Caraz

One of the few towns in the area with a cluster of colonial-era architecture, Caraz is at the northern tip of the valley; only a partly paved road continues north. North of Caraz on the dramatic road to Chimbote is the Cañon del Pato, the true northern terminus of the Callejón de Huaylas. Caraz is an increasingly popular alternative base for trekkers and climbers. While in town be sure to try the ultrasweet manjar blanco, Peru’s version of dulce de leche. It's available in numerous dulcerías, such as that of Villa Luisa.