After hiking toward the glacier and breathing in the cold high-altitude air, one question comes up: where to eat after visiting Pastoruri? In this guide we cover how long the tour takes, which hot dishes will help you recover, and why Kay Pacha is the best stop on the way back to Huaraz.
What makes Pastoruri special?
Nevado Pastoruri sits above 5,000 meters above sea level and is known for the turquoise color of its glacier, caused by minerals in the ice. Along the access road many visitors also stop to see the Puya Raimondi forests, one of the most unusual plants in the Andes, and the llamas grazing by the highway.
Pastoruri–Huaraz route
Tours leave Huaraz early in the morning and travel along the road through Catac and Pachacoto before entering Huascarán National Park. From the parking area to the glacier viewpoint, visitors either hike or can take adapted bikes for those who prefer not to walk the stretch at altitude.
The return follows the same route back to Huaraz, where most visitors look for a comfortable place to have lunch or dinner before continuing their trip.
Tour schedule
Agencies in Huaraz usually depart between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., and the full tour, including the glacier visit and stops along the way, takes about 8 to 9 hours. Return to the city is generally between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Why look for a good restaurant on the way back?
The altitude at Pastoruri demands considerable physical effort, even for those who don't hike long stretches. Coming back down, the body needs to warm up, hydrate and recover energy with a comforting, freshly prepared meal served in a calm setting.
Kay Pacha: the best stop after Pastoruri
Back in Huaraz, Recreo Kay Pacha is a great option to recover with hot dishes, warm service and a setting built for resting. Here you'll find Peruvian cuisine, typical Ancash dishes, fresh trout, traditional soups, grilled meats and warm drinks — ideal after a day at altitude.
Check our menu in Huaraz or the restaurant location to plan your arrival.
Recommended hot dishes
After a day in the snow and altitude, these are our visitors' favorite dishes to warm up:
- Piping hot chicken soup.
- Fried trout with golden potatoes.
- Mixed grill.
- Pork chicharrón.
- Quinoa chaufa.
- Coca tea or Andean coffee.
- Homemade desserts to close out the day.
Return time
From the Pastoruri parking area to Huaraz the trip takes about 2 hours by road, on top of the time spent visiting the glacier. That's why most tours get back to the city in the late afternoon, with just enough time for a late lunch or an early dinner.
Ideal for travel agencies and tour groups
Pastoruri is one of the most requested tours among travel agencies in Huaraz, so having a restaurant ready for groups makes a real difference. Kay Pacha has spaces ideal for agencies, hikers, couples, families, national travelers and foreign tourists.
Why choose Kay Pacha?
- Excellent location in Huaraz.
- Easy access from the Pastoruri return route.
- Hot dishes freshly prepared.
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Quick, friendly service.
- Ample parking.
- Great for groups and travel agencies.
Close out your Pastoruri visit with the best flavor of Huaraz
Visiting Nevado Pastoruri is one of the most memorable experiences in the Cordillera Blanca, but also one of the most demanding because of the altitude. After that adventure, there's no better way to recover than with a hot meal made with fresh ingredients, served in a setting built for resting.
If you're looking for where to eat after visiting Pastoruri, Kay Pacha Huaraz is ready with traditional flavors, warm service and the perfect atmosphere to close out one of Peru's highest excursions.