Overview

The city of Huaraz is located in the Santa Rio Valley, and is surrounded by the Cordilleras Blanca, Negra and Huayhuash. Because of its location, this area has become the stomping grounds for hikers, backpackers and mountaineers from all over the world.

Huaraz, like most Peruvian towns, surrounds a central plaza, the Plaza de Armas. Avenida Luzuriaga, the main throughfare of the city, runs along the western side of the Plaza. Here you'll find tour companies, restaurants, shops, street vendors and hostels. The town spreads east and west away from Av. Luzuriaga.

To help protect and conserve the region's spectacular mountain landscape and culture, the Parque Nacional Huarscaran was established in 1975. It encompasses all of the Cordillera Blanca above 4000 meters -- some 3400 square kilometers. The current S/.65 ($18.50) multiple day park fee, while affordable to the international tourist, is well beyond the reach of the average Peruvian. If you hike in the park you will see few if any locals, especially deep in the range.

Overview

Peru is located on the west coast of South America just south of the Equator. Peru is a developing nation, and a wide range of tourist facilities and services are available.

Getting There

Flights

We planned originally to fly to Lima, and then bus it to Huaraz and use that as our base.

Most tickets were $1000+ from Pittsburgh. Flying out of Philly midweek is significantly cheaper, and 2+ stops on the flight (yea, yea, pain in the ass) is cheaper still.

Currently there is no regular air service or passenger trains that service the Huaraz area.

Buses

Lima to Huaraz typically takes 7 to 8 hours on a bus.

Most South American buses are clean, and efficient. The most reliable bus companies, run full charter buses with reclining chairs (bus camas), video monitors and come with undercarriage luggage space. Some buses serve on-route snacks and have a restroom in the back. It is always advisable to check and see that the bus you are taking is direct. Those that are not direct, which are usually the cheaper bus companies, often stop and pick up passengers along the road. Bus robberies are not unheard of, and there have been cases of groups of people entering full buses and robbing everyone on board. Avoid this experience by paying a little more and taking direct buses.