Culture and history info
The very "generous" City of Huaraz, capital of Ancash, Capital Region of international friendship, and Capital of Mountaineering in South America is one of the most beautiful cities in the Andean region of Peru, located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes approximately 408 km north of Lima. The city is flanked by the Cordillera Blanca and Negra, east and west respectively, forming the valley popularly known as the Callejon de Huaylas, through which runs the Santa River that makes its way from the Andes to the Canyon del Pato, for finally emptying into the Pacific Ocean.
Huaraz is the primary base destination for most visitors keen on exploring the Callejón de Huaylas Valley that runs 200km (125 miles) right down the middle of Peru. At an altitude of 3,100m (10,170 ft.), Huaraz enjoys a spectacular setting at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca: The town is ringed by 20 snowcapped peaks, each higher than 6,000m (19,680 ft.), which rise in splendor just beyond reach of the city. Huaraz itself is a far cry from the postcard perfection of a picturesque alpine village, however. It is rough around the edges, as well as the center. Of course, it has a major earthquake to blame for its ragged look, a product of rapid and cheap concrete construction: The massive 1970 earthquake leveled nearly the entire city, eradicating half its population in the process.
Today Huaraz hums, albeit messily, with the business of mountain and adventure tourism.
The vestiges of the past Huaracino back to the time of the first horticulturists and were found in the Cave of Guitarreros (12,500 A.C.); cradle of south american agriculture. The Chavin culture, a civilization that practiced religious worship came to occupy this area, highlighted in ceramics and stone sculpture. Then after it was occupied by the Huaraz White on Red and Cultures, Recuay respectively.
At the end of the first millennium the Huari invaders came to Huaraz, coming from the south, and formed the kingdom of waras.
Huaraz gets in1,532 the first Europeans, are the men of Pizarro after doing the Inca Atahualpa prisoner passed on the way to the temple of Pachacamac. During the Spanish occupation was very difficult coexistence between naturals and Spaniards, many destructions were committed; the Huaylas and Conchucos couldn't resist so they were decimated literally.
In recognition of his valuable participation of its people in the war with Chile, Huaraz was elevated to city status with the title of the very "generous", 18 January 1832.
The natural beauty of Huaraz, adds its traditions and customs that bring together national and international travellers. One of these festivities are the carnival, where troupes of neighborhoods, public and private institutions, among others, become together in parades and parties to celebrate the King Momo.
People of all conditions are carefully enjoying the welcome Lord of carnaval, and some dancers trying to make some writings to make remember local authorities or characters to be heard by these city mayor. or questioning their actions, creating humorous situations.
