Carhuaz Overview

V!VA User‘s Description

Carhuaz takes its name from the Quechua word for "yellow," in reference to the abundant and native retama flower that grows in the region, itself an index of the quality of the region’s climate, which tends towards spring all year long, and also making Carhauz ideal for growing not only wheat and artichokes, but also Andean-identified produce such as potatoes, quinoa, and pomelo (a special green grapefruit), all of which is exported globally.

This city sits an altitude of 2,650m / 8,692ft, and gets a bit chilly during the night, but is pleasantly dry and sunny throughout the day.  Carhauz is smaller, quieter, and cleaner than Huaraz, though it has few tour operators and travel agencies.  It has a charming main square and a curious abundance of ice cream shops, all featuring creative home-made flavors such as, believe or not, beer.

Actual beer and other spirits flow freely during this city's main festival, the "Virgen de la Merced" celebration in September, inspired by a purported miracle: in 1745, travelers on their way to Caraz, carrying a box containing an image of Virgin decided to rest for one night in Carhuaz. The next morning they attempted to lift the box, but it mysteriously refused to budge; this was interpreted as a holy memorandum on behalf of the Mother of God: Carhuaz—not Caraz—was to be their designated destination.  The resultant annual carnival features processions, pyrotechnics, dancing, and other diversions.

Other points of interest are the thermal spring Baños de la Merced, and the Sunday bazaar, a colorful experience featuring indigenous cuisine and crafts.