The mountains and valleys . . .
. . . that form the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhaush offer more than a lifetime of opportunity for outdoor adventure. The mountains are some of the tallest in the world and present an irresistable challenge for the types who like to climb rocks, ice, and peaks. The most famous of the mountains is Huascarán with an altitude of 6,768 meters (approx. 22,334 feet - map). Other famous names include Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, Carnicero etc. Alpamayo, it has been said, is the most beautiful mountain in the world. Without fail the challenge and beauty of these mountains calls to the adventursome and in the months of June, July, and August, when the ice is more solid for climbing and the rains are less, the people arrive to try their character and prove their soul. Some of the mountians have peaks that are more or less accessible while others require a full set of climbing gear, plenty of experience and adrenaline to power the climb.
The city of Huaraz has all that you might need in terms
of equipment, maps, and guides for climbing, backpacking, and camping. Easily you can
rent the necessary equipment (tents, packs, sleeping bags, etc.), buy a little food in the local market
and then head to the mountains with public transport (look for combis to local destinations near the Quillcay
bridge - map).
If you need a little help with directions
there are plenty of guiding services for small and large expeditions. Remember that mountain climbing is
a sport with plenty of risk, if you don't have the experience but you want to have at it, look for a
little help and the experience will be an enjoyable and safe one. Please look in the
maps of Huaraz or look for guides to find more
information regarding these services.
If climbing is not your thing, you can take
backpacking trips and enjoy the beauty and majesty of the mountains, meet the Inca people
who still live amongst the valleys, and gain a clearer vision af Andean and Inca life. The following
list of routes are the most accesable and popular for trekking. Remember that crossing a pass of
4,800 meters with a pack full of gear and food is not easy for those not accustomed to high altitudes.
If you don't have much altitude exposure, look for advice or pack animals (with guides) and
your trip will be much more enjoyable. The routes more famous are:
The surrounding countryside of Huaraz is full of friendly people and a network of trails. You can explore by walking, with public transport, or any other method - preferably mountain bikes. Many visitors make the comparison between Huaraz and Boulder CO, USA in regards to the oppurtunity for riding mountains bikes. There are many dirt roads and single track paths that are perfect for mountain bikes. Some have mellow gradients and small altitude change while others offer all the challenge that you can imagine. In Huaraz you can rent bicycles (plenty of quality) for a day, an hour, or however you want (look in guides/equipment). Every year, during the Semana Del Andinismo, there is a mountain bike competition.
Rafting is another sport that is practiced in the Rio Santa in certain times of the year when the flow is low (May through September). There are parts of the river rated above 5, but the segment near Carhuaz is rated with parts at 2 and 3 and all levels of experience can enjoy the river. There are a few folks who like to kayak and all of the equipment for these sports are rentable in Huaraz (look in guides/equipment). We have different locations for the variety of sports including: skiing or snowboarding at Pastoruri and Punta Olimpica (map); parachuting in many locations near Huaraz; rock climbing in Monterrey at Rocódromo, or Huanchac. If you need more information please write to us. Information | Mountains |
Adventure | Trekking | Climbing | Culture |
