Caraz Travel Guide

 
by Alberto41
 
  •   Caraz
    by Alberto41
  •   Things to Do
    by EagleEye
  • Paron Lake, near Caraz
      Paron Lake, near Caraz
    by Alberto41
  • View from Puyas de Winchus
      View from Puyas de Winchus
    by EagleEye
  • Huascaran
      Huascaran
    by EagleEye
 

Explore Caraz

Things to Do  

Laguna Paron

Laguna Paron, Caraz

 EagleEye Says:  Some 30 kms from Caraz you can either walk to this natural Laguna or rent a taxi with other people (60 soles). 

the mighty Cordillera Blanca

the mighty Cordillera Blanca, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:  The views from the Punta Union are among the best in all of Peru. Witness the mighty Cordillera Blanca in all it's amazing majesty. 

Quebrada Santa Cruz

Quebrada Santa Cruz, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:  You might expect the alpine splendor but the first day of walking will bring you through rugged, dry scenery right out of the wild, wild west. 

out of this world lakes

out of this world lakes, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:  Laguna Grande is a highlight of the second day of trekking. It's torquoise waters are a welcomed relief from some near desert like conditions before and after you pass it. 

Restaurants  

Chez Richie: Don't worry, I brought plenty of food

Chez Richie: Don't worry, I brought plenty of food, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:  Though seating is a bit uncomfortable, you cannot beat the view. Lots of noodle soups, noodle dishes, and iodine water to wash it all down. It may not sound so great but after lugging a 25 kilo backpack up a 4750m pass, it taste just fine. 

Cafe De Rat: Maybe the 'best' pancakes I've ever got!

Cafe De Rat: Maybe the 'best' pancakes I've ever got!, Caraz

 Alberto41 Says:  It has a nice and cosy atmosphere, great location with a balcony facing the Plaza, there's even a fireplace! I like the bookexchange. A place to hang up and meet other hikers and climbers. The Cafe De Rat's, it's made of fresh coffee, coca leaves and Pisco, all of these... 

Nightlife  

Sunset Grill: who needs nightlife?
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with sunsets like this, who needs nightlife

With gorgeous sunsets like this, who needs nightlife. The best thing to do is get up and hope for a nice sunrise, right? And besides, you will need all your energy to carry that pack all day too!

Dress Code: Something warm, it gets cold once the sun goes down.

Written Jan 30, 2003

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Transportation  

collectivos over taxis
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early morning collectivos

You can get a collectivo (mini bus) from Av. Centario in Huaraz, just by the bridge. They leave every day between 7:00 and 10:00 as they fill up, about every 15 minutes. It takes about two hours to reach Caraz from Huaraz. The rates vary according to the vehicle, faster ones seeming to charge a bit more. It was around two dollars but watch what locals pay, and just pay the same.

Written Jan 30, 2003

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Shopping  

Local Street Market in Huaraz: don't buy too much
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local markets are great for supplies

The local street market in Huaraz provides most anything you will need on the trek and is a colorful place to observe locals too.

What to buy: I got some good soft asian noodles which cooked quickly though were a bit heavy. I got five kilo packs, which was far too much! lol Good to buy some powdered drink mix to made the iodized water taste better. Instant noodle soups are a great way to start a meal off as they are quick for when you are hungy. Mate de cocoa tea is reportedly good for acclimatization and tasted pretty good as well.

What to pay: The noodles are cheap as are most things at the market.

Updated Jan 31, 2003

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Local Customs  

beware of farm animals
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bah bah black sheep

Though you are in a National Park, the Peruvians allow farmers to utilize the land too. That's why you see gates. They aren't to keep people out, they are to keep domestic animals in.

Updated Jan 30, 2003

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Warnings and Dangers  

searing sun
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skull in the foreground

Though temperatures are not overly hot, the sun is intense at this altitude and the arid air can fool the unwary backpacker into thinking they are not thirsty. Carry plenty of water and make sure to drink it. Often cattle are not so lucky to have it.

Written Jan 30, 2003

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Tourist Traps  

beggars can't be choosey
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lccal kids need food but not candy handouts

Well, not exactly a trap. Some treks are full of kids asking for candy or some other item that previous backpackers have thoughtlessly given out. This only promotes begging but these kids didn't beg and we shared our crackers with them.

Written Jan 30, 2003

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What to Pack  

watch the weight but bring what you need
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yeah, that's me looking tiny

Luggage and bags: A good backpack is essential and don't skimp on it. You will be carrying it on your back for days and you will pay for the cheap one with a lot of pain. If you can afford it, get a good one.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Rain gear is even more important. You can't stay warm if all your clothes get wet. Fleece is light and warm but not wind resistant. Rain gear will cut down on wind too. Thermal underwear should always be carried for emergencies. It's great if you don't ever wear it. Good socks can never be underestimated, much like good water proof boots.

Photo Equipment: Wide angle for scenery along with a circular polarizer to cut down on glare. Zoom for the wild horses.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Good water proof tent is necessary to keep your stuff as well as you dry.

Written Feb 25, 2003

Related to:
 Hiking and Walking

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Off The Beaten Path  

wild horses couldn't drag me away

wild horses couldn't drag me away, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:  One more bonus of leaving the main trail is coming across a herd of wild horses as we did on our way to the Alpamayo Base Camp. 

does it get better than calving glaciers?

does it get better than calving glaciers?, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:  Making the extra effort to camp at the Alpamayo Base Camp pays off when you make the morning hike up to the actual beginning of technical climbs up the peak. You are rewared with a silt green lake half encircled with jagged peaks and a calving glacier at the far end of it. 

Sports & Outdoors  

backpacking is great!
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Doeen taking a much deserved break

Backpacking is a great sport, check it out sometime!

Equipment: A couple of good strong legs comes in handy but mostly you need determination.

Written Jan 30, 2003

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Favorites  

slapping hands/taunt skin...

slapping hands/taunt skin..., Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:   The slapping of hands on taut skin intermingled with curses was the first thing I heard on the trail. The Slovenians had gotten a head start on us as we sloppily readied ourselves for the initial climb but much to their dismay they had walked in shorts into a swarm of... 

the applause

the applause, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:   Even with our less than perfect morning, we got out of the campground before a group of Dutch travelers on an organized trek, who had porters to set up and brake down camp as well as prepare their meals for them. But a head start doesn’t last long when the competition is... 

paying the piper

paying the piper, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:   We made due and prepared a big meal to ease our understandable hunger as the sun graciously made an appearance, setting on the peaks of the valley that had played hide and seek behind the clouds all day. Darkness soon followed and we fell into a deep sleep as you can only... 

fickle weather

fickle weather, Caraz

 richiecdisc Says:   There was no time to rest as the obvious fickle weather could change at any instant and I would rather it be after we set up the tent. In what I perceived to be another smart move, I hastily picked a spot behind a another wind break stone and soon not only was our new... 

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Map of Caraz