Ancash

Department in northern Peru, crossed north-to-south by the Cordillera Blanca (part of the Cordillera Occidental and now a national park); area 35,865 sq km/13,847 sq mi; population (1996) 1,024,581. The capital is Huaráz. Ancash lies partly in the sierra, partly in the upper reaches of the Marañon river valley, and partly on the arid Pacific coastal plain. Wheat, barley, potatoes, and wool are grown in the sierra, while sugar cane, cotton, and maize are the main crops on the coast. There are lead-, copper-, silver- and gold-mining industries. Chimbote is Peru's main fishing port, and an important steel and heavy engineering centre.

In the east of the department are extensive 2,500-year-old ruins of Charín set on seven underground levels. The ruins are noted for their unusually carved stone heads and relief work.