Peru · 2026 itinerary
Yungay 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Yungay: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Covered market with stalls selling local fruit, cheese, bread, and alpaca wool products. No entry fee, just bring soles for snacks or a hat.
🕐 Mon-Sat 6:00-13:00, Sun 7:00-12:00
Free entry💡 Try the queso fresco from Señora Rosa's stall at the far end – she cuts samples. Market closes by 1pm for lunch.
Hotels near Mercado Central de Yungay →Small museum documenting the 1970 earthquake and avalanche that buried old Yungay. Exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and a scale model of the disaster site.
🕐 Tue-Sun 9:00-17:00, closed Mon
Free entry💡 Ask the caretaker to show you the short documentary film – no English subtitles but visuals are powerful.
Hotels near Museo de Sitio de Yungay →4AlpaMayo · ££
Fortunata's Restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Yungay
The cemetery marking where old Yungay stood, with crosses and a central monument. A somber, quiet memorial to the 1970 catastrophe.
🕐 Open daily 7:00-18:00
💡 Pay respects at the metal cross atop the hill – you can see the entire original town grid from there.
Short uphill walk (about 20 minutes) to a large white cross overlooking Yungay and the Huascarán massif. Best viewpoint for photos of the Cordillera Blanca.
🕐 Open 24 hours, best visited in daylight
💡 Bring water and start before 10am to avoid midday heat – the path is unshaded gravel.
Recreo Turístico Briter
Parrillas One Piece
Final Favourites & Departure
The main square, surrounded by palm trees and a neoclassical cathedral. Local hub for people-watching and Sunday ice cream.
💡 Go early morning to see locals selling fresh cebiche from carts on the north side.
Café Pilar
Los Naranjales
Getting Around Yungay
After a bus from Lima, share a taxi with other passengers from the Caraz junction to Yungay—split cost to 5 soles each. Negotiate before getting in; drivers may start at 40 soles.
Sit on the right side for views of Huascarán; the bus stops at Yungay's Plaza de Armas, then walk east on Jr. 28 de Julio. Avoid travel after 5 PM—roads get dark and services drop off.
Use Movil Tours or Cruz del Sur; they stop at the Caraz turnoff—arrange with the driver to drop you at Yungay. Bring a sleeping bag; buses are cold at altitude.
Pre-book a colectivo taxi from Huaraz or call the hostal directly; drivers often quote higher if you arrive without arrangement. Ask for a shared ride to cut cost to ~15 soles per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Yungay?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Mercado Central de Yungay and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Yungay?
See our full best time to visit Yungay guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hostal Garcia, Hospedaje el Pino, Alojamientos. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.