Huascaran National Park
Chavin and the cordillera Huayhuash
The Huascaran National Park, in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, covers an area of 340,000 hectares (840 hectares) that includes 296 lakes and 663 glaciers -as well as the highest peaks in Peru, including Huascaran at 6,768 masl (22,206 ft), Huandoy and Alpamayo. It includes protected areas for Andean plant species such as the Puya Raimondi and the queñual tree, and wildlife such as the Andean condor and the vicuña.
The Huascaran National Park was listed by UNESCO in 1977 as a nucleus of the Biosphere Reserve and in 1985 was declared a World Natural Heritage Site. Popular sites include the Pastoruri glacier (70 km/42 miles south of Huaraz); Lake Llanganuco (at the foot of Huascaran) and the thermal springs of Monterrey (5km north of Huaraz).
In the Callejon de Conchucos, to the southeast of Huaraz, is the Archaeological Complex of Chavin de Huantar (3,810 masl / 12,500 ft), which consists of temples, tunnels, stone buildings and plazas. This site was the most important ceremonial center of the ancient Chavin culture and in one of its tunnels is the Lanzon, an impressive and fierce-looking mythical figure 4.53 meters tall (over 14 ft) and carved in the shape of a giant arrowhead.
The Cordillera Huayhuash lies at the extreme south of the Cordillera Blanca, on the border with the Huanuco region. Lake Conococha is the source of the Santa River, and the range includes Mt.Yerupaja (6,634 masl/21,766 ft), the country's second highest peak and the most difficult to climb. The area's most impressive and demanding trekking route (8 days)begins at the town of Chiquian (3,200 masl / 10,499 ft).
Altitude
Huaraz: 3,100 masl (10,170 ft); Caraz: 2,250 masl (7,380 ft); trekking routes run from 3,800-4,000 masl (12,467 -
13,123 ft).
How to Get There
Overland: there are daily buses from Lima to Huaraz (400 km - 248 miles) that take 8 hours; from Trujillo (570 km - 354 miles) the journey takes 10 hours.
Lodging
Three-star hotels in Huaraz; three-star hostels in Carhuaz and Caraz; basic lodging in Chiquian and other towns and shelters within the park.
Activities
Archaeological tourism in Chavin (Huari), Recuay and Willkawain (Callejon de Huaylas), Yayno (Conchucos) and Sechin (Casma). Conventional camping and trekking, llama treks, mountain climbing, eco-tourism, wildlife watching, river-rafting down the Santa River, snow skiing, and cycling trips. Arts and crafts at Chacas (Conchucos), famous for wood carvings.
Tourist Services
Tourist transport and auxiliary and specialized personnel for trekking and longer trips to the mountains. Full equipment available for climbs and excursions. Mountain and conventional tour guides available for the main trekking routes, muleteers, packhorses and mountain cooks.
Minimum Length of Stay
Five days (including the round trip); trekking routes from 2-14 days. The Chavin archaeological complex can be visited in a single day from Huaraz.
Recommendations
A day for getting used to the altitude is essential before any demanding physical activity. Eat easily-digestible food and drink coca tea. Activities in the Cordillera Blanca are subject to National Park regulations.
Season / Climate
The best time of year is from May to September, when skies are clear. The snowline starts at 4,600 masl / 15,088 ft. Nights are cold at high altitude and cool in Huaraz and other towns.
Festivals
- Huaraz Carnival (February).
- Mountain Sports Week (May/June), throughout the Callejon de Huaylas, with international competitions.
- Feast of San Pedro de Corongo (June 29): Religious and popular celebration famous for its Las Pallas dance.
- Anniversary of Huaraz (July 25).
Gastronomy
- Picante de Cuy: stewed guinea pig in a peanut and hot chili pepper sauce.
- Cuchikanca: tender suckling pig marinated in vinegar and roasted.
- Pecan Caldo: sheepshead soup with tripe.
- Pachamanca: various kinds of meat, potatoes and tender corn cooked underground over hot stones.
Arts & Crafts
The area is known for making traditional costumes and colorfully-embroidered petticoats. Local craftsmen also make candles that are widely used in various religious processions in the region. Other items include lambswool blankets from Chavin, Tarica pottery, wrought iron objects, embossed leather, baskets, and blankets and ponchos woven in llama wool.
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