Huaraz

This was our basecamp town for two and a half weeks of trekking (the Cojup Valley, Laguna Churup) and climbing (Ishinca) in the Cordillera Blanca. The town itself isn’t exactly architecturally stunning, having been demolished in an earthquake around 25 years ago, but the restaurants and bars and people make up for that. We had a great time and would love to go back.

Anchash is a beautiful spot in this world. while there, we went with friends to Huaraz and rented a van with a tour guide. Went everywhere, saw everything. Did some walking in the high altitudes. I would recommend not bending too much to look at the flowers that cover the floor, my head started spinning with so much bending. Loved the lakes, the animals, the people, their food. Food is very reasonably priced. Cheap! We saw Chavin the Huantar, ancient ruins pre-Inca. There is something that has stuck with me. Their main square is built with multiples of 7, they gazed the universe in Chavin the Huantar, there is something mystical about it. The scenery is so pleasant. I would go again.

In Ancash the skii as they have perpetual snow. I have never gone there but would like to go just to watch someday.

To cut several hours off my trip, I took a smaller, much cheaper bus from Chimbote to Huaraz.

INSANE. The first three hours, I wanted the bus to break down so I could beat the piss out of the driver without causing an accident. Afterward, he slowed down and I was happy that he cut so much time off the trip.

We were on single-track mud roads with 0 guard rails and dropoffs of thousands of feet in the Andes mountains. It was amazingly frightening at 3.00 am.

We stopped for a pee break at 14,000 ft. in the middle of the night.

Huaraz is a great town, I highly recommend a visit there. Take the MovilTours bus from Chimbote or Trujillo or Lima. Very comfortable and sane.

In my opinion this is one of the best and most popular centres of the 20 Bruce Peru now has in Peru, where volunteers help very poor children with education, nutrition, medical and psychological needs, plus clothes.
Come see for yourself: http://volunteerhuaraz.com