Be enchanted by the majestic Callejón de Huaylas
A trail surrounded by nature, known as the Callejón de Huaylas or Santa Valley (its shape greatly depends on the course of the Santa River), is waiting for you to be enchanted by its breathtaking beauty.
In this landscape, the primary color is green with white brushstrokes from the snow-capped mountains and an intense blue sky that creates a wonderful contrast. This paradise is located in 5 of the 20 provinces (Huaraz, Carhuaz, Huaylas, Yungay and Recuay) of the Ancash region, northwest of Lima, and offers a delightful sight for tourists who visit it.
This is the perfect place for you when you want to get away from the city and breathe fresh air. And if you are a very active person, you are wasting your precious time by not visiting the beautiful Callejón de Huaylas: here, you can practice mountain sports, climbing, paragliding, hang-gliding and trekking as never before, thanks to its amazing natural scenery.
Visit the countless lakes that form the Callejón de Huaylas, such as Conococha (located in the province of Bolognesi, where the Santa River begins) and the Llanganuco Lake. The Duck Canyon, where the mountains seem to rub against one another, and the thermal baths of Chancos (located in Huaraz) are also places you cannot miss during your stay.
A space for culture
There are also places for those who love the millenary culture of the Peruvian Andes, since in this area there are several archaeological sites that will give you a glimpse of the ancient inhabitants of this area. Among the best known, you will find sites of the Chavín culture, one of the most important pre-Inca cultures in the valley.
You can also visit the archaeological sites of Honcopampa, where you will find multiple chambers from the Wari culture, Huilcahuaín and its stone temple, or Tumshukaiko. The latter is considered one of the most monumental for its imposing stone walls which protect and can be seen in different parts of the archaeological site.
What to eat and how to get there?
In addition, the gastronomic offer in the different villages that integrate the Callejón de Huaylas is diverse and always satisfying, for there is no dish that leaves you unsatisfied. A delicious Picante de cuy (guinea pig in stew or also fried), a Llunca kashki with hen (soup made with wheat and hen), a delicious Cuchicanca (a dish made with roasted pork, very tasty) or a traditional fried trout are a must when it comes to choosing what to eat.
During the Callejón de Huaylas Tourist Week (celebrated during the last week of April and the first days of May), various gastronomic fairs are held where you can taste the best dishes.
Are you amazed with all that the Callejón de Huaylas has to offer? Then don't think twice, it is quite easy to get here: you can travel by plane (1 hour) or by bus (8 hours on the highway) from Lima to Carhuaz (airport) or Huaraz (car).
From Carhuaz, take a bus that will take you 40 minutes until arriving at the Callejón de Huaylas. From Huaraz, it takes a little longer (1 hour and 30 minutes).