Caraz

Founded as San Ildefonso de Caraz in 1573, this little Peruvian town sits along the Santa River in the Callejón de Huaylas valley, with the Andes close on all sides and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding terrain. Its name derives from a Quechua word meaning "place of agaves." The town has a mild climate year-round and a café and restaurant scene that punches above its size, making it a practical base for exploring the northern highlands.

• Population10,926
• Nearest water from center0.8 km
• Nearest mountain from center2.2 km