The need to acclimatize to altitude and rest between treks means visitors must spend a considerable amount of time just relaxing in Huaraz. Thankfully, plenty of funky cafes can be found around town, offering the ideal place to while away the afternoon and mingle with like-minded travelers. Here are the best of the best.
A popular gringo hangout, Café Andino is a hit for its stylish yet cozy decor and crackling warm fireplace. It’s aslo a great place to hook up with other hikers, partly due to the fact that the friendly staff of the adjoined travel agency are some of the most knowledgeable trekkers in the city. Of course, the food and coffee aren’t bad either.
Run by a friendly Californian fellow, this tourist-orientated cafe is the perfect spot to kick back and relax for an hour or two. A huge selection of English language books and board games are on hand to entertain visitors, meaning it’s a good spot to meet other travelers as well. As for food, try their amazing breakfasts which are available all day.
Fancy some gelato to go with your coffee? Then Gelateria Mi Comedia is what you’ve been looking for thanks to their huge selection of creative artisanal ice creams. The sundaes and scoops are divine, but save a little room to try some of the amazing homemade cakes too. It’s run by the same family behind the city’s best pizza place, so you know it’s got to be good.
Acclimatizing to altitude is tough on the digestive system, meaning light and healthy meals are the best way to go for the first few days. With that in mind, pay a visit to Sala de Estar who offer nothing other than high-quality, healthy cuisine which is best washed down with their excellent coffee or smoothies. Meaning “living room” in English, the atmosphere is as warm and friendly as you would expect.
A cool option in the center of town, Blues Café is notably more modern than other cafes in the city. Their strong Peruvian machine made coffee is among the best in town while their selection of burgers and sandwiches are equally on point. It’s about three blocks from the central plaza.
Sweet-tooths rejoice because the rich delights of Santa Rosa Pasteleria are the perfect sugar fix. Try the chocolate mud cake for an extra decadent snack, though there are plenty of other freshly baked treats on display each day to tempt the palate.
Another great place to find healthy or vegetarian cuisine, the menu at Campo Base offers numerous light options as well as your usual hearty fare. Grab a seat outside at this bright and cheerful cafe to enjoy a spot of people-watching as you savor some top-notch food and coffee.
