Lima to Huaraz Made Easy

James Bustamante( Travel Writer )

James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.

www.journeymachupicchu.com

Last Updated on March 16, 2021 by James Bustamante

Getting from Lima to Huaraz is just as easy and affordable just like any other destination within Peru. We have the option of going by car or taking a quick flight to this highland location. Huaraz is a city located in the Northern region of Peru.

It is actually one of the most popular destinations for Peruvians during the holidays due to the festivities that take place in this highland city. Let’s go over some details about the city and how easy it is to get from Lima to Huaraz in case you are interested in this fun and culturally rich destination. 

Going to Huaraz can be very similar to going to Cusco and then to the Machu Picchu hike. There is a travel period that will be following by an acclimatization period due to the high elevation

Getting to Huaraz 

There are two ways to go from Lima to Huaraz. We can either drive there or take a flight from the capital to the highland city. Below we detail how each one works.

Lima to Huaraz By Bus

Trip Duration: Approximately 8 hours

This is one of the trips that we can recommend you go by bus assuming you have the time. We usually shy away from taking a bus to any destinations in our itineraries but Huaraz can be an exception To start with, going from Lima to Huaraz by bus will only take an average of 8 hours of travel time.

This is far different for someone that wants to go from Lima to Cusco by bus which can take up to 26 hours. There are several bus lines that focus on comfort that take this route. These will have reclining seats, will serve meals, and are just comfortable and affordable enough to consider taking them. 

Buses that go from Lima to Huaraz will take the Northern route up the coastline through Barranca on a highway called 1N. After several hours of travel, the bus will change course and head east to the city of Huaraz on Highway 3N. 

If you plan on taking this bus route to Huaraz we recommend that you take the overnight bus. The drive is comfortable enough to be able to sleep on the way there and by the time you hit Huaraz, you will be decently rested. There are several bus lines you can take but Cruz del Sur is one of the best ones. 

Bus to Huaraz Cost: Approximately $20 roundtrip

Lima to Huaraz By Plane

Trip Duration: Approximately 2 hours

You can get from Lima to Huaraz by plane as well. This is our preferred method of transportation for most travelers that want to visit the highland city. The airport you would arrive at is called the Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (Aeropuerto Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani).

It is located approximately 14 miles (23km) outside of the city so once you have your luggage and leave the airport you will need transportation into the city of Huaraz itself.  The flight is very quick, we recommend taking the earliest flight available in LATAM or Sky Airlines. Once you arrive, get to your hotel and relax while you acclimate to the elevation. 

Flight to Huaraz Cost: Approximately $150 roundtrip

The Huascaran in Huaraz

Once you are in Huaraz you will notice a certain mountain that tends to stick out somewhat. This is the Huascaran mountain and at its peak, it has been measured at 22,206 feet (6,768 meters) above sea level. The Huascaran is the highest peak in the country and pretty much in all of the tropics as well. 

The Huascaran is part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, a set of mountains that range for over 112 miles (180 km) and form part of the Andean chain of mountains. The Huascaran national park is also a protected area and has been a UNESCO world heritage site for a long time. 

Within the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, you will find around 50 peaks that tower over 18,700 feet (5,700 meters) above sea level. 

Recommendations for Going From Lima to Huaraz

We recommend that if you plan on taking the bus from Lima to Huaraz make sure to make it a night trip. This will allow you to save time by simply sleeping during the ride there. This also helps to slowly acclimate to the elevation as the bus drives into the Peruvian highlands. Make sure to arrive at Huaraz, check into your hotel, and relax for the first couple of hours. 

Remember that if you happen to take the flight into Huaraz your body will feel the very sudden change in elevation once you leave the pressurized airplane cabin. The best thing to do is arrive and head straight to your accommodations. Have some water, coca tea or coffee and try to relax. Stay away from heavy meals and alcohol for the first 24 – 48 hours. Similar to what we recommend in Cusco, try to stay away from too many activities during your initial days in Huaraz. 

Huaraz is also a place to move around walking so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothes. Check with us to see what you should be packing for this part of the trip. This is the highlands after all and the evenings can get very chilly. This is more important if you plan on traveling during the winter in Huaraz when it can get very cold. 

In Conclusion

Getting to Huaraz from the city of Lima is an easy enough task. Just follow the above mentioned recommendations and choose whichever route works best for you. If you have any questions about going to Huaraz or any other destination in Peru be sure to contact our travel advisers today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel From Lima to Huaraz