The Callejón de Huaylas is a paradise on earth, a reward from God for the kindness and generosity of its people. It is undoubtedly the cradle of American agriculture (Guitareros cave, 12,500 BC), and is located approximately 408 km northeast of Lima, in the Ancash Region. It is about 180 kilometers long, from the Conococha lagoon (4,000 m.a.s.l.) to the Cañón del Pato.
Also known as the “Valle del Santa” (Santa Valley) for the famous Santa River, which runs through these territories nourishing its lands and contributing to the natural cycle of its flora and fauna, the Callejón de Huaylas is located in the department of Ancash north of Lima, between the Pacific Ocean and the Marañón River.
With an extension of 40,627 km, the Callejón de Huaylas is a wide open Andean valley between two important mountain ranges: the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. It begins at the Laguna Conococha at 4,100 meters above sea level and ends at the Cañon del Pato. In addition, it presents a diversity of microclimates due to the altitude at which it is located.
The Callejón de Huaylas has the privilege of hosting all the landscapes of the world, as it is one of the most varied tourist attractions in Peru, offering tourists a wide range of attractions, from its ancient relics of past civilizations (Willcawain, Honqopampa, Tumshucaico, etc.), majestic snow-capped mountains of perpetual snow and cheerful Andean towns with generous people, eager to show you their varied folklore, full of legend and history that is lost in the origin of its ancient inhabitants; the "Huaylas and Konchucos".
It has 22 hot springs, among the main ones are Las Aguas Termales de Chancos (30 km from Huaraz), its waters reach 68°C and 72°C, and Los Baños Termales de Monterrey (7 km from Huaraz), an important thermal medicinal center, equipped with adequate infrastructure; with a swimming pool and individual and family pools. Its waters reach temperatures of 49°C, ideal for treating various illnesses such as chronic nervousness, paralysis, rheumatism, etc.
Along Callejón de Huaylas there are also numerous turquoise lagoons, waterfalls with clear, crystalline waters and deep ravines, forming part of the charm that this beautiful valley offers to tourists.
There are daily tours and visits to Callejón de Huaylas, through the tour that goes to the Llanganuco Lagoons. The starting point for the trip is the city of Huaraz.
The Callejón de Huaylas has several tourist attractions, both archaeological and natural. Due to the extension of the valley and the number of towns that comprise it, it is possible to practice experiential and alternative tourism.
Regarding the archaeological sites, there are Chavín sites, belonging to one of the most important pre-Inca cultures that occupied the valley. Also, the archaeological complexes of Tumshukaiko (Late Pre-Ceramic), considered the most monumental, that of Willcahuín and that of Honcopampa, among others.
As part of the natural tourist attractions, there are the snow-capped mountains and lagoons of the Cordillera Blanca and its mountain ranges, the most beautiful natural landscapes that can be appreciated in this area of ??Peru.
Main Lagoons in the Callejón de Huaylas
Carhuaz: With abundant flora represented by the broom flowers, Carhuaz is located at about 2,645 m.a.s.l. This town stands out for its folklore and its patron saint festivals, in which they honor the 'Virgen de las Mercedes', also known by the inhabitants as 'Mama Meche'.
Caraz: located at 2,256 m.a.s.l., the province of Caraz welcomes tourists with a welcoming climate and hospitable inhabitants. This province is famous for extremely narrow streets. Its typical dishes are tamal, charqui and llunca de Gallina.
Recuay: The province of Recuay, famous for its 'dance of the black people', is located at about 3,394 m.a.s.l. It has 10 districts, including Cátac, Huayllapampa, Recuay, Ticápampa and Pararín. As well as Caraz, it has very narrow streets and the roofs of the houses are made of tile.
Yungay: The New Yungay, the current name of the town, was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1970 and is located at about 2,458 m.a.s.l. Among the tourist attractions is precisely the Campo Santo de Yungay, the city that was buried under tons of mud and stone and became a cemetery for thousands of people. Only four palm trees from the Plaza de Armas remained from this city.
Huaraz: Located at about 3,052 m.a.s.l. Among its tourist attractions are the Monterrey Hot Springs and the Willcacocha Lagoon, an exceptional viewpoint of the Cordillera Blanca. Typical dishes include roast pork, fried trout, pachamanca and head soup.
In the Callejón de Huaylas there are areas where you can do paragliding and hang gliding. The best known spot is Cerro Pan de Azúcar in Yungay, where tourists can appreciate from the air the contrast of the Cordillera Negra with the Cordillera Blanca, where the Huascarán snow-capped mountain is located.
Other places are: Cerro Buenos Aires in Yungay, where you can practice slope and thermal flights, Huinchus in Caraz, a place for experts in the sport of paragliding and hang gliding and Willcacocha, where you can do thermal and downhill flights.
Along this valley there are numerous cities with their own characteristics, which are aligned as follows (from south to north): Cátac (3,500 m), Recuay (3,400 m), Huaraz (3,090 m), Carhuaz (2,650 m), Yungay (2,500 m) and Huaylas (capital Caraz (2,290 m), thus crossing 39 tunnels through the impressive "Pato Canyon", where you finally arrive at the town of Huallanca. Within these cities, Huaraz is the most important city, it is the capital of the Ancash Region, the regional trade center and axis of the tourist movement, especially adventure sports (Adventure Tourism). This area is the favorite of climbers, hikers, scientists and peace lovers.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
