HUARAZ AREAS

General Information:
The Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash, both situated in the northern part of Peru, are the highest equatorial chains of mountains in the world. It is called Blanca (white) because of the large amount of snow on its peaks; its many glaciers and the constitution of its light coloured crystalline rocks.

The Cordillera Blanca has 26 peaks over 20,000 ft./6,000 metres including Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru. The Cordillera Blanca is the biggest, one of the most spectacular ranges in Peru; in addition to many huge snow-capped peaks, it has warm deep valleys where exotic tropical plants are found, and there are several large glacial lakes. Whilst the small, remote Huayhuash range, south of the Cordillera Blanca, offers the trekker some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The many dramatic snow-capped and glacier-clad peaks over 20,000 ft./6000m, including Yerupaja, Peru’s second highest peak (22,113ft./6634m) and Siula Grande (21,146 ft./6344 m), Apart from the peaks the range is dotted with beautiful blue and turquoise lakes, stocked with trout. Open grassy valleys make perfect campsites, clear rushing streams complete an idyllic alpine picture. The main town of the area is Huaraz, from where our treks start.

Climate and Weather
All treks are scheduled in the best trekking season and should have generally fine weather conditions, though in the Andes everything is possible, including rain or even snow! On average, May, June and July are the best months for trekking, usually clear and bright with strong sunshine during the day, though nights at altitude will be very cold - well below freezing on some nights.

August and September are usually slightly warmer by day and night, with more clouds, particularly in the afternoon, and greater risk of some rain. Weather conditions in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash are usually unpredictable since there is always the possibility of cooler wet weather. The primary difference between seasons is that “summer” is mostly rainy and “winter” is mostly dry.

Altitude
Huaraz, the main town in the area is located at about 10,303’ft / 3091m, driving north from Lima some 8 hrs you will gradually climb up through the valleys in a zigzag road that connects coast and mountains.

The highest point is the Conococha pass at 14,000’ ft / 4200m before you enter the Huaylas alley.

Acclimatisation is recommend, at least one day resting for everyone since altitude affects the human body, regardless of age or gender. Relax and avoid climbing stairs, and walk very slowly at the beginning. We understand your eagerness to absorb as much as possible in a limited time, yet we want you to enjoy everything to the fullest.

All has been paced to ease your arrival, check-ins and sightseeing for your maximum well being. It is very important to be 100% acclimatized in order to have a successful trek.



Water
Visitors are always concerned about drinking the water, and it is a legitimate concern. The problem is not so much that our water is good and theirs is bad; rather, the flora and fauna in the two are different, creating adjustment problems for the gastrointestinal system, and two weeks is not usually enough time for such adjustment. So we strongly recommend that our clients use only bottled water for drinking, tooth brushing, etc.--and check the seal on the bottle before buying; avoid ice in drinks unless you know it was made from purified water. Bottled water is available everywhere we go except on the treks, where we use treated and purify water for all drinking and cooking needs.

Things to bring
Camera, sufficient supply of films, a strong carrying strap, preferably metal or chain reinforced; summer-weight clothes for daytime in Huaráz and most areas in countryside; short and long-sleeve shirts; light to medium sweaters and rainproof jacket for night time and at higher altitudes; rain pants; swimsuit (for warm springs); bandanna; sunglasses; minimum 12 sunscreen, hat that shades face and back of neck (preferably rainproof); medium-weight, well broken-in hiking boots, warm sleepwear; Gore-Tex or otherwise waterproofed hiking boots; thin liner socks and heavier wool or polypro socks for boots; shopping bag, personal medications (in addition, we suggest to bring Tinidazol and/or Imodium against intestinal disorders, moleskin or other protection from foot chafing and blisters; insect repellent (30% DEET suggested); extra glasses or contact lenses; one or two one-litre water bottles; lockable luggage or duffel bag; additional, smaller lockable bag for items left behind in hotel; comfortable sport/running shoes for town and campsites; sleeping bag; concealed money/document carrier; pocket dictionary or phrasebook (Spanish-English); day pack; alarm clock or watch; torch or headlamp with extra batteries; heavy duty sealable plastic bags for keeping things dry inside pack and luggage.

Not necessary, but useful to bring: trail mix (very expensive in Peru); inflatable pillow for use on plane and while camping; telescoping ski/trekking poles; binoculars; collapsible umbrella; collapsible pad-chair; reading/writing material (lightweight); electrolyte replacement powder; transformer and/or adapter for appliances such as battery charger.

Please bring only a reasonable amount of each type of clothing.

Luggage
In order to ensure that you arrive in Peru with the most important necessities intact, we recommend that you wear your hiking boots on the planes, and make sure that money, credit cards, cameras, shoes, medications and all valuables are either on your person or in your carry-on luggage during your flights.

Recommended weight of luggage in the high Cordilleras in Huaraz is 46 lbs (20kg) maximum per person, this applies directly to the fact that we do not overload our donkeys and delay our stuff at campsites. Donkeys cannot carry more than 80 lbs (35 kg).