How to get from Lima to Huaraz
Are you looking for the best way to get from Lima to Huaraz?
Known as the unofficial hiking capital of Peru, Huaraz in our opinion is a must-visit when heading to this Andean nation.
Here we can enjoy some of the best alpine treks in the country – some of which could even compete for the most scenic in the continent too!
This includes visiting the crystal-clear lagoons of Lake Parón and Lake 69, hiking up Nevado Mateo as well as exploring Pastoruri, which is one of the last remaining tropical glaciers in South America.
Lima to Huaraz
In this guide we’ll explore some of the most popular ways of getting from Lima to Huaraz. We’ll also take a look at where to stay as well as some other tips based on our time spent here.
Huaraz Quick Summary:
📍 Where is it: Central Peru
🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Relatively Easy
⏱ Time needed: 4-7+ days
☀️ Best Time to Visit: May-November
Where is Huaraz, Peru?
Huaraz is located within the Andean mountains of Central Peru, in the region known as Ancash.
It’s surrounded by several different mountain ranges, including the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra. Huaraz is also close to the infamous Huascaran National Park – which is where many incredible hiking treks start (we’ll take a look at some of these later).
It’s important to know that Huaraz is located at an altitude of 3050m, which can sometimes cause altitude sickness symptoms (similar feelings if you have already been to Cusco).
Is Huaraz worth visiting from Lima?
The great thing about Lima is its central location, which makes it easy to visit tons of unique landscapes in just a few hours (such as the desert of Huacachina as well as the beaches in Paracas).
Huaraz is another one of these, which easily makes our own Peruvian Bucket List. Getting here is pretty simple and quick, although we wouldn’t recommend spending any less than 4 days here if possible (given there’s a lot to do – and also as you’ll need a couple of days to get properly acclimatized).
Whilst the alpine lakes and spiraling peaks steal all of the thunder, we can also find some gems within the city too.
This includes various unorthodox churches, as well as trying tasty local foods such as Cuchicanca, Cuy and Ocopo.
In this article we cover more reasons why you must visit Huaraz when in Peru.
How far is Huaraz from Lima?
Huaraz is located roughly 400 km north of Lima, which takes 7-8 hours to arrive by bus.
Although the region is pretty remote and wild, the roads are kept in decent condition, and the drivers are also reliable so there’s not usually many delays.
The altitude gain is pretty steep and rapid, where you’ll climb over 3000m in a short time. For this reason it’s better to spend more time in Huaraz, and also to wait a couple of days to properly acclimate before doing the more demanding hikes.
Where to stay in Huaraz?
Below we’ll explore various accommodation options depending on your budget, which make for some perfect basecamps whilst exploring the rest of the region.
If you are sticking to a backpacking budget then the Selina Huaraz is a great option. Whilst you can find cheaper hostels around, the pricing here is still good where you can enjoy the social atmosphere, restaurant and on-site tour provider. They have both dorms and private rooms to choose from.
Those after a more comfortable and private experience will want to stay at Hotel El Rubi. As well as staying in a private room, you’ll also be close to the main square (Plaza de Armas) with an on-site breakfast to enjoy.
Are you looking for the ultimate experience when staying in Huaraz? Then you’ll love this entire apartment hosted by Apartamento Valencia. Right in the heart of the city, you’ll have several bedrooms, a kitchen and comfy lounge area all to yourself.
This makes it a perfect option for those in larger groups, or if you’re after a more homely stay. Breakfast is also included in the room rate.
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How to get from Lima to Huaraz
Overall getting from Lima to Huaraz is much easier than you would think. Through our experience here we’ve found 2 main ways of making the trip (at this time of writing).
Note: Whilst there were once flights from Lima to Huaraz, the only provider who made the route (LC Perú) went bankrupt in 2018. No other airline has since covered this route, although there are plans for one to come soon.
Bus from Lima to Huaraz
Taking the bus is actually the best overall option we’ve found, and I (George) have done this and can say it’s a breeze.
Although it seems a world away from the arid cityscape of Lima, it actually only takes just 7 hours to arrive (which is really short compared to other routes through Peru). A one-way bus ticket costs between $10-20.
Several companies cover this route, such as Tours Rodríguez, Linea and AllInBus. You can book your ticket either online using RedBus, or at the terminals where they depart (which are currently La Victoria and the Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte).
Be sure to bring a few extra layers on the bus, as it can get cold at night (not to mention the change in temperatures once you step off the bus in Huaraz – which usually arrive in the early morning).
Driving from Lima to Huaraz
Although much less common for travelers, driving is another great way of getting from Lima to Huaraz.
It’s best for those who have spent plenty of time in Peru before, and are used to the road systems and traffic (which can really be a nightmare and pretty shocking for first-timers).
You can make the trip in just under 8 hours, where you can enjoy the change in landscapes whilst gradually increasing in altitude.
The main benefits of driving are that you can leave whenever you want, and also stop-off at some really underrated gems along the way (such as the underrated ruins of Caral).
How to get around Huaraz
Once you’ve made it here, you’ll find that public buses and taxis are the easiest and safest ways of getting around the city. To be honest everything worth seeing here is close to the main plaza, so you can easily walk around too.
The must-visit hikes and destinations tend to be located in remote settings, so you’ll need to use tours to get to them. Some are easy to reach, like with this day tour to Lake Parón. It requires little hiking and includes all transport, making it a perfect first tour for those heading to Huaraz whilst still adjusting to the higher altitudes.
With other experiences having an organized trek is mandatory, given it can be dangerous to attempt some of these hikes alone. This includes Nevado Mateo, which is a stunning 5000m+ Andean peak which is covered in snow.
We highly recommend heading with this day tour from Huaraz, which includes all hiking equipment, private transport as well as lunch.
Getting from Lima to Huaraz
That’s all for this guide on how to get from Lima to Huaraz.
This Andean city is a must for hiking enthusiasts, or for those looking to enjoy some novel alpine vistas. This includes hiking snow-capped peaks, visiting jaw-dropping lagoons and even exploring ancient ruins within the remote wilderness.
Getting to Huaraz is also easier than you would think – with different options depending on your comfort levels.
In this guide we’ve explored how to get from Lima to Huaraz, as well as where to stay and what to do.
Be sure to read our guide on Backpacking Peru to learn more about what awesome places you can visit when traveling through this diverse nation.
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