Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Discover Chacas, an Andean jewel in the province of Asunción, recognized as one of the "Best Tourism Villages in the World" by UN Tourism (2023) and certified "Pueblo con Encanto" by MINCETUR (2024). This village of exceptional artisans, birthplace of the Baroque retable of Mama Ashu and the legendary Father Ugo de Censi, invites you on a unique journey between spirituality, excellence in craftsmanship and breathtaking landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca.
Chacas is a Peruvian village located in the province of Asunción, in the department of Áncash. Perched at 3,360 meters above sea level on the eastern slope of the Cordillera Blanca, this village is the capital of the province and has approximately 2,500 inhabitants. Its name is said to come from the Quechua word "Chagastunan", composed of "chagas" (lookout, viewpoint) and "tunan" (summit or point).
Founded in 1572 under the name San Martín de Chacas by Augustinian evangelists, the village has preserved through the centuries an exceptional architectural and cultural heritage. Its historic center with paved streets, white facades and finely carved balconies bears witness to a unique Andalusian influence in the region.
Chacas is now internationally recognized as one of the "Best Tourism Villages in the World" by UN Tourism (2023-2024 edition) and received the "Pueblo con Encanto" label from MINCETUR on December 10, 2024. These distinctions honor its exceptional cultural heritage, its excellence in craftsmanship and its commitment to sustainable tourism.
The village owes much of its renaissance to Father Ugo de Censi, an Italian missionary who arrived in 1976, founder of Operation Mato Grosso and the Escuela Taller Don Bosco. Thanks to his action, Chacas has become a world-renowned center of art and craftsmanship, training generations of artisans in wood carving, stone, stained glass and glass fusion. The Santuario de Mama Ashu, with its gold-plated Baroque retable (18th century), is the spiritual and artistic jewel of the village.
The history of Chacas has its roots in the Late Archaic period (2000 BC), when semi-nomadic groups settled in the valleys of the Arma and Chacapata rivers. The Yanamachay cave paintings (3,935 m) bear witness to these early settlements by hunter-gatherers. The region was later influenced by the Chavín and Recuay cultures, before being integrated into the Huari Empire (700-1200 AD).
During the Señorío de Huari period, the territory of Chacas belonged to the "Icho Huari" subgroup, which encompassed the current provinces of Asunción and Carlos Fermín Fitzcarrald. The archaeological sites of Chagastunán, Antash and Pirushtu (occupied as early as 1100 BC) are witnesses to this rich pre-Columbian period. Inca domination was imposed between 1460 and 1490, integrating the region into the Tawantinsuyo after fierce resistance from the strongholds of Riway and Katin.
Spanish colonization began with the creation of the encomienda de Icho Huari by Francisco Pizarro in 1540. In 1572, Captain Alonso de Santoyo and the Augustinian evangelists founded the village of San Martín de Chacas as part of the Toledo reductions. The grid urban layout, with its main square of 83 meters on each side, its four main streets and its 154 tributaries recorded in 1594, shaped the contours of the current village.
From the 17th century onwards, mining activity transformed Chacas. The first ingenio, "Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción de Tuma" (1620), was followed by "San José de Mushojmarca" (1716), exploiting gold, silver, lead and copper from the mines of Cajavilca, Kellaruna and Chucpin. The great families of the time then commissioned the construction of the Baroque retable of Chacas, covered in gold, assembled in Nicaraguan cedar — now Cultural Heritage of the Nation (1941).
After a long decline between the 1960s and 1980s, marked by the 1970 earthquake and rural exodus, Chacas experienced a spectacular renaissance thanks to the arrival in 1976 of the Italian missionary Ugo de Censi. Founder of Operation Mato Grosso, he established the Escuela Taller Don Bosco in 1979, training generations of artisans in wood carving, stone, stained glass and glass fusion.
On December 30, 1983, the province of Asunción was created, elevating Chacas to the rank of provincial capital. In 2013, the inauguration of the AN-107 road and the Túnel Punta Olímpica reduced the travel time to Huaraz from 7 hours to just 3 hours, paving the way for tourism development. Today, Chacas attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its art, faith and exceptional nature.
Father Ugo de Censi (1924-2018) is the emblematic figure of Chacas's renaissance. Arriving in 1976, he undertook the reconstruction of the Santuario de Mama Ashu (1985-1990), the founding of the Escuela Taller Don Bosco (1979) and numerous social works: Hospital Mama Ashu (1995), homes for the elderly, production cooperatives. His motto "that the poor be cared for like the rich" summarizes the spirit of Operation Mato Grosso, which still works today in service of the most disadvantaged.
The Escuela Taller Don Bosco is now a center of excellence training hundreds of young people in the arts and crafts. The works of the Artesanos Don Bosco are exported worldwide, particularly to Europe and the United States, perpetuating the legacy of the man the people of Chacas still affectionately call "Padre Ugo."
