Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Huascaran National Park

Huaraz From a New Perspective

Today was all about embracing the thrill of adventure and soaking in the vibrant culture of Huaraz. From zipping through canyons to enjoying the local cuisine and nightlife, Aaliyah and I experienced the city from a whole new perspective. It's amazing how each day here in Huascaran National Park brings a fresh set of unforgettable moments.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Bosque Del Prado. Fueling up with traditional Peruvian fare was essential before embarking on our morning adventure. The restaurant had such a cozy atmosphere, and it was the perfect way to start the day. Bosque Del Prado offered authentic Peruvian dishes amidst stunning Andean landscapes. A brief summary to Bosque Del Prado is in the Provincia de Huaylas.


Discover Bosque Del Prado: A culinary haven in Provincia de Huaylas serving authentic Peruvian dishes amidst stunning Andean landscapes.

After breakfast, we headed to Huaraz Zipline Adventures, ready to experience the thrill of flying through the air. I must admit, I was a bit nervous at first, but Aaliyah was her usual encouraging self, reminding me that stepping outside my comfort zone is where the best memories are made. The zipline course was set in a beautiful canyon filled with eucalyptus trees, about 20 minutes from Huaraz, offering breathtaking views of the Cordillera Blanca. The staff were professional, ensuring we were safely harnessed and well-informed before we took the leap.


Embark on an unforgettable ziplining adventure in Huaraz, Peru, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andes from above.

Gliding above the trees, crossing a ravine and a canyon was exhilarating. The adrenaline rush combined with the stunning scenery made it an unforgettable experience. Aaliyah, of course, was a natural, laughing and cheering as she zipped through each line. I, on the other hand, started a bit more cautiously but soon found myself whooping with joy as I embraced the freedom of flying. I am glad that we were able to get familiar with the zip line procedure with the friendly and professional staff.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that push us beyond our fears and allow us to see the world from a different angle.

After our ziplining adventure, we decided to explore the city a bit more. Our next stop was the Obelisc, a monument that I had read a little about. While information on the Obelisc itself was limited, we learned more about the history of Huaraz and the surrounding area. Huaraz has a rich history, influenced by the Chavin culture during the Early Horizon epoch. The Recuay culture emerged during the Early Intermediate period, and later, the Wari culture conquered the area. Huaraz was also an important town in the kingdom of Huaylas before the Inca occupation. Exploring the area around the Obelisc gave us a deeper appreciation for the layers of history that have shaped this region. There are pre-Hispanic ruins 3 miles from the city in Wilcahuain, where there are stone palaces of Wari culture.


Explore the Obelisc in Yungay, a stunning monument symbolizing resilience amidst breathtaking Andean landscapes.

For lunch, we chose PAKTA Restaurante, eager to taste more of the local cuisine. PAKTA offers a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, which was inspired by Albert Adrià's travels to Peru. The restaurant in Huaraz provides plates containing ingredients such as palta and carne de res. The blend of flavors was both surprising and delightful. Aaliyah and I shared a few dishes, savoring each bite and marveling at the creativity of the chefs. It was a culinary experience that truly captured the essence of Peruvian gastronomy. The restaurant has dishes such as pollo and hamburguesa.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at PAKTA Restaurante in Yungay – where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

As the afternoon waned, we took some time to relax and reflect on our adventures. We strolled through the Plaza de Armas, observing the local life and soaking in the atmosphere of Huaraz. The city has been named a capital of International Friendship. The Ancash Archaeological Museum presents the historical and cultural development of the Ancash region. We also visited the San Sebastian Tabernacle and the cathedral.

For dinner, we had reservations at Wayta - El Chef Andino, a restaurant known for its authentic Andean flavors. The restaurant offers a blend of flavors from the Pacific coast to the Peruvian highlands. Wayta has delicious dishes such as sopa criolla, lomo saltado, anticuchos, quinoa salad and pasta. From the moment we walked in, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance. The menu was a celebration of local ingredients and traditional recipes, each dish telling a story of the Andean people. I opted for the Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish cooked in an earth oven, while Aaliyah chose the trout ceviche, a refreshing and flavorful delight. The natural infusions and friendly service have also been highlighted. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and discovery.


Discover the essence of Peruvian cuisine at Wayta - El Chef Andino in Huaraz, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

To cap off our evening, we ventured to El Alquimista Rooftop Bar. Nestled in the heart of Huaraz, it is a beacon for those looking to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The bar's rooftop setting provides an unparalleled panorama of the Andes, allowing guests to sip on expertly crafted cocktails while soaking in the beauty of their surroundings. The atmosphere was lively, with music that enhanced the experience without overpowering conversation. El Alquimista Rooftop Bar is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment. Sipping on Pisco Sours while gazing at the stars above the Cordillera Blanca was magical. The Alquimista Rooftop Bar is an ideal spot to begin your night out, or to cap off an adventurous day in the region. It was the perfect way to unwind and celebrate another incredible day in Peru.


Discover El Alquimista Rooftop Bar in Huaraz, where breathtaking views meet exceptional cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning a visit to CampoSanto Yungay and Parque Nacional Huascarán. I am particularly interested in learning more about the history of Yungay and paying our respects to those who were affected by the 1970 earthquake. As we prepare for another day of exploration, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Huascaran National Park with my amazing wife, Aaliyah.

Before drifting off to sleep, Aaliyah and I reviewed our packing list, and realized we forgot to pack the binoculars, extra memory cards for the camera, and a first aid kit. We will need to buy these tomorrow before we go to Parque Nacional Huascarán.