Huaylas Valley

Huaylas Valley, valley along the upper Santa River in Ancash department, west-central Peru. Overlooking the valley to the west is the snowless Cordillera Negra, with peaks rising to 17,000 feet (5,200 m); and to the east is the spectacular, snowcapped Cordillera Blanca, containing many of Peru’s highest mountains, including Mount Huascarán. A mountain setting, cool climate, and picturesque villages make the Huaylas Valley a major tourist area. Most inhabitants are subsistence farmers who cultivate potatoes...