Huaylas

Huaylas commonly refers to the Valle de Huaylas, a highland valley in the Ancash region of Peru. The valley lies between the Cordillera Blanca to the east and the Cordillera Negra to the west. The Santa River flows through the valley from the glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca toward the Pacific. The area is inhabited by Quechua-speaking and mestizo communities, with agriculture as a traditional mainstay.

Prominent towns include Caraz and Yungay, and the region serves as a gateway to Huascarán National Park, which encompasses much of the surrounding mountain scenery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Historically, the valley has been part of the Andean highland culture and was affected by the 1970 earthquake and the resulting mudslides from Nevado Huascarán, which caused widespread damage, especially in Yungay.

Economy and culture: Agriculture (potatoes, maize, quinoa), livestock; tourism is growing. The valley remains a focal point for traditional Andean practices as well as for trekking and nature-based tourism linked to the nearby Cordillera Blanca and Huascarán National Park.