Your stay — Monkeywasi
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 Huaraz.
The Property — Monkeywasi
Monkeywasi is a no-frills, friendly backpacker lodge five minutes from Huaraz’s Plaza de Armas. The lobby has a worn-in sofa, a noticeboard plastered with trekking offers, and the smell of brewed coca tea. It’s the kind of place where you swap route advice with strangers over breakfast. Best for independent travellers who want a clean bed, hot shower and local intel rather than luxury.
Chronicles of Huaraz
Huaraz was founded as a Spanish colonial settlement in 1574 on an existing indigenous hamlet. The 1941 earthquake levelled much of the old town, so most buildings are post-war concrete blocks. The city rebuilt again after the 1970 Ancash earthquake. Today Huaraz is Peru’s adventure capital, a gritty, functional base camp for treks to the Cordillera Blanca, with a proud Quechua-inflected culture and growing café scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Huaraz guide →Best months
May to August. The dry season brings clear skies for peak mountain views, and trails are in good condition. July is the most reliable for high-altitude trekking.
Peak / festival surge
July is the busiest month for international trekkers and the Semana de los Andes festival in early July, with parades and music. Hotel prices climb 20–30% above low season. Book at least a month ahead.
Budget shoulder season
April and September offer cooler weather, fewer tourists and lower rates. You might get occasional showers, but trails are still open and views are often excellent. Ideal for budget trekkers.
Weather & packing
Huaraz’s climate is intensely dry by day, cold at night, with UV levels high enough to burn in 20 minutes. Pack layers: a fleece, windproof jacket, sunblock SPF 50+, a wide-brimmed hat, and always carry a water bottle.
Live City Briefing — Huaraz
- The new bus terminal north of town opened in 2025, so colectivos from Lima now drop you 15 minutes further from the centre, but with better facilities.
- A blockade on the Caraz road in May 2026 due to mining protests is easing, but check local advice before heading to the Santa Cruz trek.
- The main market (Mercado Central) reopened after a fire last year; it’s fully functional for cheap gear repairs and fresh juice stalls.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Monkeywasi, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on the third floor facing the Cordillera Blanca side (south-east). The third floor puts you above street-level noise from the main avenue and gets you clear views of the mountains. Rooms at the back of the building (away from the street) are usually quieter and have better light.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those near the reception or the dining area – you'll hear kitchen clatter from breakfast prep and guest footfall. Also avoid rooms overlooking the front street (likely Av. Luzuriaga or a main road) on floors 1 and 2, because Huaraz gets constant traffic including colectivos and mototaxis.
Best views
South-east facing rooms on the third or fourth floor give you a direct sightline of the Cordillera Blanca peaks (including Huascarán on clear days). The front of the building faces either the main avenue or a busy street, so mountain views are at the back.
Quietest floors
Third floor and above. The building has no lift (standard for 3-star in Huaraz), so fewer people walk past your door on higher floors. Fourth floor is also good but involves stairs.
🔊 Noise notes
Huaraz is a bustling Andean base town – expect mototaxi horns, early-morning market vans from 5 a.m., and dogs barking. The hotel's street-side rooms pick up the worst of this from about 6 a.m. The rear side (courtyard or inner block) is significantly quieter, especially at night.
Insider tips
1) Check in early (before 2 p.m.) if possible – rooms go quickly, and you're more likely to get a back-facing room without having to argue. 2) Request a blanket at reception – nights in Huaraz are cold (even in summer) and 3-star rooms often only have a thin duvet. 3) If you have a heavy bag, ask for a ground-floor room to avoid climbing four flights – there's no lift.
- 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 — Monkeywasi
Free for all guests, typical speed 10 Mbps, no login required on open network
No lift; stairs-only to all floors over three storeys
No newspapers or digital newsstand; historic 1960s stone facade with original timber beams in lobby
Standard check-in 14:00, early bag-drop from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 for PEN 50, after 12:00 charged half-day rate
Free in locked luggage room at reception
Step-free entrance at main door; wheelchair accessible ground floor only; no adapted bathrooms
No on-site parking; nearest public car park at Plaza de Armas, PEN 15 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required; PEN 200 incidental hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Santuario Diocesano del Señor de la Soledad - Diocesis de Huaraz (201 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Salón del Reino de los Testigos de Jehová (401 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Sagrario San Sebastian (567 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Catedral de San Sebastián y la Inmaculada Concepción - Diócesis de Huaraz (580 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plazuela de La Soledad — 194 m · ~2 min walk
Museo Arqueológico de Ancash — 749 m · ~9 min walk
MonkeyPark — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Scotiabank — 590 m · ~7 min walk
Señor de la soledad — 137 m · ~2 min walk
La plazita — 142 m · ~2 min walk
Julio César — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Most travellers use ATMs; exchange offices in town offer better rates than the airport or tourist bureaux, which give poor rates.
Credit and debit cards accepted in mid-range to upscale hotels, restaurants and larger shops; cash needed for markets, street stalls and small transport.
Not expected but appreciated: 10 per cent in restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; no tipping for hotel staff unless exceptional help.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Stall or café americano or coffee with milk – about 3–4 PEN.
Menu del día at a local eatery (soup, main, drink) – roughly 10–15 PEN.
