Most visitors to the White Mountains (Cordillera Blanca) base themselves out of Huaraz.

But 67km north, Caraz is a terrific alternative, actually closer to most of the best attractions of the tranquil Huaylas valley:

downhill cycling
Alpamayo trek
Santa Cruz trek
Puya Raimondi plants
Laguna Peron hike
Laguna 69 hike
Duck Canyon road trip
Portachuelo de Llanganuco road trip.

Report & photos by Rick McCharles <email>.