Welcome to Huaraz: Back In The Andes For One Last Push!

The city of Huraz, unspectacular, although it would be difficult to build a city that wouldn't be overshadowed by the beauty of the massive snowcapped mountains ringing it.

          Don't get me wrong, I love Lima. Its a great city full of incredible food, interesting little neighborhoods, and it pulses with a vibrant Pacific Latino culture. After several weeks in the chilly winds of the high Andes, I decided that I was going to spend my last two weeks there relaxing by the beach and taking it easy. Then I remembered. I HATE relaxing! Its so... boring.
          So I packed up and headed to Huaraz, about 8 hours north by bus. This little town is a global trekking and climbing hub, containing the Cordillera Blanca stretch of the Andes (home to 33 major peaks over 5,500m and 260 glaciers). Most of these peaks are extremely technical, and require the correct season for ascent (not the rainy season that Peru is currently in the midst of). I wasn't quite sure about what I specifically wanted to do once I got to Huaraz, but I knew it involved mountains and walking.
           My bus arrived in the sleepy grasp of early Sunday morning. Most of the shops were closed, and there was very little activity as I explored. The town itself has almost no historically significant buildings since a massive earthquake leveled the town and killed tens of thousands in the 1970's. As a result, the squat little town is composed almost entirely of terribly rendered modern architecture. I have to admit though, any town would be hard pressed to compliment the incredible beauty of the surrounding snowcapped peaks. Thankfully, I got the information I needed to make a decision on my choice of mountain activities the first day, making my Huaraz stop over blissfully short.
        I decided to head out to the famous Lake 69, about an hour and a half outside the city, then combine that trip with the Santa Cruz trek through a short section of the mountains in the area. With a day at Lake 69, and an estimated 3-4 days needed for the Santa Cruz trek, this seemed to be the perfect way to fill my remaining time in Peru! So I re-packed my bags, mentally got myself prepped for a few exhausting days at high altitude and went to sleep early... I had some long days ahead!

Some more of the tropical glaciers that stand watch over the little valley.

I ran into some really incredible street art... Its amazing to me that people dedicate their time and effort to make a mural like this that is free for the public to enjoy. That really makes it that much more special and moving.

More great street art near the downtown area.

El Gato.

El Perro. This little dog caught my attention when I caught sight of his eyes. They are pure blue, shocking eyes... this picture really doesn't do it justice.

Clouds swirl around the tall peaks across the valley.

A sunset lights up the mountains in beautiful ways!