Huaraz high

We were more than ready to get out of the big city after our first day there. Luke had recommended that we dodge the regular tourist route and visit Huaraz, a maintain adventure town in the middle of the Cordilleras Blanca. Our overnight bus turned into the sleepy town just as dawn was coming up over the snow capped peaks of the razor sharp Cordilleras. 

We checked into our hostel, Albergue Churup, (thanks for the tip, Luke!!) And were shown to our room despite the early hour. After showers and a brief nap, we headed into town for breakfast and hiking info. It turned out that most of the tours had already left by 9:30, so we were on our own. Our hostess recommended a hike to a lake, so we said why not, jumped into a beater Camry wagon labeled "taxi," and rattled off to the trailhead. 

The hike started above 10,000ft and went up from there. It was breathtaking in every sense of the word. Jone brought along a really great camera- all the photos are hers unless labeled otherwise!

Obligatory "camera on a rock" shot

Stone and adobe walled wheat field (photo by Becca)

 

Our Québécoise friend we joined for the hike down

 We were faster than we expected on the hike, so instead of taking a taxi back into town (S/30, $10) we caught a colectivo for $0.30. The rest of the day and next morning was full of relaxing and exploring Huaraz. After all, we were technically on vacation...