The Santuario de Mama Ashu is the spiritual and artistic heart of Chacas. Originally built in 1572 by the Augustinian evangelists, it was completely restored between 1985 and 1990 under the direction of Father Ugo de Censi. Its main retable, in Baroque style, dates from the 18th century and is covered in gold leaf, carved in Nicaraguan cedar assembled without nails. Declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 1941, it houses in its niches sculptures of saints and virgins, including Mama Ashu (the Virgin of the Assumption), patron saint of the village.
The interior of the sanctuary also preserves two minor retables (one covered in gold), the Santo Sepulcro and the Santa Cruz de Chacas. The images of the Virgen de la Asunción, San Martín I (patrons of Chacas), San José, the Niño Jesús and the Señor de la Pasión populate this place of contemplation and faith, where the remains of Father Ugo de Censi now rest.
The Plaza Ugo de Censi, formerly Plaza de Armas, is a unique space in Peru. It retains its vast central grassy area of lawn and clover, where the bullfight (without killing) and the carrera de cintas a caballo (horse ribbon race) take place during the Fiesta Patronal de la Virgen de la Asunción in August. Around the square, the finely carved balconies in Baroque and Republican style, the white facades and the granite-paved streets bear witness to the colonial architecture of Andalusian influence.
At each corner of the square stand stone sculptures depicting costumbrist scenes and typical characters of Chacas life, such as the Manca Carga (the pot carrier), symbol of the local artisanal tradition. The square is bordered by the Municipal Palace, the Santuario de Mama Ashu, the Taller Don Bosco, the Archaeology Museum and the Casa de la Cultura.
Chacas is the capital of crafts in Áncash thanks to the Escuela Taller Don Bosco, founded in 1979 by Father Ugo de Censi. This free boarding school trains hundreds of young people every year in the trades of wood carving, stone, stained glass and glass fusion. The Artesanos Don Bosco export their works worldwide, particularly to Europe and the United States, combining ancient Andean techniques with Italian influences.
Visitors can discover the sculpture workshops, the stained glass foundry (unique in South America), the furniture factory and the art gallery where the creations of master artisans are exhibited. The Vivero Don Bosco (nursery) and the Molino San Miguel (historic mill) complete the circuit of local know-how.
Getting to Chacas is an adventure in itself that crosses the magnificent landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca. Thanks to the modernization of the AN-107 road and the inauguration of the Túnel Punta Olímpica in 2013, the journey from Huaraz is now fast and safe, offering breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lagoons.
The city of Huaraz, capital of Áncash, is the natural gateway to Chacas. The distance is approximately 118 km and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours by car.
Detailed route:
Tip: The route uses the Túnel Punta Olímpica (1,380 m long, 4,736 m altitude), the highest road tunnel in the world. It is recommended to travel during the day to enjoy the exceptional panoramas of the Cordillera Blanca and its peaks (Huascarán, Hualcán, etc.).
From the Peruvian capital, several options are available to visitors:
| Means of transport | Estimated duration | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Lima → Huaraz | 8h (400 km) | From 60 soles |
| Bus Huaraz → Chacas | 3-4h (118 km) | From 25 soles |
| Taxi Huaraz → Chacas | 3h (118 km) | To negotiate (approx. 150-200 soles) |
| Private car (Lima → Chacas) | 11-12h (520 km) | Variable |
Many tourism agencies in Huaraz offer one-day or two-day excursions to Chacas, including transport, a guide and visits to the main sites (Santuario de Mama Ashu, Taller Don Bosco, Plaza de Armas). Prices vary depending on the number of participants and services included.
For a complete experience, some circuits combine Chacas with the Llanganuco lagoons, the Portachuelo Viewpoint or the Santuario de Pomallucay.
Visiting the Santuario de Mama Ashu is an essential stop on any stay in Chacas. This sanctuary, rebuilt between 1985 and 1990 under the direction of Father Ugo de Censi, houses an 18th-century Baroque retable covered in gold leaf and declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation (1941). Admire the sculptures of saints and virgins, the Santo Sepulcro and the Santa Cruz, and pay your respects at the tomb of Father Ugo, resting in this place of faith and art.
Stroll through the Plaza Ugo de Censi, one of the most original squares in Peru. Its vast central grassy and clover area hosts the bullfight (without killing) and the horse ribbon race every year during the Fiesta Patronal de la Virgen de la Asunción (August 13-22). The carved balconies of the surrounding houses, the white facades and the paved streets offer an exceptional setting for photography. At the four corners, stone sculptures (including the famous Manca Carga) tell the story and traditions of Chacas.
Visit the Escuela Taller Don Bosco, founded in 1979 by Father Ugo de Censi. This free boarding school trains hundreds of young people in the arts and crafts: wood carving, stone, stained glass and glass fusion. You can watch demonstrations by the artisans, visit the stained glass factory (unique in South America) and the gallery where works exported worldwide are exhibited. The Artesanos Don Bosco cooperative also offers pieces for sale.
