Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
Level:
Explore the living history of the Andes through a fascinating tour of Huaraz and the enigmatic Willcahuain Ruins. This tour will allow you to discover the cultural richness of the pre-Inca Wari civilization while enjoying the landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca and discovering the secrets held by this capital of the Ancash region.
This City Tour of Huaraz and the Willcahuain Ruins is an excellent option for travelers who want to combine history, archaeology, and Andean landscapes in a single day. It’s ideal as an introduction to Ancash’s cultural heritage and as a complementary activity before trekking or visiting Huascarán National Park.
ITINERARY
🗺️ Detailed Itinerary
1. Pickup at your hotel and depart for the Huaraz Lookout Point.
We begin the tour by heading to a panoramic point from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the city of Huaraz, surrounded by the imposing snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, such as Huascarán, Vallunaraju, and Chopicalqui.
2. Visit to the Señor de la Soledad Temple and Plaza de Armas
We continue to the historic center of Huaraz to visit the colonial Señor de la Soledad Temple, one of the city’s main religious centers, and learn about local daily life in its renovated Plaza de Armas.
3. Ancash Archaeological Museum
We will enter one of the most comprehensive museums in the region, with an impressive collection of stone artifacts, ceramics, and textiles from pre-Inca cultures such as the Recuay and the Wari. Its outdoor stone sculpture garden, unique in the country, is particularly noteworthy.
4. Route to the Willcahuain Ruins
We will ascend a panoramic road to reach the archaeological site of Willcahuain, located 7 km from Huaraz (at 3,400 m above sea level). Along the way, we will enjoy views of the Andean countryside, traditional villages, and agricultural terraces.
5. Guided Tour of the Willcahuain Ruins
We will explore this archaeological complex of Wari origin (approx. 600–1000 AD), composed of stone funerary structures and several underground chullpas. The guide will explain its ceremonial significance, its architecture, and the impact of this culture on the region.
6. Return to Huaraz
After this cultural immersion, we return to Huaraz, enjoying the beautiful Andean landscape.
7. Arrival in the city and end of the tour
INCLUDES
✅ Includes
- Pickup from a centrally located hotel in Huaraz
- Tourist transportation
- Official tour guide (Spanish / English)
- Permanent assistance
NOT INCLUDED
❌ Not included
- Food
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Services not specified
RECOMMENDATIONS
📌 Recommendations
- Bring light clothing and a coat (temperate climate and wind at high altitudes)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water, sunscreen, and a hat
- Camera
- Adjust to the altitude if this is your first day in Huaraz
FAQs
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of Willcahuain?
The archaeological site is located at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, so it is recommended to acclimatize before visiting.
Is it suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the tour is not physically demanding. It only requires walking a short distance in Willcahuain.
What culture built Willcahuain?
It is attributed to the Wari culture, one of the most influential civilizations of Ancient Peru, predating the Inca Empire.
Can this tour be run in the afternoon?
It generally operates in the mornings due to better weather conditions, but some operators offer private afternoon departures.
