Turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and Peru's most famous sweets.
Plan your tripAt 2,256 m above sea level, Caraz sits between the White and Black mountain ranges, surrounded by peaks like Huandoy, Artesonraju and Alpamayo. Its jewel is Lake Parón, the largest in the Cordillera Blanca, an impossible shade of turquoise.
Caraz is the quiet gateway to Huascarán National Park: trails to Lake 69, Llanganuco, the Santa Cruz trek and expeditions to Alpamayo — one of the most beautiful peaks in the world — start here. And on wheels, the Cañón del Pato and its tunnels await.
It's no coincidence it's called «Caraz Dulzura» (sweetness): its manjar blanco, cuarteados and chirimoya, lúcuma and strawberry sweets are legendary, all handmade. Add the artisan ice creams sold at all hours and dishes like llunca de gallina or fresh trout.
Climb to the lakes, conquer snowy peaks, lose yourself among rock tunnels or simply enjoy an ice cream under the palm trees of the plaza. In Caraz, every moment tastes of sweetness.
Adventurers climb to the lakes and conquer peaks; families stroll the plaza and enjoy the classic ice creams; flavor seekers take home Peru's most famous manjar blanco. However you come, Caraz has its sweetness for you.
Four ways to experience Caraz, depending on what moves you: water, altitude, flavor or history.
AccessAfter seasonal maintenance, the road to the turquoise lake is open to visitors again.
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CultureCaraz's traditional sweet shops gather to celebrate the flavor that gave the city its nickname.
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TourismFrom May to September, clear skies offer the best views of the Cordillera Blanca.
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