Huaraz and Yungay

Huaraz

Huaraz is the capital of the department Ankash, and is situated at 3,091 m in the Río Santa Valley in the Cordillera Blanca. Everywhere in Huaraz you can see the towering mountain chains of the Huascaran, and this is reason enough to visit the city.

Huaraz and the Huascaran chain.
Image © Guillaume Dargaud

Huaraz is a modern city with a population of about 65,000. There are not so many points of interest in the city itself, since an earthquake in 1970 destroyed most of the old city. Still it is a friendly place with a pleasant climate. Even at this height you can see palm trees now and then. From Huaraz you can make many excursions to the mountains and the National Park of Huascaran.

Market in Huaraz. Image © John O'Marra

Yungay

Yungay, 60 km north of Huaraz is a small city of 20,000 inhabitants, magnificently situated in the Santa Valley. On May 31, 1970, Yungay was hit by a very severe earthquake. Because of the immense vibrations, many iceblocks from the nearby Huascaran came down to the valley, causing a giant water- and mud avalanche which buried the city completely. 20,000 people didn't survive. The city was rebuilt on a slightly different location. What is left of old Yungay, is now part of a memorial park.