 Carhuaz is a traditional town lying 23 km (14 miles) north of Huaraz on a paved road. Its name comes from the Quechua word ccarhuash, meaning 'yellow', most likely for the abundance of retama flowers in the area. It is located on the slopes of the Mount Hualcan (6,150 meters / 20,178 feet) and still has a few Colonial-era homes that withstood the earthquake of 1970. This is the tarting point for a visit to the Ulta Canyon, an alternative route to the Callejon de Conchucos via a packed dirt road that runs along the feet of the snow-capped peaks of Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Ulta, and Contrahierbas, crosses the Punta Olimpica pass (4,990 meters / 16,732 feet) and comes to the towns of Pompey and Chacas (the latter is famous for its wooden handicrafts). This is a stunningly beautiful route.More information: |
