Coming from sea level, you sure feel the thin air when you arrive in the valley of Callejon de Huaylas in the Ancash region of Peru. Fresh cool mountain air, feels good. The rainy season in the Cordillera Blanca is from December to April so most days are cloudy with heavy afternoon rain. Luckily we had some good open windows of sunshine and got to see some of the giant peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. There are sixteen peaks above 6000 meters! The mountain that dominates the entire valley, however, is Huascarán. At 6,768 meters (22,204 feet), Huascarán looms over Huaraz much like Mt. Blanc towers over Chamonix, France. The area’s most postcard-perfect peak is Alpamayo, a peak at 5,747 meters with its 70-degree face. You can only see it from the Santa Cruz trek. Climbers paradise!
Being the second highest mountain range in the world after the Himalayas, with an easier access, it is truly a hiker / climber's world.
We spent a week in Huaraz, getting to know the area. Hiked up to 4300 meters. Rode our bikes to 3900 meters. Since we are in the rainy season, we didn't want to venture on multi day treks. We are heading to Lima to catch a flight to Santiago Chile. Angela's brother will be getting married at the end of march. On our return, we will be coming back to Huaraz with the equipment needed to do long treks and maybe bag a few peaks.
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