Hotels in Huaraz

The high season in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca is June through the end of September. During Easter Week and other holidays (such as the Fiestas Patrias at the end of July), hotel prices can double. The Semana del Andinismo, held annually in June, brings mountain climbers from around the world; then and throughout the dry season, climbing groups and student groups (the latter especially in Oct-Nov) often take over less inexpensive hostales. Locals with inexpensive accommodations in their homes as well as touts acting (sometimes independently) on behalf of inns often meet incoming buses; take what the hawkers tell you (about location, comfort, and so on) with a grain of salt. Although Huaraz is loaded with budget accommodations aimed at independent trekkers, only a few are nice enough to recommend without reservation.

More Budget Accommodations

Huaraz can fill up with trekking groups and plenty of independent travelers between June and September. Many of the budget inns hawked by people who meet arriving buses are neither clean nor especially comfortable, though. If you arrive without a reservation and are looking for a solid, safe, and inexpensive inn, try one of the following hotels.

Alpes Andes -- Huaraz's official youth hostel is modern, well run, clean, and safe. Part of the informative Casa de Guías, the hostel functions as a prime meeting place for trekkers and mountaineers looking to form groups. There are kitchen and laundry facilities. Parque Ginebra 28-G. tel. 043/421-811. casa_de_guias@hotmail.com. S/25 per person.

Hostal Chong Roca -- This plain hostal has large and decent rooms that have either a full private bathroom or a toilet and sink. It's okay in a pinch. Morales 687. tel. 043/421-154. S/30 per person.

Hostal Virgen del Carmen -- This comfortable hostal is run by a warm older couple who have converted their attractive house into an inn with very nice bedrooms. Cruz Romero 622. tel. 043/421-729. S/25 double.

Jo's Place -- This relaxed, colorful and friendly inn has a cool garden terrace, excellent mountain views, and very well-maintained rooms. It's on the north side of the Río Quillcay, a 10- to 15-minute walk from the center of town, and is pretty popular with a steady stream of backpackers. Jr. Daniel Villayzán 276. tel. 043/425-505. www.huaraz.com/josplace. S/15-S/35 double.