In the year 1538, Francisco Pizarro sent the conquistador Sebastián de Torres to found the mining settlement in Huaraz. Following years, in 1574, Alonso de Santoyo created the town of Huaraz, where he called it San Sebastián de Huaraz.

On July 25, 1857, the first province of Huaraz was founded, which was based on the law that was established at that time, with its capital being the same name as the city, it was created together with the second province of Huaylas.

Based a little on previous years, also by law; On January 2, 1857, the first Provincial Council of Huaraz was created.

On March 5, 1936, the province of Huaraz had to be divided again by law, this time being the third province of Huaraz, with the same capital and the province of Aija, named with the same name as its capital.

By decree of Law 11171, the third province of Huaraz was divided into the fourth and last, by which it is currently the province of the same name, with the same capital and in the province of Recuay.

Huaraz, a city that rose from the ashes

The 1970 earthquake was an unprecedented tragedy for Huaraz. The city lost half of its population and was left in ruins. However, the will of its inhabitants made it possible for the city to rise from the ashes.

In the last 50 years, Huaraz has experienced sustained growth. The city has been modernized, with wide avenues and recent buildings. With strong growth towards the eastern area, Huaraz has been oriented towards the development of tourism.

The José Olaya jirón is the only vestige of Huaraz from before the earthquake. The old mansions with whitewashed walls, red roofs and balconies disappeared from the urban landscape. One of its characteristics, the narrow streets, disappeared with the reconstruction.

The nearby Antamina and Pierina mines have attracted professionals and workers to Huaraz. The city has grown around these mining operations, and is now an important economic and commercial center.

The Plaza de Armas of Huaraz is the heart of the city. The life of the entire capital of Ancash revolves around it. The city market is also an interesting place to visit, since there are goods of all kinds for sale.