Trekking in the area
Many visitors to Huaraz come specifically to trek some of the spectacular routes in the area. There are many possibilities for this, and it is a good idea to know your level before attempting a trek. Remember, there are often high passes over 4,000m, and even 5,000m in some cases, so make sure you are acclimatised to the altitude. It is not a good idea to start a trek the day after you arrive from Lima, for example. Additionally, carrying heavy rucksacks and tents can have a major impact on your progress. Horses can be hired to carry bags, and if you are not used to hiking this is a good idea. Horses and handlers (arrieros) can be found in most small villages near the start of treks. Alternatively, travel agencies in Huaraz can organise a trek for you. The price will vary depending on the agency and what is provided, but for two people the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek will cost around $150 per person, including transport, food, a guide, horses and handlers and equipment.
There are many short day walks that can be carried out from most points in the Huaraz area. From Huaraz, for example, there are several good day walks. The walk from Huaraz to the Monterrey baths, via Wilkahuaín is good and not too difficult, as is the walk to the Laguna Llacta. The walk to the Laguna Churup is more challenging, but very beautiful.
The most popular trek in the area is the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek, which takes around three to four days. This can be carried out in either direction. Another popular hike is from Olleros to Chavín, crossing the Cordillera Blanca, again taking around three to four days. It is possible to hire llamas to carry bags and accompany you on the trek. These are available in Olleros. A four to five day trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash, starting in Chiquián, is also possible.
Longer, more difficult treks include the six to seven day Carhuaz to Santa Cruz trek and the full Huayhuash circuit, taking around 12 days. The beautiful Hualcayán to Pomabamba trek, also taking around 12 days, offers stunning views of the Alpamayo glacier.
If you want to hook up with other travellers to do a trek with, leave a note in the Casa de Guías in Parque Ginebra.
Buy all supplies for treks in Huaraz, as in other towns there is far less on offer. In Huaraz most things can be found, including dehydrated food. Additionally, equipment can be rented throughout Huaraz, including tents and sleeping bags. Route maps for the popular treks can be found in most agencies. A good, complete map of the Cordillera Blanca is the Alpenvereinskarte, available in several of the better agencies in Huaraz.
A problem that is more prevalent in Huaraz than most other areas in Peru is that of begging, especially when walking through villages on treks. Children especially see travellers as prime targets. Be firm, but polite, in refusals.
Climbing in the area
There is some excellent climbing in the Huaraz area, suitable for mountaineers of all levels. Probably the easiest ascent in the Cordillera Blanca is Pisco, at 5,752m, which takes around 3 days. More challenging climbs include Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru at 6,768m, which takes about 6 days, and Alpamayo, at 5,947m, which takes around 7 days. Other peaks that can be climbed include Urus (5,495m), Ishinca (5,530m), Ranrapalca (6,162m), Chacrarayu (6,112m), Quitarayu (6,036m) and Chopicalqui (6,354m).
Rock climbing is also possible in the area, and there is a rock face near the Monterrey baths just outside of Huaraz. There are also several practice climbing walls in Huaraz itself.
For all climbs, an experienced guide should be used. The Casa de Guías can provide climbing guides from around $60 to $80 per day. Ensure that you register at the Casa de Guías before any climb, letting them know when you will be back. This way, they will be able to send help if you do not return when planned. Obviously, it is very important to let them know when you do return.
Mountain Lodges
There are three mountain lodges in the Huaraz area.
The Ishinca Lodge (Quebrada Ishinca, base camp 1), at 4,350m, has 60 beds, heating offers meals.
The Peru Pisco Lodge (Llanganuco-Morena camp 2, Pisco) at 4,765m, has 80 beds, heating and meals.
The Giordan Longoni Lodge (Quebrada Ishinca, Laguna Ishinca) has 18 beds.
Information can be obtained from Don Bosco en los Andes, Macará, Carhuaz, T/F 743061, www.huaraz.org/omg, lodgeomg@hotmail.com
Huascarán National Park
The Cordillera Blanca has been declared a national park and there is now an entrance fee charged to enter the park. In practice, this is generally only charged when entering at Santa Cruz or Llanganuco, although this may change in future. If only entering on a day trip, to the Lagunas Llanganuco, for example, there is a $1.50 charge. However, if you plan on spending at least one night in the park, trekking or climbing, the charge is $18.
Although many people find the idea of paying to trek in the mountains unpleasant, bear in mind that there is a cost to protecting the area. Additionally, the mountains are very rich in minerals. Mining is not allowed in the park, even though this could be financially beneficial to the area. Therefore, a small fee to enter the park encourages its protection and preservation.
Skiing in the area
Although skiing is not developed in Peru, and there is no infrastructure, the Cordillera Blanca is the only area where the sport is practised. Equipment can be hired in several of the agencies in Huaraz, although this is not of very high quality. There are no skiing areas as such, and there are no ski lifts in the area. However, the Pastoruri glacier is often used. It is possible to take transport to the glacier and ski.
Rafting in the area
Rafting is possible on the Río Santa, and most agencies offer the option. However, a minimum of four people is usually required, and outside of the high season you may need to form your own group. The rafting is on Class II to III rapids, and is suitable for all. A one-hour trip costs around $12 per person, and a two-hour trip around $20.
Mountain biking in the area
Mountain bikes can be hired throughout Huaraz and also in Caraz. The surrounding area provides ample scope for biking, both up and downhill.
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