Family Adventure in the Heart of Huaraz, Peru

A Day of Discovery in Huaraz

After our long journey from the UK to Huaraz, I was eager to stretch my legs and immerse myself in the local culture. The crisp mountain air and the vibrant atmosphere of this city nestled in the Andes were exactly what I needed. Ethan, Olivia, and I were all excited to explore, though I did notice Ethan was a bit more tired than usual, probably from the long travel day. I made a mental note to keep an eye on him, as Huaraz sits at over 3,000 meters, and altitude sickness is a real concern. We’ve got ten days here, and I’m hoping to capture every moment and share it with you all.

Our first day in Huaraz was a gentle introduction to the city, a blend of historical exploration and culinary delights. I'm already excited about tomorrow's hike to Laguna Churup, but for today, we took it easy, exploring the heart of Huaraz.

We started our day with breakfast at Cafe Andino. It was a highly recommended spot, and I was eager to try it. Luckily, it was only a short walk from Hotel La Joya. The cafe had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for shaking off the last remnants of jet lag. I opted for a hearty breakfast of eggs, local bread, and a strong cup of Peruvian coffee. Olivia chose a lighter option with fresh fruit and yogurt, while Ethan, predictably, went for pancakes. The service was friendly, and the food was just what we needed to kickstart our day. I even managed to try some coca tea, hoping it would help us acclimatize to the altitude.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel La Joya, centrally located in Huaraz with modern amenities and friendly service for a perfect getaway.

Sometimes, the best way to understand a place is to simply wander, observe, and let the atmosphere seep into your soul.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Main Square of Huaraz, also known as Plaza de Armas. The square was bustling with activity, a mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the pleasant morning. The square is the heart of Huaraz and a perfect place to start our exploration. The topiary and central fountain added to the charm, creating a perfect spot to sit and soak in the surroundings. Ethan was immediately drawn to the pigeons, chasing them around the fountain with boundless energy. Olivia and I took a moment to admire the beautiful architecture surrounding the square, reflecting the city's history and heritage. There were vendors selling handicrafts and local snacks, offering a taste of authentic Peruvian culture. I picked up a small, hand-woven bracelet for Olivia as a memento of our first day.


Explore the vibrant Main Square of Huaraz, a cultural hotspot infused with stunning natural beauty and artisan craftsmanship.

Next on our list was the Regional Museum of Ancash. Just a short walk from the Main Square, the museum promised a glimpse into the region's rich history. The museum houses a significant collection of ancient stone sculptures and artifacts from the Recuay and Wari cultures. Ethan was particularly fascinated by the mummies and skulls on display, while Olivia was drawn to the intricate textiles and pottery. I appreciated the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Ancash region. Although most of the descriptions were in Spanish, we still found the exhibits engaging and informative. The museum also has a tranquil garden with sculptured heads, offering a peaceful space for reflection. We spent a couple of hours exploring the museum, gaining a deeper understanding of the people who had called this region home long before us.


Explore the Regional Museum of Ancash, where the ancient history of Peru comes alive through stunning artifacts and engaging exhibits.

For lunch, we decided to try Calima - Restaurant & Café. It was another recommendation from our guidebook, known for its traditional Andean cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, rustic ambiance, with wooden tables and colorful textiles adorning the walls. I ordered the lomo saltado, a classic Peruvian dish of stir-fried beef, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, while Olivia opted for the causa, a layered potato dish with avocado and chicken. Ethan, surprisingly, chose the alpaca steak, which he declared was “amazing.” The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect fuel for the afternoon's adventures.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Calima Restaurant & Café in Huaraz – where tradition meets taste.

After lunch, we decided to immerse ourselves in the local culture with a visit to Mercado Central de Huaraz. The market was a sensory overload, a vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and smells. Stalls overflowed with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and spices. Vendors called out their wares, their voices blending into a cacophony of market sounds. Ethan was wide-eyed, taking in the scene with childlike wonder. Olivia and I enjoyed browsing the stalls, sampling local fruits and cheeses, and haggling for souvenirs. I picked up some coca leaves, hoping they would help with the altitude, while Olivia found some beautiful hand-woven textiles. Ethan, of course, wanted a toy, settling on a small, wooden llama. The market was a true reflection of Huaraz, a bustling hub of local life.


Explore the heart of Huaraz at Mercado Central, a vibrant market brimming with local flavors, crafts, and cultural experiences.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Wayta - El Chef Andino for dinner. The restaurant was known for its modern take on traditional Peruvian cuisine. The ambiance was elegant yet relaxed, with soft lighting and contemporary decor. I ordered the pachamanca, a traditional Andean dish of meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven, while Olivia chose the quinotto, a quinoa-based risotto. Ethan, again, surprised us with his adventurous palate, opting for the cuy (guinea pig), a local delicacy. The food was beautifully presented and incredibly flavorful. It was a fitting end to a day of culinary exploration. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome and comfortable.


Savor authentic Andean flavors at Wayta - El Chef Andino in Huaraz, where tradition meets modern cuisine amid breathtaking mountain views.

Back at Hotel La Joya, we reflected on our first day in Huaraz. We had explored the Main Square, delved into history at the Regional Museum, haggled for souvenirs at Mercado Central, and savored the flavors of local cuisine at Cafe Andino, Calima Restaurant & Café and Wayta - El Chef Andino. Ethan was already fast asleep, exhausted from the day's adventures. Olivia and I sat on the balcony, sipping coca tea and gazing at the stars. Huaraz had already cast its spell on us, and we were eager to see what tomorrow would bring. I'm especially looking forward to our hike to Laguna Churup. Hopefully, the altitude won't be too much of a challenge, and we'll be able to enjoy the stunning scenery. Wish us luck!

Tomorrow, we're planning a hike to Laguna Churup. I've heard it's a challenging trek, but the views are supposed to be incredible. We'll be having breakfast at Creperie Patrick before heading out, and I'm already looking forward to a hearty meal to fuel our adventure. For lunch, we plan to try Hierba Buena Restaurante, and we're considering ending the day with drinks at Kuya Kuya Coctelería Profesional Novoandina. It sounds like a perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking. I’ll be sure to share all the details with you tomorrow!