian dishes such as veggie sandwiches (ask no ham), salads, soups without meat stock, and desserts, and verify no alcohol in sauces.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Alto Andino Café
Leafy patio café with mountain views; order vegetarian omelette, fruit salad with yogurt, and plain pancakes (avoid meats; ask to cook on clean utensils/oil).
1h · $6-10 per person
Alto Andino Café (Light Start)
Light breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and bread to avoid heavy food before hiking (stick with vegetarian items).
45m · $6-10 per person
Café Andino (Farewell Brunch)
Wrap up with vegetarian sandwiches, pancakes, or fruit bowls and good coffee; confirm no meat in your order and enjoy the relaxed upstairs atmosphere.
1h 15m · $7-12 per person
Café Andino (Final Breakfast)
One last simple vegetarian breakfast in your now‑familiar café before packing up or taking a light final walk.
1h · $6-10 per person
Café Andino (Light Late Breakfast)
After a sleep‑in, return for fruit bowls, omelettes, and good coffee or tea in the sunlit upstairs garden‑feel space.
1h · $6-10 per person
Café Andino (Repeat Option)
Return to familiar favorites—vegetarian sandwiches, quesadillas, and desserts; kids can pick something they already know they like.
1h 15m · $8-14 per person
Café Andino (Return Dinner)
End the long day with soups, salads, and vegetarian mains in a familiar, cozy space; confirm any broths are vegetable‑based.
1h 15m · $8-14 per person
Café Andino (Return Visit)
After your Laguna Parón tour, return for something light like a veggie pasta or soup and bread. Halal options: clearly vegetarian dishes, no meat broth; reconfirm with staff.
1h · $10-18 per person
Café California
Relaxed traveler café with big plants, wooden decor, and lots of natural light. For halal: choose clearly vegetarian dishes like veggie sandwiches, vegetable soup, salads with no meat or alcohol, and cakes; confirm no lard or alcohol in preparation.
1h · $8-15 per person
Café de Rat
Small, atmospheric café with vines and wood; order vegetarian pizzas without meat, salads, and hot drinks—confirm no alcohol in sauces and decline any meat toppings.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
California Café
Traveler‑friendly café with lots of greenery and books; choose pancakes, oatmeal, fruit bowls, and vegetarian omelettes, avoiding meat and verifying no lard in baked goods.
1h · $6-10 per person
California Café (Slow Brunch)
Sleep in and enjoy a late brunch of pancakes, French toast, eggs, and fruit in the plant‑decorated upstairs room.
1h 15m · $6-10 per person
California Café (Vegetarian Options)
Cozy traveler café with wooden interior and plants; order vegetarian omelettes without meat, pancakes, fruit salad, oatmeal, and coffee or juice—avoid any pork or non-halal meat items.
1h · $6-10 per personCentro Mercado – Vegetarian Stalls Only
Inside the main market, look specifically for stalls offering vegetarian soups (sopa de verduras) and rice with beans/eggs; confirm ‘sin carne, sin pollo, sin caldo de carne’ (no meat, chicken, or meat broth).
45m · $3-5 per person
Chilli Heaven
Order vegetarian or egg-based dishes and ask for no pork, no lard, and no alcohol in sauces; a simple, flexible dinner choice near the plaza.
1h · $20-35 per person
Creperie Patrick
Warm, wood‑and‑plants interior with a mountain‑chalet feel; go for vegetarian galettes or cheese/vegetable crêpes, salads, and desserts, asking to avoid ham, bacon, and any alcohol‑based sauces.
1h 30m · $10-16 per person
El Fogón Vegetarian
Local vegetarian set-menu spot serving soups, rice plates, vegetable stews, and fresh juices; ask for the menú del día and confirm it’s completely meat-free and alcohol-free.
1h · $4-8 per person
El Patio de Don Juan (Vegetarian Choices)
Many Llanganuco tours stop in or near Carhuaz for a simple breakfast; choose bread, eggs, cheese, jam, fruit juices, and hot drinks, asking specifically for eggs cooked in a clean pan away from meat and avoiding sausages and meats.
40m · $4-7 per person