Located in one of the church's galleries, the Museo Arqueológico de Chacas houses a collection of approximately 400 pieces: ceramics, textiles and goldsmithing from the ancient cultures of the region. Entry is free (simply sign the guest book). Note: photos with flash are not allowed.
Half of Chacas's territory lies within the Huascarán National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985). Nature and hiking lovers can explore:
Chacas is a village where traditions remain alive. The festive calendar is rich and offers unique moments of cultural immersion:
Chacas offers a growing accommodation offering, reflecting its tourism boom. The village has numerous 2 and 3-star hotels, family guesthouses and bed & breakfasts, offering a range of prices suitable for all budgets. The peaceful atmosphere of the village and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes guarantee a restful stay.
The proximity to the Huascarán National Park and the main tourist sites (Santuario de Mama Ashu, Escuela Taller Don Bosco) makes Chacas an ideal base for exploring the region. Many establishments offer packages including guided tours and excursions to the lagoons and peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.
| Type of accommodation | Description | Indicative price per night |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star Hotel | Modern comfort, full services, pleasant setting in the town center | From 150-250 soles |
| 2-star Hotel | Basic comfort, family atmosphere, good value for money | From 80-150 soles |
| Hostal / Guesthouse | Simple and authentic accommodation, local immersion | From 50-80 soles |
| Lodge / Mountain refuge | For hikers and climbers, close to high mountain trails | From 30-60 soles |
High mountain refuges: For climbers and hikers, several refuges are available near Chacas:
The gastronomy of Chacas is a surprising fusion between Andean traditions and Italian culinary influence, inherited from the Operation Mato Grosso community. The village's restaurants, cafeterias and pizzerias offer generous and authentic cuisine, prepared with quality local products.
Starters and piqueos:
Soups:
Main courses:
The presence of the Italian community in Chacas has brought a delicious culinary fusion:
The Don Bosco cheese dairies in Chacas and San Luis produce quality fresh and aged cheeses, often served as an accompaniment to café chacasino or in local dishes.
Chacas enjoys a cold subhumid mountain climate, with marked variations between the dry season and the rainy season:
Chacas is located at 3,360 meters above sea level (varies between 3,315 and 3,450 m). Acute mountain sickness (soroche) can affect some visitors with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea or shortness of breath.
For successful acclimatization:
| Expense item | Indicative range (in soles) |
|---|---|
| Bus Lima → Huaraz (one way) | 60 – 100 |
| Bus Huaraz → Chacas (one way) | 25 – 35 |
| Hotel 2-3 stars (night) | 80 – 250 |
| Hostal (night) | 50 – 80 |
| Traditional meal (menú del día) | 15 – 30 |
| City Tour Chacas (group) | 80 (per group) |
| Laguna Patarcocha excursion (group) | 220 (per group) |
| Huascarán National Park entry (daily) | 30 (adults) / 10 (children) |
| Estimated total daily budget | 100 – 250 |
Note: prices are given as an indication and are subject to change.
Chacas has a modern health center, the Hospital Mama Ashu (1995), built with the support of Operation Mato Grosso. It offers 40 beds, radiology, ultrasound, laboratory, gynecology-obstetrics, physiotherapy, dentistry and pharmacy services. It is advisable to take out travel insurance covering mountain care.
Are you planning your trip to Chacas, the artisanal and spiritual jewel of the Cordillera Blanca? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this exceptional village.
Chacas is much more than a village perched in the heights of the Cordillera Blanca. It is a journey to the heart of art, faith and nature, where every alley, every workshop and every peak tells the story of a community proud of its heritage. Recognized as one of the "Best Tourism Villages in the World" by UN Tourism and certified "Pueblo con Encanto", this village is an exceptional destination that captivates travelers seeking authenticity.
Whether you are a sacred art enthusiast, passionate about excellence in craftsmanship, an experienced hiker or simply a traveler seeking magnificent landscapes, Chacas will amaze you. Its Santuario de Mama Ashu with its golden retable, its Plaza Ugo de Censi unique in Peru, its Don Bosco artisans whose works shine worldwide, and its turquoise lagoons at the foot of glaciers make it a complete and unforgettable destination.
The legacy of Father Ugo de Censi is alive in every sculpture, every stained glass window and every smile of the inhabitants. This economic and cultural renaissance, carried by Operation Mato Grosso, has transformed Chacas into a model of sustainable and solidarity-based development, where tourism directly benefits the community and contributes to the preservation of traditions.
Whether you come for a two-day getaway or a longer immersion, Chacas will leave you with unforgettable memories: the splendor of the golden retable, the grace of the ancestral dances (Mozo Danza, Paso Huanquilla), the freshness of the Andean lagoons, and above all, the human warmth of a people who have preserved their identity while opening up to the world.
🏔️ Chacas awaits you. Dive into the heart of art, faith and the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca!