Caraz

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Caraz is a small Andean town in the Caraz District of Huaylas Province, Ancash, Peru. It sits about 2,250 meters above sea level and preserves traditional village life and stone architecture. The town became the capital of Huaylas province in 1857, and the district of Caraz was created around that time. The origin of the name Caraz isn’t certain; it may come from Quechua words with possible meanings like leather door, dry land, or magüey plants.

Caraz is a popular base for trekking and exploring the surrounding scenery. Parón Lake, the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca, lies about 32 km east of Caraz at around 4,200 meters. The dramatic Canyon del Pato is about 22 km north. A short distance west is Puya Raimondii, the world’s largest flower, located around 4,200 meters. The Tumshukayko ruins near the main square date back about 3,000 years. The Santa Cruz valley, 28 km northeast, is famous for a four-day trek that passes near peaks like Alpamayo and Artesonraju. Huascarán National Park is easily reached from Caraz.

Getting there: Caraz is roughly 460 km northeast of Lima by road. The Anta Airport (ATA) is about 45 km south of Caraz and offers domestic flights from Lima.