Huaraz

I finally got to go rock climbing!!! After being sourrounded by mountains down here in South America, I was dying to go climbing. I went to a town called Huaraz, about 8 hours north of Lima. It is located among the Cordilleras Blanca which I heard was the ¨Swiss Alps¨of South America. It is the highest mountain range in the world outside of the Himalyas. I only went for a few days to take care of my climbing fix, but to really appreciate this area you would need more time. There are tons of climbing, mountaineering, trekking, ice climbing, and big wall action type of activities you can do here.

The guy that ran the hostel I stayed in in Lima, gave me the name of a good climbing company and a good hostel to stay in in Huaraz. I hired a guide with Monttrek for about $22 a day including gear rental and transportation. His name was Ronald. He also brought his friend, Ronald also, and his dog. I think the dog´s name was Vanna or Danna. Not sure.

The first day, we went to an area called Chancos, near Marcara. It seemed to be the place that all the guides took first time climbers. There were 8 climbs there, single pitches. Most of it was pretty easy. Even the dog climbed.

The next day we went to a wall called Los Olivos. This area had much more harder rated climbs. The hike was pretty nice and the view from the crag was beautiful. My guide forgot his harness though. He just made one with rope. Yikes.

This is me at the crux (el crux in spanish) of one of the climbs. I don´t know exactly what scale they use in Peru. He said it was an 8 in whatever scale they use. It felt like a hard 5.10c in Yosemite ratings. But I´m no sure. I haven´t climbed in a while and was pretty wiped out quickly. I blame the altitude.

Here is the main plaza in Huaraz, and the view of the town from the hostal. Notice the snow capped mountains in the background.