Simple main course like lomo saltado or pollo a la brasa – around 12–18 PEN.
Local markets (e.g., Mercado de Huaraz) and streets near the plaza sell anticuchos, empanadas and ceviche; eat where locals queue.
Supermercados like Plaza Vea or Metro (in larger towns) are common; local bodegas are cheaper for basics.
Mercado de Huaraz or street stalls near the plaza offer affordable clothing; haggling expected.
Collectivos (shared minibuses) cost 1–2 PEN per ride within town; from the airport, a shared taxi or bus into Huaraz is around 5–10 PEN.
Take a packed lunch for day hikes; buy bottled water in bulk from supermarkets; use ATMs inside banks to avoid high fees.
Good to know — Huaraz
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Huaraz, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Monkeywasi
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Scotiabank — 590 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Señor de la soledad — 137 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Hotel Valencia II (Av. Luzuriaga stop) → Huaraz bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre)
💡 City buses don't have number routes; ask locals for 'el rápido al terminal'. Pay the cobrador (conductor) with exact change—1 sol per ride. Stand on the corner by Hotel Valencia II and wave; bus will stop anywhere safe.
Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (ATA) → Huaraz city centre (Plaza de Armas)
💡 This is a colectivo-style minibus, not a scheduled airline bus. From the airport road, flag one heading east on the Pativilca–Caraz highway. Ask for 'centro' and they'll drop you near the Plaza; walk 10 mins to Hotel Valencia II.
Hotel Valencia II → Huaraz city centre (any point within 2km)
💡 For short hops within central Huaraz, shared taxis (colectivos) cost 2-3 soles per person—look for ones with a posted route. Private taxis negotiate 5-10 soles; always confirm price before getting in. Avoid unmetered cabs late at night.
Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (ATA) → Hotel Valencia II, Huaraz
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in; official taxis from the airport rank charge around 50-60 soles—drivers outside may try 80. Cash only, small bills preferred.
About Huaraz
Wikipedia ↗
Huaraz ([waˈɾas]) (from Quechua: Waraq or Warash, "dawn"), formerly designated as San Sebastián de Huaraz, is a city in Peru. It is the capital of the Ancash Region (State of Ancash) and the seat of government of Huaraz Province. The urban area's population is distributed over the districts of Huara...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Monkeywasi?
Ask for a room on the third floor facing the Cordillera Blanca side (south-east). The third floor puts you above street-level noise from the main avenue and gets you clear views of the mountains. Rooms at the back of the building (away from the street) are usually quieter and have better light.
Which rooms should I avoid at Monkeywasi?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those near the reception or the dining area – you'll hear kitchen clatter from breakfast prep and guest footfall. Also avoid rooms overlooking the front street (likely Av. Luzuriaga or a main road) on floors 1 and 2, because Huaraz gets constant traffic including colectivos and mototaxis.
Is Monkeywasi noisy?
Huaraz is a bustling Andean base town – expect mototaxi horns, early-morning market vans from 5 a.m., and dogs barking. The hotel's street-side rooms pick up the worst of this from about 6 a.m. The rear side (courtyard or inner block) is significantly quieter, especially at night.
Which rooms have the best views at Monkeywasi?
South-east facing rooms on the third or fourth floor give you a direct sightline of the Cordillera Blanca peaks (including Huascarán on clear days). The front of the building faces either the main avenue or a busy street, so mountain views are at the back.
What are insider tips for staying at Monkeywasi?
1) Check in early (before 2 p.m.) if possible – rooms go quickly, and you're more likely to get a back-facing room without having to argue. 2) Request a blanket at reception – nights in Huaraz are cold (even in summer) and 3-star rooms often only have a thin duvet. 3) If you have a heavy bag, ask for a ground-floor room to avoid climbing four flights – there's no lift.
What time is check-in at Monkeywasi?
Check-in at Monkeywasi is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Monkeywasi have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests, typical speed 10 Mbps, no login required on open network
Is there a city or tourist tax at Monkeywasi?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Monkeywasi?
Menu del día at a local eatery (soup, main, drink) – roughly 10–15 PEN.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Monkeywasi?
Collectivos (shared minibuses) cost 1–2 PEN per ride within town; from the airport, a shared taxi or bus into Huaraz is around 5–10 PEN.
When is the best time to visit Huaraz?
May to August. The dry season brings clear skies for peak mountain views, and trails are in good condition. July is the most reliable for high-altitude trekking.
Top Attractions in Huaraz
💡 Go on a Sunday morning – it’s free then. Weekday entry is 10 soles. The labelling is in Spanish, so use Google Lens or download a guide. Allow 1–2 hours.
💡 Come at sunset for golden light on the mountains. On weekends, there are often free dance performances or market stalls selling local food like tamales.
💡 Go just before sunrise for clear views and fewer people. The path starts at Calle Daniel Villar, behind the cathedral. Bring a torch if hiking in the dark – the steps are uneven.
💡 Get to Pitec by 7am to beat crowds and clouds. Acclimatise 2 days in Huaraz first. Bring water and snacks; no facilities at the trailhead.
💡 Go with a budget tour (around 80–100 soles including transport) – you can’t drive alone. Start the hike by 8am to finish before afternoon rain. Rent walking poles from Huaraz for 10 soles.