Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Numerous outfits can prearrange entire trips so that all you need to do is show up at the
right place at the right time. Many experienced backpackers go camping, hiking and
climbing in the mountains without any local help and you can too if you have the experi-
ence. Just remember, though, that carrying a backpack full of gear over a 4800m pass re-
quires much more effort than hiking at low altitudes. See Trekking & Mountaineering (
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)
in the Cordilleras section for more information.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is one of the Cordillera Blanca's biggest pastimes. Avid climbers will find
some gnarly bolted sport climbs, particularly at Chancos, Recuay (
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)
and Hatun
Machay (
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)
. For some big-wall action that will keep you chalked up for days,
head to the famous Torre de Parón (
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)
, known locally as the Sphinx. Most
trekking tour agencies offer climbing trips, both for beginners and advanced, as part of
their repertoire. Many also rent gear and with a bit of legwork and some information gath-
ering you could easily arrange your own do-it-yourself climbing expedition. In Huaraz,
Galaxia Expeditions and Monttrek have indoor
rócodromos
(climbing or bouldering
walls).
Ice Climbing
With enough glaciers to sink your ice axe into for the rest of your life, the Cordillera
Blanca is a frozen heaven for folks who want to learn ice climbing or attack new peaks
and heights. Since many summits require a degree of technical know-how, ice climbing is
a big activity in the Cordillera, and many tour and trekking operators can arrange excur-
sions, equipment rental and lessons. The best trekking agencies, listed under Tours &
Guides (
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)
, have years of experience with ice climbing and safe equipment. In
Parque Nacional Huascarán (
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)
a certified guide is required.
TREMORS & LANDSLIDES
Records of aluviones, a deadly mix of avalanche, waterfall and landslide, date back almost 300 years, but three re-
cent ones have caused particular devastation.
The first occurred in 1941, when an avalanche in the Cojup Valley, west of Huaraz, caused the Laguna Palcaco-
cha to break its banks and flow down onto Huaraz, killing about 5000 inhabitants and flattening the city. Then, in
1962, a huge avalanche from Huascarán roared down its western slopes and destroyed the town of Ranrahirca,
killing about 4000 people.
