Central Sierra

Region

High mountains and traditional valleys east of Lima. Huaraz is the base for the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical range in the world, with the Santa Cruz trek and turquoise Laguna 69, plus the ancient temple of Chavín de Huántar. Huancayo and the Mantaro Valley have markets and crafts, reached by one of the world's highest railways.

Central Sierra Santa Cruz TrekCordillera Huayhuash CircuitHuascaránAlpamayoYerupajáChankilloCordillera HuayhuashSiula GrandeCordillera NegraPiscoChopicalquiKotoshLake LauricochaGuitarrero CaveTocllarajuCopa (mountain)YanapacchaIshincaCerro SechínLake ConocochaVallunarajuTingo María National ParkUrusLake 69Lake PacaLlanganuco LakesTuco (mountain)HuarazHuancayoTingo MaríaHuascarán National ParkCordillera BlancaChavín de HuántarLake JuninYanachaga–Chemillén National ParkHuánucoChimboteCerro de PascoJaujaLa OroyaCarazTarmaYungayChacasCarhuazLa MercedChurínMonterrey (Ancash)Marcará

Central Sierra essentials

Country: Peru
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Sol (S/.)
Language: Spanish, Quechua

Where to Go in Central Sierra#

City Huaraz HuarazAndean hub for Cordillera Blanca treks City Huancayo HuancayoCity known for its vibrant culture City Huánuco HuánucoCity in Huánuco Department, Peru City Chimbote ChimboteCity in Ancash, known for its fishing industry History Chavín de Huántar Chavín de HuántarArchaeological ceremonial center of pre-Incan Chavín culture History Chankillo ChankilloPrehistoric hilltop solar observatory with 13 towers History Kotosh KotoshPreceramic archaeological site with ancient temple structures History Cerro Sechín Cerro SechínPre-Columbian archaeological site with carved stone friezes Nature Huascarán National Park Huascarán National ParkAndean park containing Peru's highest peak, glaciers Nature Huascarán HuascaránPeru's highest tropical mountain, glaciated summit Nature Cordillera Blanca Cordillera BlancaHigh Peruvian Andes range with extensive tropical glaciers Nature Alpamayo AlpamayoIconic steep Andean peak prized by mountaineers

Regions & Cities#

Huaraz Explore Huaraz High in the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz draws climbers and trekkers bound for Laguna 69, the Santa Cruz valley, and glacier routes; the town’s guide shops, trim cafés and altitude clinics prep serious hikers. Huancayo Explore Huancayo Set in the Mantaro Valley, Huancayo offers highland markets, artisan textiles and the weekly Feria Dominical. Tingo María Explore Tingo María Amazon foothills town beneath the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ massif - explore Parque Nacional Tingo María, caves, hummingbird gardens, and jungle trails; local restaurants serve river fish and coffee. Huascarán National Park Explore Huascarán National Park Huascarán National Park protects Peru’s highest peaks, including Huascarán, with glaciers, high-altitude lakes and trails; visitors come for trekking, mountaineering and scenic drives through the Cordillera Blanca. Cordillera Blanca Explore Cordillera Blanca Cordillera Blanca is a high Andean range in Ancash with many 6,000‑metre peaks, glaciers and alpine lakes such as Laguna 69. Chavín de Huántar Explore Chavín de Huántar Chavín de Huántar preserves a pre‑Columbian ceremonial complex in Ancash, noted for stone galleries, the carved Lanzón and ritual architecture. Lake Junin Explore Lake Junin Lake Junín (Chinchaycocha) is a high Andean wetland in central Peru important for waterfowl, including endemic species. Yanachaga–Chemillén National Park Explore Yanachaga–Chemillén National Park Highland-to-cloud-forest reserve in Pasco with steep ridges, montane forest and diverse birdlife; attracts hikers, researchers and birdwatchers seeking Andean species and remote trails.

Central Sierra at a Glance#

Local Time
12:40 PM
GMT-5
Population
3,649,926

Best Things to Do in Central Sierra#