Huaraz, north of Lima, is the capital of Peru’s Ancash department and a great base for trekking the Andes Mountains.
Ancash has many peaks over 6,000 metres’ elevation including Peru’s tallest mountain, at 6,768 metres, Huascarán. In May 2017 I was keen on hiking and seeing amazing landscapes. I wasn’t getting too high though, after previously experiencing altitude sickness twice above 5,000 metres.
While visiting Huaraz I hiked Laguna Wicacocha and Laguna 69. For more serious trekkers, the region has many multi-day options including the classic Santa Cruz trek.
Following are my favourite photos of Huaraz and surrounds.
Laguna Wicacocha
South of Huaraz, the hike to 3,750 metre high Laguna Wicocha is a great half-day outing and altitude-acclimatiser. As a bonus, the views are fantastic.
Worker riding tricycle with trailer next to Laguna Wilcacocha and in front of snow-capped mountains