Shopping

Huaraz is recognized as an artesanía center, and all of the usual Andean handicrafts are available at markets targeting gringos. However, the city has none of the upscale, tourist-friendly shops found in Cusco and Lima. Some of the best items are custom-made and hand-tooled leather goods, wool sweaters, ponchos, and blankets. Open-air handicrafts markets are open daily along the covered walkway (Pasaje Cáceres) off Av. Luzuriaga and along the streets Juan de la Cruz Romero, Av. Raymondi, and Av. Tarapacá. A mercado callejero (street market) is open Monday and Thursday on Av. Bolognesi and Confraternidad Oeste.

PeruKraft, on Jr. 28 de Julio, stocks good-quality alpaca sweaters; Andes Souvenirs, Parque Ginebra next to the Casa de Guías, has handicrafts, textiles, and silver jewelry. A company called Andean Expressions specializes in great-quality T-shirts with cool Andean designs; its products are found in several shops in town or its factory site, at Jr. Julio Arguedas 1246.

But unless you're going on a trekking excursion with all your provisions included, shopping for foodstuffs might be more important. At the main market on Cruz Romero, just south of Raymondi, you can find most everything you'll need to sustain yourself for a mountain climb or a trek, including canned foods, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Ortiz, Av. Luzuriaga 401, is a good and well-stocked supermarket. Cheese and manjar blanco (a caramel-like sweet) are good local items to take along on an expedition.