Central Peruvian Andes Things to See and Do

Planning your trek

Most people venture to the Central Andes with one thing in mind: getting out into the countryside and up into the mountains. There are several agencies (especially in Huaraz) offering a variety of trekking itineraries. Signing up for a trip through one of these agencies is an easy way to hit the trails.

Most companies will take care of the nitty-gritty details like transport, food, lodging, porters, horsemen, cooks and local guides, leaving you time to contemplate the area’s sublime beauty (and perhaps concentrate on making it up to the next pass). Larger groups can custom-design a trip and contract an agency to take care of the trip’s logistical details. When choosing an agency it is important to focus on reputable, rather than cheap companies. Booking a trek after arriving in the Central Andes will usually mean a better price than if you book in advance. A private trekking or climbing guide can be hired from the Casa de Guías in Huaraz for around $50 per day (see below for details).

For detailed topographic and general maps of the area, head to the South American Explorers Club in Lima (Ca. Piura 135, Miraflores. Tel: 444-2150, E-mail: limaclub@saexplorers.org, URL: www.saexplorers.org ). Most guide agencies in Huaraz sell maps and guidebooks. In Huaraz, Café Andino (Jr. Lucar y Torre 530) and Casa de Guías (Parque Ginebra 28. Tel: 471-811, E-mail: informes@casadeguias.com.pe, URL: www.casadeguias.com.pe) are also excellent places to find climbing and trekking information

Other Activity pages in Central Peruvian Andes that may be of interest: Central Peruvian Andes Activities, Caraz Activities, Huaraz Activities and Yungay Activities.