Your stay — El Sol
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Caraz.
The Property — El Sol
El Sol feels like a seasoned mountain lodge that hasn't tried too hard. Its lobby is tiled and quiet, with a small reception desk, a few armchairs, and maps of Cordillera Blanca treks pinned to a corkboard. The USP is location: two blocks from Caraz's main square, on a side street where you can hear roosters and the river. It suits independent or couple travellers who want a clean, no-fuss base for hiking and don't need frills.
Chronicles of Caraz
Caraz was founded in 1572 by Spanish colonists as 'San Ildefonso de Caraz', built on pre-Inca settlements. It grew slowly as an agricultural hub, exporting maize and apples from the fertile Callejón de Huaylas valley. The 1970 Ancash earthquake levelled much of the old town, so today's architecture is largely mid-20th century concrete and brick, painted in bright blues and yellows. Contemporary Caraz is proud of its Sunday craft fair, local trout dishes, and role as the main access town for the Llanganuco Lakes and Santa Cruz trek.
Best Time to Visit
Full Caraz guide →Best months
May through August: dry season with clear skies, strong sun, and cold nights. Trails are mud-free and views of Huandoy peak are reliable.
Peak / festival surge
July is the busiest month, attracting Peruvian and international hikers for the July 28 Fiestas Patrias holiday period. Hotel prices can rise 20-30% and some budget hostels sell out. No single festival drives it; the draw is stable weather and school holidays.
Budget shoulder season
April and September offer lower rates, fewer trekkers, and still decent weather. Some rain showers, but trails stay passable and you'll find rooms easily.
Weather & packing
Caraz sits at 2,256m, so days are hot (25°C) and nights drop below 10°C. Pack: sun hat, SPF50, and a solid puffer jacket for after sunset — layers are non-negotiable.
Live City Briefing — Caraz
- The Llanganuco road (Route AN-107) has been partially repaired after January 2026 landslides; check with local police the day before if you plan to drive to the lakes.
- In March 2026, a new cevicheria opened on Jirón San Martín, three blocks from El Sol, serving fresh trout ceviche for 15 soles.
- July is peak dry season, so bring a reusable water bottle; Caraz tap water is not safe to drink, but several shops on the plaza sell 5-litre jugs.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Sol, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on higher floors (4-5) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on a main road in Caraz may cause some street noise. The concrete floors and lift might also be less noticeable on upper floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-3) as they may be noisier due to the potential street noise and the sound of the lift.
Best views
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation, it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding mountains.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-5 are likely the quietest, considering the hotel's layout and location.
🔊 Noise notes
Caraz is a small town, and street noise may be more noticeable at the hotel due to its location on a main road. Additionally, the sound of the lift and potentially the service entrance may also be audible in lower floors.
Insider tips
1. Be sure to request a room with a window facing the mountains for a more scenic view. 2. If you have mobility issues, consider requesting a room closer to the lift, as the hotel's layout may make navigating the stairs challenging.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — El Sol
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but historic section on the 3rd floor is stairs-only
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices, physical papers available upon request
14:00-23:00; early bag-drop: 08:00-14:00; late check-out: S/ 50 per hour up to 18:00
Available in the lobby from 08:00 to 22:00 for S/ 10 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entry via main entrance, but some rooms may have structural limitations
On-site parking available for S/ 20 per night, nearest public car park for S/ 30 per day, no EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 5 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: S/ 100 advance deposit, S/ 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Vida Plena (202 m · ~3 min walk)
- Place of worship: LADP Caraz (221 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Alianza Cristiana y Misionera (225 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Catedral de Piedra "San Idelfonso" (239 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Imperio — 130 m · ~2 min walk
Parque Antonio Raimondi — 471 m · ~6 min walk
Museo Arqueológico Ichik Nuna - Caraz — 250 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Municipal Carlos Eduardo Zavaleta — 232 m · ~3 min walk
Mundo Feliz — 845 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 76 m · ~1 min walk
Botica Belen — 148 m · ~2 min walk
Jashann — 59 m · ~1 min walk
Rochaz — 349 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol (PEN)
You can exchange currency at local banks, such as Banco de Credito, or at currency exchange offices (casas de cambio) at the airport or in town. Be aware that airport exchange rates are often poor, so it's a good idea to exchange some money before arriving or use an ATM.
Credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but some smaller businesses may only accept cash. ATMs are common in the town center and dispense Soles (PEN) and US dollars.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, 5-10 PEN per meal is sufficient, and for taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving 1-2 PEN is enough.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around 5-7 PEN at a local café or bakery.
A typical budget lunch option is a bowl of soup or a sandwich from a food stall or market for around 10-15 PEN.
A budget dinner option is a plate of traditional Peruvian dishes, such as lomo saltado or ají de gallina, at a local restaurant for around 20-25 PEN.
The local market in the town center has various food stalls serving traditional Peruvian street food, such as anticuchos and papas a la Huancaina.
There are several budget supermarket chains in the area, including Tantapi and Supersol.
You can find affordable clothing at the local market or at shops along the main street in town.
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi, which costs around 5-10 PEN per ride, or by using the colectivo, a shared minibus service, for around 2-3 PEN.
Use ATMs at local banks to avoid poor exchange rates at airport or tourist bureaux.Eat at local markets or food stalls for a cheaper and more authentic experience. Haggle at the local market for the best prices on clothing and souvenirs.
Good to know — Caraz
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
CarazIn Caraz, dial 105 for police, 106 for ambulance, 116 for fire. The local hospital is Hospital de Caraz on Jr. Bolognesi (phone: 043-391-516). For tourist assistance, call iPeru Caraz at 043-391-325 (9am-5pm daily). Signal can be patchy in the Cordillera Blanca; consider writing these down.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Caraz, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at El Sol
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 76 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Botica Belen — 148 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Jr. José de San Martín with Av. Luzuriaga, Huaraz → Plaza de Armas, Caraz
💡 Colectivos leave when full (4 passengers). Sit in the front if you get carsick — the road has tight bends.
Terminal Terrestre de Huaraz → Caraz Dulzura (drop near Plaza de Armas)
💡 Combis are cramped and loud — bring headphones. They stop at any request along the way, so wave clearly.
Plaza de Armas, Caraz → Caraz Dulzura
💡 The hotel is walkable (15 min) from the plaza if you have light luggage. Only taxi if you’re tired or it’s raining.
Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (ATA), Huaraz → Caraz Dulzura, Caraz
💡 Haggle the fare before you get in, or ask your hotel to arrange a fixed-price driver. The road is winding but safe in daylight.
About Caraz
Wikipedia ↗
Caraz is a town in the Caraz District in the southeastern part of Huaylas Province of the Ancash Region in Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at El Sol?
Request a room on higher floors (4-5) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on a main road in Caraz may cause some street noise. The concrete floors and lift might also be less noticeable on upper floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Sol?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-3) as they may be noisier due to the potential street noise and the sound of the lift.
Is El Sol noisy?
Caraz is a small town, and street noise may be more noticeable at the hotel due to its location on a main road. Additionally, the sound of the lift and potentially the service entrance may also be audible in lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at El Sol?
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation, it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding mountains.
What are insider tips for staying at El Sol?
1. Be sure to request a room with a window facing the mountains for a more scenic view. 2. If you have mobility issues, consider requesting a room closer to the lift, as the hotel's layout may make navigating the stairs challenging.
What time is check-in at El Sol?
Check-in at El Sol is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Sol have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Sol?
S/ 5 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near El Sol?
A typical budget lunch option is a bowl of soup or a sandwich from a food stall or market for around 10-15 PEN.
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Sol?
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi, which costs around 5-10 PEN per ride, or by using the colectivo, a shared minibus service, for around 2-3 PEN.
When is the best time to visit Caraz?
May through August: dry season with clear skies, strong sun, and cold nights. Trails are mud-free and views of Huandoy peak are reliable.
Top Attractions in Caraz
💡 The caretaker speaks only Spanish but will enthusiastically explain the exhibits. Donations welcome but not required.
💡 The dirt path up from Calle 8 de Diciembre is steep and loose near the top. Walking shoes help. Takes 25 minutes from the plaza.
💡 Go at dusk when locals gather and the lights on the palm trees switch on. The mountain silhouette is best then.
💡 The site is unguarded and overgrown in places. Watch for loose stones on the steps. Best light is mid-morning for photos.
💡 Go early (before 8am) to have a pool to yourself. Bring your own towel and flip-flops. Entry is 5 soles (about £1) as of 2024.