Caraz

Caraz on the map of Peru

Caraz is the capital of the province of Huaylas and the Caraz district and is situated in the valley of the Rio Santa in the Andean mountains of northwestern Peru, in the Ancash region.

Location

Caraz located in the northern part of the Callejón de Huaylas in the densely populated and fertile valley of the Santa River. It is framed by the snow-capped mountain peaks of Huandoy ( 6,395 m), the Santa Cruz ( 6,259 m), the double peaks Caraz I ( 6,025 m) and Caraz II ( 6,020 m), and the Alpamayo ( 5,947 m), the summit of 1966 in Munich has been voted the most beautiful mountain in the world.

The city lies at an altitude of 2,290 m above sea level between the Cordillera Blanca in the east and the Cordillera Negra in the west. The nearest towns are Yungay 12 km upstream and the resort Sucre 10 km downstream. 20 km downstream from the Cañon del Pato Carhuaz begins ( "Duck Canyon ").

Due to its sheltered location above the river, it is the only settlement in the Santa Valley, which is so far spared by earthquakes, landslides and flash floods.

Population

Its population is of 6,722 inhabitants ( census 1993) to 10,926 inhabitants ( 2005 calculation ) increased.

Importance

Caraz endpoint is the beaten trail Llanganuco to Santa Cruz, to Cashapampa, also the starting point for trips to high altitude Laguna Canyon del Pato and Parón.

Near the turnoff to Laguna Parón are the archeological ruins of Tunshucayco that date back to the time before the Chavin era.

Caraz is known for its honey, its dairy products ( and Cuarteado Manjar blanco ) and his excellent hand-woven blankets and ponchos.

Twinning

Caraz is twinned with the city of Mesa in the U.S. since 1989.