Ancash - Peru, reflection of the mountains

Guarded by the Black and White Mountain Ranges, Ancash is the perfect place to be connected with the Peruvian Andes and its ancient history. In this region at the north of Lima, mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts will enjoy like nowhere else on Earth: the mythical Callejon de Huaylas is located here and is home to the beautiful Llanganuco Lake. We are talking about the birthplace of the Chavin culture and its legacy, which can still be witnessed today. Ancash has much to offer, and travelers, adventurers, and tourists have even more to discover.

The department of Ancash borders Lima, the capital of Peru, to the south. Despite its rugged geography, reaching this region is not complicated: you can do it by bus or private vehicle - about an 8-hour journey approximately - or by plane to Huaraz (the capital of Ancash), the trip takes only one hour.

Scenic Beauty

Another appealing characteristic of this destination is its access to the sea, where cities like Casma stand out for their calm beaches and archaeological sites such as Sechin, Chanquillo, Las Haldas, and Mojeque, or Chimbote with its important port, considered one of the cities with the highest trade and population rates in the entire region. However, the most striking treasures of Ancash are hidden among the mountains, at high altitudes.

For example, the Callejon de Huaylas is a vivid portrayal of a route used by the Inca Empire. Also known as Santa Valley, it is a narrow and elongated road that took its shape thanks to the course of the Santa River (hence its name), which originates from the waters of Lake Conococha. Sheltered by the Black Mountain Range (west) and the White Mountain Range (east), this mountain chain offers adventure sports enthusiasts the ideal place for trekking.

As you embark on long hikes, you will be amazed by the landscapes you will have before your eyes: vast accumulation of earth and stone with hints of snow on their peaks, adorned by vegetation and wildlife living in harmony with the diverse and magical villages you encounter along your journey. And if that weren't enough, this area is also home to pre-Hispanic archaeological remains, such as the Huilcahuain archaeological site, one of the administrative centers of the Huari culture.

The waters of the lakes in Ancash resemble an extension of the sky, as you could easily mistake these water accumulations for mirrors. The Huascaran National Park, declared a World Natural Heritage Site, the enigmatic Chavin de Huantar archaeological complex, which served as a religious and administrative center for the Chavin culture, where the famous tenon heads and the monolithic Lanzon, considered a sacred idol by the Huari ethnicity, are exhibited. This is just a sample of the diverse adventures that exist, matching any tastes. So there are no excuses: there is a diverse range of hotels and tourist offerings so that no one misses out on experiencing and discovering the beauty of Ancash.