Huaraz is located in the center of the Callejón de Huaylas, in the north-central region of the Peruvian Andes. It overlooks a steep valley of great economic importance to the country, so it has always been connected to the different regions, north and south.
Huaraz's importance as a tourist destination means there are multiple ways to get there, both from Lima and other cities. There is a land connection and a perfectly maintained airport in the town of Anta, near Carhuaz.
From Lima
By land. There are two fully paved roads to reach Huaraz from Lima. The one preferred by public transport drivers is the northernmost one, which departs from the vicinity of Casma.
If you are driving from Lima, you must take the Panamericana Norte. For the first option, National Route 16, leads north for 190 kilometers to Barranca, passing through Chancay and Huacho. Continue north, cross the Pativilca River, and continue toward the Paramonga oval. The road climbs for 203 kilometers, which takes approximately 4.5 hours.
The second option is the most popular, as it is wider. You must drive to Casma, for 368 kilometers, which takes about six hours. The entire stretch is along the Panamericana Norte Highway. Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Casma River, the road forks to the right, and you must take this road. From Casma to Huaraz, it is 146 kilometers, but you climb from sea level to 3,000 meters. The highway enters Huaraz at the western end.
By bus. Buses connect Lima with Huaraz from any of its terminals. There are numerous lines, and prices range from 80 to 150 soles per ticket. Movil Bus, Civa, and Cruz del Sur offer first-class services, but other companies offer standard services on Avenida 28 de Julio in downtown Lima. Buses also depart from the Plaza Norte terminal in Lima's northern cone.
Tickets for Movil Bus, Civa, and Cruz del Sur can be purchased in advance by visiting their website and printing the QR code that will give you your boarding pass. Those unfamiliar with buses are advised to use the lower seats.
By plane. General FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport is located in the Anta district, 44 kilometers north of Huaraz. The runway is paved and is the main airport for the Callejón de Huaylas. Atsa Airlines has announced the resumption of flights from Lima.
Best land route. The best land route is via National Highway 14, which departs from Casma. In addition to being the widest, it is also a scenic destination, offering ample opportunity to appreciate the changing vegetation while the Cordillera Blanca occasionally appears on the horizon. You should take extra care, avoid exceeding the speed limit, and always drive with your headlights on.
Recommendations
To travel to and from Huaraz, the most common route is by land. Dozens of buses connect Lima with the capital of Ancash and its various intermediate points. There are some recommendations you can follow:
Always buy tickets at the bus company offices.
Always choose the major bus companies. They offer greater safety.
Use medication for motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter medication that helps control the effects of motion sickness. It is very helpful for traveling on double-decker buses, as the road from Casma onward presents curves throughout the stretch.
Avoid heavy meals. A light meal before boarding the bus is the best suggestion. The buses are equipped with cell phone charging services, Wi-Fi, and restrooms.
