Huascaran National Park

National Park

V!VA User‘s Description

Established in July 1975, the spectacular Parque Nacional Huascarán is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and part of the World Heritage Trust. This area of intense natural beauty is located in the Ancash region near Huaraz, which is 404 kilometers northeast of Lima. The park—also referred to as the Huaraz Area, Cordillera Blanca, or Callejón de Huaylas—boasts such stunning mountain scenery as to be compared to the beauty of the Himalayas around Annapurna in Nepal. This region is unique, however, because it is home to Huascarán, Peru's highest peak and the world’s highest tropical mountain.

This 340,000 hectare garden of natural wonders encompasses all of the Cordillera Blanca above 4,000 meters (except for Nevado Champará), including more than 50 peaks exceeding 5,700 meters, and more than 300 lakes. Hulking mountains and massive glaciers dominate the terrain, which drops into a low valley where a variety of microclimates thrive. Inside the park, nearly 770 species of flora flourish, including the Puya raimondii, the largest bromeliad in the world. Meander through forests of endangered polylepis—the world's highest altitude trees—where you may encounter such endangered mammals as the Pampas Cat, Andean Cat, Spectacled Bear, and Hippocamelus. Birdwatchers can keep an eye out for more than 100 species of birds, including the torrent duck, and Kula. The lucky few may spot Andean condors soaring high above herds of vicuña and white tailed deer.

The park is also home to the 3,000 year old Chavín culture. The road to the enigmatic ruins of Chavín de Huántar tunnel through the lowest pass at 4, 450 meters, exposing travelers to spectacular mountain views. In the Callejón de Conchucos, a valley on the far side of the range, are a string of isolated villages whose inhabitants continue to follow traditional ways of life. These bastions of culture are linked by dirt roads only. Most of the inhabitants in this region live below the poverty line, subsisting on maize, quinoa, kiwicha grains, and a variety of potatoes and tubers.

The latest source of income in this region is providing burros to foreigners passing through. One of the park's aims is to raise the quality of life in the region by promoting sustainable tourism practices. Another corollary to the park's foundation is preservation of its flora, fauna, geology, and archaeological sites. The park charges a fee of $1.25 for a day visit (a small price to pay for a lifetime of natural beauty), and for visits up to seven days a permit of $20 is required. Permits can be purchased at the park office, located in the Ministry of Agriculture at the east end of Avenida Raymondi in Huaraz (open mornings only, telephone 722-086).

The roads winding through the Cordillera Blanca provide great access for day hikes, and it's recommended that you stay in any of the villages along Callejón de Huaylas, such as Huaraz, Carhuaz, and Caraz. From any of these villages you can catch a taxi, horse, or combi to your next destination, but be sure to plan for afternoon transportation. Agencies in Huaraz offer cheap day excursions to nearby sites, such as Pastoruri Glacier and Lagunas Llanganuco, and in most cases can pick you up at any one of the nearby towns. From April to November the climate is dry and conducive to walking, trekking, and climbing. From December to March the region is inundated with rain, and the hillsides spring to life with new plant growth. The most highly recommended time to visit is from May to June.

Another great launch spot to the park is the town of Chiclayo, with its views, multiple tour agencies, and lavish 21st century museums. Rates are similar to those in Huaraz for trekking, biking and climbing in the mountain range. The annual festival here is in late August with dances, parades, music and bullfights.

WARNING: Be alert to the threat of avalanches and mudslides before setting out to the mountains or taking trips in the area. Check locally to find out which areas should be avoided.

Traveler Reviews of Huascaran National Park

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By V!VA User, Nov 15, 2007