Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Huascarán National Park covers 340,000 hectares of the Cordillera Blanca and contains twenty-seven peaks above 6,000 metres — the highest concentration of tropical glaciated peaks on earth. The park entry fee is paid at the main entrance and is valid for multiple days, making it economical to plan several excursions.
Within the park boundaries you will find the trekking routes, glacial lakes, and high-altitude ecosystems that draw visitors to Huaraz. The native puya raimondii plants — giant bromeliads that grow for up to a century before flowering once and dying — are among the most distinctive sights. The park is also home to spectacled bears, pumas, and white-tailed deer, though sightings require patience and luck. The park headquarters in Huaraz (at 28 de Julio 555) can provide maps and current trail conditions.