DESTINATIONS IN PERU - HIGHLANDS
IN THE LOCALITY OF HUARAZ
Chavín de Huantar - Puya Raimondi - Lagunes Llanganuco - Pastoruri Glacier

Altitude: 3200 m
In ancient times Huantar used to lie in the territory of the Chavín (1000 BC.), one of the oldest ethnic groups of America. You should not miss the opportunity to visit the stone complex of Chavín de Huantar. The famous stone sculptures Cabezas Clavas which combine human with animalistic features and are fascinating. The Stella Raimondi was discovered here by the Italian scientist of the same name, it was found in a local peasants house where he was using it as a table top. This piece of ancient art is now in Lima, but there is a small museum at the site that displays a replica as well as other items from this civilisation. In 1985 this complex was assigned World Cultural Heritage.

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In Pachacoto in the South of Huaraz the amazing plant Puya Raimondi can be observed. They grow high up to 10 m and get their name from the Italian scientist and explorer Antonio Raimondi who discovered them in 1870. In late September these plants start to blossom so a visit at that time is highly recommended but also in other seasons they are still amazing.

How to get there
Tours to the glacier Pastoruri lead through a valley where the humongous plants grow.

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Not far from Yungay lie the lagunes (small lake or tarn) of Llanganuco whose blue water glistens in the sun. Yungay, about 30 km North of Huaraz can be easily reached with a minibus starting at Huaraz. Walks and bird observations are examples of activities in the area, as are hikes consisting of several days tour. The region around Huaraz, the Cordillera Blanca is known as paradise for hikers and trekkers in Peru. Besides many well-known walks, the Santa Cruz Trek is the most famous. Tours, walks and excursions are offered by our partner organisations. For more informaion please click here.

How to get there
In Huaraz many agencies offer tours to the lagoons. A private tour is recommended if you like to enjoy the beauty and magic of the landscape without being surrounded by tourists.

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Altitude: 5300 m
This destination was one of the most beautiful destinations in the regiion for excursions only a few years ago. As the glacier of the Cordillera Blanca started to melt it has lost its status somewhat. When participating on a trip to the glacier Pastoruri the bus ascends up to 4800 m and the rest has to be walked by foot. For those who want to get some extra fun, there is the possibility to ride a horse up half the way.

How to get there: tours can be booked in Huaraz

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