I met David in Chivay where we had the school and he was interpreter for some American’s catholic organisation. Primary our idea was to go to Hancayo but his parents convinced us to go to Huaraz. I felt a bit like Gandalf forcing Bilbo Bagins to take part in his first adventure outside his warm and well-known city

Huaraz lie in a valley between two mountain chains - Coldyliera Blanca that is always covered with snow and Coldyliera Negra that is never. It is 300km far from Lima to the North. Coldyriera Blanca offers many easy hiking paths, as well as more challenging way of outdoor activities. The most beautiful thing is that wherever you look you will see huge, white peaks.

We paid 40S/. for a night, cama bus from Lima. It was really exciting watching our bus climbing the narrow road. At 6 o’clock in the morning when the city was bringing back to life, Coldyliera Blanca was even better then I though.

Because of the altitude (3600 m) we were a bit tired. Even after four weeks in Chivay, that was the same high, I felt just like shit Fortunately we found hot springs just few kilometres from Huaraz in Monterey. On the place we had two possibilities. First was to use ordinary swimming pool with hot water. And second was to take private “poza” for 3,5 S/. Poza is just a big bath but is comfortable to have it just for yourself.

We spent that evening with David’s family who are guides and are organising high mountain expeditions. After a slide show I asked them how much it costs. So counting 4 people and one peak, they estimated all expenses on 4000 $ including everything. 1000$ is not too bad for such a adventure. Don’t forget you need to spend at least one week hiking to acclimatize.

If you want to try, here you have some contacts

Cosme Ramos Carranza
Guia de alta montania
cosme_alpinist@hotmail.com
tel. in Huaraz 421947