The Santa Valley was inhabited by various peoples during the Pre-Inca and Inca eras. During the Inca Era, its townspeople were annexed to the Empire by Inca Pachacutec. He introduced worship to the Sun God, although it is known that in Huaraz, people granted special veneration to Huarac or morning star. The first historical accounts written by researchers exist because of Miguel Estete, Hernando Pizarro's secretary. He presented his brother Franciso Pizarro, with an account of his trip from Cajamarca to Pachacamac, which had taken place in January of 1533, while Atahualpa was still imprisoned in that city. According to his chronicles they traveled through Huamachuco, Andamarca, Corongo, and continued their trip through the Callejon de Huaylas, arriving to Huaraz on a Friday, January 21st of the same year. The account indicates Huaraz was a large town located on a plain next to a river. Other towns or villages could be seen from this location. These places were rich in livestock and corn crops. It was not unusual to see llamas, pacos and guanacos (Andean camelids). Its friendly, generous people were governed by a chief named Pumacapillay, who provided them with food and indigenous people to transport the unexpected travelers' loads.
Finally, when the land was divided among the conquerors, Huaraz and its 709 indigenous inhabitants, were given to Don Jerónimo de Aliaga, scribe to His Majesty and one of the people who entered Cajamarca with Francisco Pizarro on November 15th, 1532. The first Spaniards settled in the Santa Valley attracted by the gold and silver deposits found in this region. The search for these metals encouraged the exploitation of indigenous peoples and the destruction of their cities by the Spaniards. Many of the Inca mines continued operating for the benefit of the Spanish crown. Some became well-known such as the San Luis de Huari mine.
The founding of Huaraz by the Spaniards took place on January 20th, 1572, led by captain and licentiate Alfonso de Santoyo. Circular huts in old Llaqta belonging to segregated indigenous people of Huaraz, were demolished with the intention of building streets in the new city. During colonial times, this city was not considered of great importance, since artistic and cultural life was rather poor. During the Independence, a law was passed on January 18th, 1823, granting Huaraz higher standing and declaring it a city and state capital. This same year, Simon Bolivar established his center of operations in Huaraz. Superiority in military skill and number of the Bolivar forces weakened the morale of Riva Agüero's supporters, eventually defeating them. Bolivar granted control of Huaylas to Sergeant Major Ignacio de Alcazar. After having set up the government in Trujillo, Bolivar decided to transfer it to Huaraz in May of 1824. There, he passed important laws among them the reform of the General Commerce Ruling, a measure with a definite liberal slant.
In 1941, there was a mudslide that destroyed part of Huaraz. However, the tragic earthquake which occurred on May 31st, 1970 was even more devastating, bringing about the loss of 70,000 human lives. Huaraz and dozens of towns and cities in the Callejon de Huaylas were almost completely destroyed. Yungay was most affected since another mudslide caused it to disappear completely. It is due to this that architecture in Huaraz does not have the characteristics of Andean towns usually seen in this region. All the comforts of a developing city such as lodging, restaurants, travel agencies, banks, postal and telephone offices, internet cafes and utilities are now available to ensure a pleasant stay for all visitors. Currently, there are archeological centers in Huaraz where one can appreciate its history. Its privileged location is surrounded by glaciers and snowy peaks reaching 6,000 m. (16,400 ft.), making it one of the most import centers of tourism in Peru.
Located four hundred kilometers from Lima, Huaraz is considered a starting point for those interested in tourism and adventure activities in Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash. This city offers a pleasant climate and an atmosphere in which one can breathe peace, tranquility and safety. Its hospitable inhabitants are always willing to share a smile and warmth seldom found elsewhere. For this reason, it has earned the title "The Very Noble and Generous City of Huaraz."
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