Caraz is a town in the Caraz District in the southeastern part of Huaylas Province of the Ancash Region in Peru.
Caraz | |
|---|---|
Village | |
Central Plaza | |
|
Flag Coat of arms | |
| Country | |
| Region | Ancash |
| Province | Huaylas |
| District | Caraz District |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Fidel Mario Broncano Vasquez |
| Area | |
• Total | 246.52 km2 (95.18 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2,256 m (7,402 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 19,134 (1,993) |
| • Metro density | 83.2/km2 (215/sq mi) |
| Time zone | +5 |
| Website | www.municaraz.gob.pe |
Political Creation
The District of Caraz was created by the Administration of Liberation of Don Simón Bolivar, legitimized by law on December 29, 1857, and sanctioned a year later. The city of Caraz became the capital of the Province of Huaylas on July 25, 1857. Recent investigations propose that it's political creation was dated on 12th February 1821, when Grl. San Martin, while staying in Huaura (village north from Lima) founded 4 Departments, including Huaylas as one of them, with its capital, the city of Caraz. Later on 1857, it was splitted in two, giving birth to the new young Province of Huaraz.
Etymology
The origin of the name Caraz is uncertain, the following are possibilities. One possibility is that it derives from the quechua word KGARA-PUNCU, meaning "leather door", as the doors in Caraz were once covered with leather. Don Celso V. Torres maintains that the name comes from the quechua word KALLASH meaning sterile and without vegetation. Another possibility is that it comes from the quechua word KJARAS, referring to the magüey plants found in the area.
Location
The town is located at an elevation of about 2250 m in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. It keeps the traditional architecture and life style of an Andean village, as the remaining cities in the valley where destroyed after the 1970 earthquake.
Communications
Caraz it's 460km NE from Lima (Peru's capital) via the Panamerican Highway (Route 1N) until km 202, then turn to the East via Route 3N through Huaraz. From Chimbote via the Canyon del Pato (184km), the first 64km until Chiquicara are paved, then a dirt road, and finally the last 22km before Caraz again paved. Ther are daily flights from Lima Jorge Chavez International, via LC Busre, flying with Fairchild 19-seat Metroliner III, the Anta airport it's about 40km S from Caraz.
Tourist attractions
Paron lake, the largest lake on the Cordillera Blanca, 32km East from the city, at 4200m, surrounded by 15 snow peaks, it's by far a must to see. Canyon del Pato, a rock formation, resulting from the approach of Cordilleras Blanca and Negra, 22km north from the city. Puya Raimondii, the largest flower in the world, it grows at 4200m at Huashta Punta pass, on the Cordillera Negra, 45km West from the city. Tumshukayko, a pre inca remain dating about 3000 years old. Fine stone work on what it seems to be a place for worship, 1km north from the Plaza de Armas. Santa Cruz valley, 28km NE from the city, it's the famous 4-day trek Santa Cruz - Llanganuco, that leads to visit the not less famous mounts Alpamayo 5947m (World's Most Beautiful Mountain) and Artesonraju 6025m (Paramount's live logo). Huascaran National Park, a 340,000H, with access from Quebrada Paron, Quebrada Santa Cruz and Quebrada Los Cedros.
Outdoor sports
Caraz offers great sceneries for Climbing (Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Pisco, Huascaran), Trekking (Santa Cruz trek, Alpamayo trek), Mountain Biking (Downhill, X-Country), River Rafting (Class II & III) and Paragliding (Cerro Las Lomas). Local tour operators provide and outfit services to visit and explore the area all year round.
Sister Cities
Mesa, Arizona, since 1989[1]