huaraz () (from quechua: waraq or waras, ""dawn""), founded as san sebastián de huaraz, is a city in peru. it is the capital of the ancash region (state of ancash) and the seat of government of huaraz province. the urban area's population is distributed over the districts of huaraz and independencia. the city is located in the middle of the callejon de huaylas valley and on the right side of the river santa. the city has an elevation of approximately 3050 metres above sea level. the built-up area covers 8 km2 and has a population of 120,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest city in the central peruvian andes after the city of huancayo. it is the 22nd largest city in peru. huaraz is the seat of the province's roman catholic bishop and the site of the cathedral.