Caraz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caraz
San Ildefonso de Caraz
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Town
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Main Plaza
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| Nickname(s):
La muy fiel ciudad de Caraz (The very faithful city of Caraz)
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 Caraz
Location in Peru
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| Country |  Peru |
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| Region | Ancash | ||
| Province | Huaylas | ||
| District | Caraz | ||
| Founded | 29 December 1856 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 246.52 km2 (95.18 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 2,256 m (7,402 ft) | ||
| Population
(2015)
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| • Total | 14,250 | ||
| • Density | 57.805/km2 (149.71/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | -5 | ||
| Website | www.municaraz.gob.pe | ||
Caraz is a town in the Caraz District in the southeastern part of Huaylas Province of the Ancash Region in Peru.
Etymology
The origin of the name Caraz is uncertain. One possibility is that it derives from the Quechua word QARA-PUNKu, 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 QARAS, referring to the magüey plants found in the area.
Geography
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 were destroyed after the 1970 Ancash earthquake.
Communications
Caraz is 460 km 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 (184 km), the first 64 km until Chiquicara are paved, then a dirt road, and finally the last 22 km before Caraz again paved. There are daily flights from Lima Jorge Chavez International, via LC Busre, flying with Fairchild 19-seat Metroliner III, the Anta airport (ATA) is about 45 km S from Caraz.
Tourist attractions
Caraz is a popular destination for trekking and day walks into the Huascaran National Park, and offers a much quieter and safer option when compared with Huaraz. The weather (due to the altitude) is gentle and provides a comfortable stay.
Paron Lake, the largest lake on the Cordillera Blanca, is 32 km East from the city, at 4200m, and is surrounded by 15 snow peaks.
Canyon del Pato, a rock formation, resulting from the approach of Cordilleras Blanca and Negra, 22 km north from the city.
Puya Raimondii, the largest flower in the world, it grows at 4200m at Huashta Punta pass, on the Cordillera Negra, 45 km 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, 1 km north from the Plaza de Armas.
Santa Cruz valley, 28 km NE from the city, it's the famous 4-day trek Santa Cruz - Llankanuku, 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 the valleys Paron, Santa Cruz and Los Cedros.
Sister cities
Mesa, Arizona, since 1989
See also
In Spanish: Caraz para niños
