What to see in Huaraz
Central Huaraz is easy to explore on foot between the Plaza de Armas, the museum, Belén and La Soledad. Willkawain, Rataquenua and Chancos require transport and are side trips beyond the city core.
Archaeological Museum of Ancash Augusto Soriano Infante
Founded in 1935, it is an essential introduction to regional archaeology. Its galleries display ceramics, textiles, metalwork and other materials. The adjacent lithic park holds around 120 sculptures, lintels, tenon heads and pieces associated mainly with the Recuay culture.
- Address: Av. Luzuriaga 762.
- Published hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–17:00.
- Published admission: adults S/7; higher education S/5; school students S/0.
- Phone: (043) 421551.
Plaza de Armas and civic center
It is the city’s principal public space and a natural orientation point. It retains a bronze fountain installed in 1870 and, together with its surrounding buildings, was declared an Urban Monumental Environment within Peru’s National Cultural Heritage in 2023.
Huaraz Cathedral: current status in 2026
The new Huaraz Cathedral remains under construction. An official report dated June 10, 2026 places progress above 60%, so it should be viewed only from permitted areas and visitors should not assume the interior is open. Its rebuilding is part of the city’s post-1970 earthquake story.
Belén Square
About two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, this is a short but worthwhile stop. The square and church serve the neighborhood and host craft fairs and cultural activities; regional artisan events returned here in 2026.
La Soledad, the market and local life
The Sanctuary of the Lord of Solitude is one of Huaraz’s main devotional spaces. Continue through traditional streets and the Central Market to discover Andean bread, fruit and ingredients. This is an active church: ask before photographing ceremonies or interiors.
One-day city route
Morning: Museum and lithic park. Midday: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral exterior and lunch downtown. Afternoon: Belén, La Soledad and the Central Market.
Chancos Hot Springs: a day trip from Huaraz
Chancos is not in Huaraz itself: it lies in the Vicos community, Marcará district, Carhuaz province, roughly 29 km away. The community-run complex has pools, individual and family tubs, and caves used as natural steam baths. The springs emerge at very high temperatures, so staff instructions must be followed.
- Reference access: Huaraz–Marcará 26 km; Marcará–Chancos 3 km.
- Published reference hours: 6:00–19:00.
- Confirm hours, prices and conditions. We do not present the baths as medical treatment.
Other nearby excursions
Willkawain and Ichic Willkawain reveal pre-Hispanic funerary architecture. Rataquenua viewpoint offers broad views over Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca. Both require extra time and transport.
Before you go
- Walk slowly on your first day: the city is above 3,000 meters.
- Carry cash and confirm whether cards are accepted.
- Hours and prices may change; check the official source on the day.