Huaraz, formerly known as San Sebastián de Huaraz, is a city located in the Ancash region of Peru. It serves as the capital of the Ancash Region and the seat of government for the Huaraz Province. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3050 meters above sea level, the city is positioned in the middle of the Callejon de Huaylas valley on the right side of the Santa river.
The urban area covers 8 square kilometers and encompasses the districts of Huaraz and Independencia. With a population of 120,000 inhabitants, it ranks as the second largest city in the central Peruvian Andes after Huancayo and is the 22nd largest city in Peru. Additionally, Huaraz serves as the seat of the province's Roman Catholic Bishop and houses the local cathedral.