Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Need to Know
BEFORE BOOKING
Ask your outfitter about quality of tents, the food served,
emergency planning and if national park fees are included.
For further coverage,
The Cordilleras Don't Miss
List
BY BRAD JOHNSON, AUTHOR OF
CLASSIC CLIMBS OF THE CORDILLERA
BLANCA, PERU
AND THE MAN BEHIND THE CLIMBING SITE,
1 MOUNTAIN BIKE AROUND HUARAZ
I highly recommend a ride with Julio Olaza of Mountain Bike Adventures (
Click here
), the first guy to do this in the area. He speaks English, has a good sense of humor and
he does a great day trip that takes you to the Cordillera Negra. You'll ride a single-
track trail that has views of the Cordillera Blanca in the distance.
2 SANTA CRUZ TREK
If you only have five days available for trekking, this is the best trip to do (
Click here
). To start with, the drive to the drop-off point is beautiful: you'll get marvelous views
of Huascarán (6768m), the highest peak in Peru. Once on the trek you'll see incredible
valleys, local hamlets and seven peaks over 6000m - including Alpamayo, one of the
country's most famous.
3 CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH
If you've got 10 days for trekking, then I recommend the complete Cordillera Huay-
huash Circuit (
Click here
). I've been in Nepal, Kilimanjaro and China, and this rivals
any other trek in the world. Every day you're beneath peaks that are 6000m. It's got a
wild feeling and there are lakes where you camp. Plus, you often see condors.
