Ancash Region – Prepare your Trip

The Ancash region is one of the 24 departments of Peru that has the greatest tourist potential, due to its location in the north of the country on the coast of the Pacific Ocean; Thus, it becomes an obligatory passage for those who enter through the northern border of the country and travel south to Lima.

The Ancash area is a perfect place in Peru if you want to learn more about the history of the country and get to know the Peruvian Andes in depth. It is not only perfect for learning more about our nation’s past, as it is the cradle of the great civilization of Chavín, but also for activities such as trekking and mountaineering.

What is the Capital of the Region?

➡️ The capital of the Ancash area is called Huaraz, a beautiful typically Andean city as it is located in a valley between two mountain ranges, the Black and the White. Ancash is located at 3,052 meters high and has a population as of 2017 of 1 million 84 thousand people.

Huaraz is an attractive postcard city surrounded by the snow-capped Huascarán in which its many museums, sanctuaries, snow-capped mountains, archaeological sites and thermal baths make all its locals and visitors fall in love; Furthermore, being so close to the city of Lima (only 7 hours) it is a tourist spot for many Lima residents.

Provinces and Districts of the region

The Ancash area is divided into 20 provinces and 166 districts, its territorial extension is almost 36,000 square kilometers, the Cordillera Blanca to the east of the valley has heights of more than 6,000 meters and is home to Andean Jaguars and Condors.

The climate in the Ancash area

☀️ The climate in Ancash and surrounding areas is very varied and will depend a lot depending on the height above sea level at which we are. In the coastal area the climate is generally arid and temperate. In contrast to this climate we find the rainy and quite cold climate of the mountain area of the Region of Ancash. The jungle area to the west of the department is characterized by a fairly warm climate.

The Huascarán peak measures 6,768 meters above sea level and its summits are snow-capped. Deglaciation has caused the glaciers to melt and this is raising the level of the lagoons and creating new lagoons, thus changing the topography of the department in general.

The economy in the region

The Ancash region led the extraction of Copper, Zinc and silver in the country with the highest figures, lead, gold and molybdenum are also extracted. The most important mines in Ancash are called Antamina and Contonga.

Along with mining, the Chimbote Steel industry is one of the 2 largest in the country; It was inaugurated in 1956, occupying an area of 600 hectares. It works under the continuous casting technique in its iron transformer blast furnace and also has several electric furnaces, it also processes sponge iron from scrap. It invoices more than 600 thousand tons per year of finished steel products for domestic consumption and export.

Reduction processes, steeling, lamination, coatings, tubular products and others such as wiring, sheet metal, bars, structural plates, structures, profiles, bodies, naval plates and structures for the manufacture of fishing vessels, etc. are also carried out in this plant.

What to visit in the Huanuco region? – Tourist Attractions

Regarding the tourist offer in Ancash, there are endless options since the area enjoys totally contrasting environments.

Chavín de Huantar

They are monolithic structural remains of a highly influential culture that settled around 1200 BC. – 200 BC at the confluence of the Mosna and Huachecsa rivers. There is some discrepancy regarding the dates of origin of the remains, since it is also said that this archaeological site is recognized for being the capital of the ancient Chavín people, a pre-Inca culture that flourished between approximately 1500 BC. and 300 B.C.

The Pastoruri Glacier

This glacier, known as the Pastorui Glacier, is located in the so-called Huscarán National Park. This park is located south of Ancash, specifically in the Cordillera Blanca. This National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985.

Although its size has decreased considerably in recent decades due to climate change and global warming, the Pastoruri Glacier is located at an altitude of approximately 5,240 meters above sea level.

For many years, the Pastoruri Glacier has been a popular tourist attraction due to its accessibility and natural beauty. Visitors can get up close to the glacier and walk on it, providing the opportunity to experience a glacial environment despite being in a tropical area.

National park huascaran

🌄 This park, which I told you about in the previous point, has had the name of Huascarán National Park since 1975, when observing that there was a real need to protect one of the most beautiful natural mountain ranges in Peru and one of the largest and most extensive on the entire planet Earth, it was decided to name this park, to declare it ten years later (1985) as a National Park.

🌼 The flora and fauna of the Huascarán National Park are immensely varied and provide tremendous biodiversity to the entire area. The ecosystem of the Cordillera Blanca provides greater beauty and biodiversity to this entire area of the department.

Llanganuco ravine and lagoon

⛰️ In the Cordillera Blanca, in the Province of Yungay, we find the high mountain gorge of Quebrada and the Llanganuco Lagoon. They are two natural wonders and are considered one of the most impressive and visited destinations in the area due to their scenic beauty and spectacular mountain landscape.

“La Quebrada and Laguna de Llanganuco” are easily accessible from the city of Huaraz, a popular base for exploring the Cordillera Blanca. There are routes on foot and by car that allow tourists to reach these places. Many tourists come to enjoy the landscape, hike, camp, and take photographs of the spectacular views of the nearby lagoons and glaciers.

Lagoon 69

It is part of the 400 existing lagoons in the Cordillera Blanca and many within the Huascarán National Park. Laguna 69 is another impressive natural destination located in the Cordillera Blanca. It is considered one of the most beautiful and popular lagoons in the area due to its intense turquoise color and its spectacular location surrounded by mountains and glaciers.

It is located at a considerable altitude of approximately 4,600 meters above sea level. Due to its elevated location, access may be challenging for some people due to the altitude.

