Mountain town in Áncash, Peru
Huaraz
Peru's trekking hub beneath the Cordillera Blanca, with day hikes to Laguna 69 and multi-day circuits. Great for active travelers; altitude at 3,050 m, a rough-edged town and cold, wet seasons.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$697–1,100Comfortable, one person · S/2,400–3,800Details
- Value for money94/100Better value than 93% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Sep, 24°CDetails
- Internet260 MbpsFixed broadband, Peru medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; treat stream water on treks.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–52Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTour van / colectivoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMany tour agencies and restaurants accept cards, but cash is needed for park fees, taxis, markets and small cafés.Details
Where to stay in Huaraz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Plaza de Armas) | Tour agencies, restaurants, hostels; walkable |
| Av. Luzuriaga area | Trekking shops, gear rental, cheap hostels |
| Monterrey | Hot springs and quieter lodges, 15 min north |
Apps that work in Huaraz
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are cheap and flat-fare; no reliable ride apps. Day tours include pickup from hostels.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Peru.
- Mostly cash Many tour agencies and restaurants accept cards, but cash is needed for park fees, taxis, markets and small cafés.
- Currency: Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
- Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid chips in official carrier stores with your passport, not from street sellers. Claro and Movistar cover the Andes best. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Peru
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.