Carhuaz can be planned around a range of interests: a highland plain, a waterfall with its own local story, thermal baths, archaeological structures and community-based experiences in Vicos offer different ways to shape your stay. When looking for hotels in Carhuaz, it’s worth first deciding which of these aspects of the destination you want to focus on. The experiences also differ in what you can plan in advance—from a walking trail to a drive in a private car.

Highlands and Protected Area

Pampas de Shonquilpampa is a highland plain of about 2.26 square kilometers crossed by the Río Chucchún. A camping area with safe sites and water sources has been established between Shonquilpampa and the Quebrada Hualcán. If you plan to camp there, check local conditions in advance, as they may change.

The wider landscape can also be put into context: Parque Nacional Huascarán extends into Carhuaz Province. Laguna Auquiscocha is within the national park. UNESCO designated the park a biosphere reserve in 1977 and a World Heritage natural site in 1985. The two years refer to distinct designations for the park; the lagoon is part of the protected area’s landscape.

Waterfall and Thermal Baths

A paved path leads from the Carhuaz–Caraz road to Cascada Bruja Armanan and is suitable for walks. The waterfall’s name comes from a local story: a woman used it for healing and cleansing rituals in the 1930s. The path is therefore linked to a story passed down about the place. As trail conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Baños Termales de Chancos offers several types of pools: a large pool and a small pool, as well as private and family pools. There are also steam baths in caves dug into the hillside. From Marcará, a 3-kilometer paved road leads to the baths; the drive takes about 6 minutes by private car. Road conditions and available services may change. Check current conditions and ask about the services before your visit.

Archaeology and Community-Based Experiences

At Sitio Arqueológico de Honcopampa, there are three multi-room structures known as chullpas. In his 1991 work, William Isbell classified Honcopampa as a provincial Wari center in the Callejón de Huaylas. These three structures and this historical classification offer different points of interest for an archaeology-focused stay: the specific form of the chullpas and the role attributed to Honcopampa in regional history.

In Vicos, the Cuyaqui Wayi community tourism association provides information for visitors about lagoons and glaciers in Parque Nacional Huascarán. During a stay in Vicos, visitors can also share typical meals with local farming families. These are two different ways to shape your stay: getting guidance about scenic destinations and sharing a meal with families. Contact arrangements and such plans may change; confirm them before making plans.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

A walk to the waterfall, the specified drive to the thermal baths and the community-based experiences in Vicos each involve different practical considerations. Think about which of these experiences matters most to you, and check the relevant routes, conditions or arrangements for the activities you choose.

Discover more destinations: Marcará District, Huaraz, Bolognesi Province, Huaraz, Provincia de Casma

Back to the main travel overview: Ancash.