To reach Laguna 69, visitors must hike approximately 7 kilometers (one way) from the trailhead in Cebollapampa. The hike is considered to be of moderate to high difficulty due to the altitude and the slope of the terrain. However, the effort is worth it, since the reward is a landscape

Like the Quebrada and Laguna de Llanganuco, Laguna 69 is also part of the Huascarán National Park and is protected to preserve its natural environment. Visitors are encouraged to follow responsible tourism practices, such as not leaving litter and respecting the rules established to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Paron Lagoon

It is the largest natural water reservoir in the Province of Huaylas in Ancash. Like Laguna 69, it is part of the Cordillera Blanca and the Huascarán National Park. It is known for being the largest lagoon of glacial origin in the Cordillera Blanca and one of the largest in all of Peru.

It is located at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, which makes it one of the highest altitude lagoons in the region. Like other lagoons of glacial origin in the region, Laguna de Parón has an impressive turquoise color due to the presence of mineral particles suspended in the glacial water. This intense color is a distinctive and characteristic feature of many lagoons in the Peruvian Andes.

The Alpamayo

It has been called the most beautiful mountain in the world due to its beautiful pyramidal shape. It is completely covered in snow due to its altitude of almost 6,000 meters and when the sun faces it it shows beautiful colors that lift the spirit of whoever observes it. Alpamayo is known for its distinctive pyramid shape, with its steep sides and sharp peaks. This characteristic has contributed to its fame and recognition worldwide.

The ascent to Alpamayo is considered one of the most challenging in the Cordillera Blanca due to its complex route and the technical difficulties involved. Ice and rock climbing experience is required, and the most popular route to reach its summit is the “Ferrari Route”, which follows a steep, exposed ridge.

El Alpamayo is located within the Huascarán National Park, a protected area that seeks to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the Cordillera Blanca. Climbers and visitors are encouraged to follow sustainable and environmentally friendly mountaineering practices to protect this valuable natural environment.

Cerro Sechin

It is an archaeological site that, given its antiquity and beauty, is one of the most important in Peru and in the world. It is an archaeological site located in the Casma Valley, in northern Peru. This site is famous for its impressive bas-reliefs and carved stone friezes, which reveal details about the culture and traditions of the region’s ancient inhabitants.

The most prominent feature of Cerro Sechín is the “Relieve de Sechín”, which is a large carved stone wall approximately 3 meters high and 70 meters long. The relief depicts war scenes and human sacrifices.

The Huayhuash Mountain Range

It runs from North to South of the region towards the west and has about 20 important peaks. It is known for being home to some of the highest peaks in Peru and South America, making it a popular area for mountaineering and hiking lovers.

It has numerous peaks that exceed 6,000 meters above sea level, including Yerupajá, which at 6,634 meters is the second highest peak in Peru, after Huascarán. The area is famous for its trekking routes, especially the “Huayhuash Circuit”, a route of approximately 130 kilometers that passes through spectacular landscapes, glaciers, turquoise lakes and Andean villages.

Unlike other mountain ranges in the region, the Huayhuash Mountain Range is less visited, which has allowed it to preserve its natural beauty and the authenticity of the local communities that inhabit the area.

Churup Lagoon

This lake with crystal-clear turquoise waters at 4,480 meters high is impressive, located east of the city of Huaraz. Due to its location in the high mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, it is important for hikers to properly acclimatize before undertaking the hike, as the altitude can be challenging for those who are not used to it. If you are thinking of visiting, keep this in mind. The round trip hike to Churup Lagoon generally takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the pace and acclimatization of the hikers.

Chimbote, fishing town near Ancash

⛵ Chimbote is the largest fishing city in Peru, and belongs to the area of Ancash. This town is defined by its fish oil and flour factories.

The Ancash region has the most diverse hotel infrastructure and services available to domestic and foreign travelers who visit its various locations, according to all plans and budgets, whether for hiking groups or for business or family trips.

Embarking on a journey to Ancash, Peru, is an invitation to explore a region of breathtaking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty. Nestled between the imposing peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and the rugged charm of the Cordillera Negra, Ancash is a haven for adventurers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.

With its world-renowned trekking routes, including the famous Santa Cruz Trek, and the ethereal beauty of glacial lakes like Llanganuco, this region is a paradise for outdoor exploration. Beyond its stunning landscapes, Ancash boasts a rich cultural tapestry woven from the threads of ancient civilizations, visible in the archaeological wonders of Chavín de Huántar and the traditional festivities that come alive with vibrant costumes and dances.

Whether you seek the thrill of high-altitude hikes or the intrigue of historical mysteries, Ancash promises an unforgettable sojourn into the heart of Peru’s diverse and captivating heritage.

Typical Dishes of Ancash and its Department

👨‍🍳 The gastronomy of the Ancash region is tremendously varied and rich. The ones you are going to see below are the most typical and popular dishes of this area. Regularly consumed by locals and tourists, they delight all palates.

• Choclo
• Humitas
• Pachamanca
• Truchas Fritas
• Picante Cuy
• Llunca Kashki con Gallina
• Dulce o api de Calabaza
• Tamales
• Cuchicanca
• Charqui de Chancho
• Pecan Caldo

Chicha de Jora is a very popular type of drink in the Ancash area. Mainly, this drink is made up of malted corn, also known as “jora”.