Huaraz: The "Swiss Alps" of Peru

After the all the ruins of Cusco and the gorgeous mountain hiking in the region, we went back to Lima for some food (and laundry) before we went on an 8 hour bus ride to Huaraz, Peru. We had heard of this mountain village from the family we stayed with in Ecuador. It is a city in the Cordillera Blanca which is a mountain range in Peru that is all snow capped, it is also nicknamed the 'Switzerland of Peru' which is pretty true. The town itself is small and not very touristy (yet) and surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains.

We took the first few days to make sure we were still good with the altitude as Huaraz sits at ~3,000m (~10,000 ft) and take a few little hikes. The first hike we did was up to Lake Wilcacocha, about 15 minute drive from town and ~3.5 hr round trip hike. The lake itself is small and not very impressive but it offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains, and as a bonus we made lots of dog friends on the top when we picnic'd!!

Views from Laguna Wilcacocha

One of our few furry friends contemplating the universe with us

Using that little hike as a warm up, we set off with a guide and group to do the Santa Cruz hike, a 4 day/3 night, 50 km (31 mile) hike through the Cordillera Blanca. It is one of the most heavily hiked routes in the area. This hike was a bit harder (longer days, higher elevation, etc.) than our Lares trek and not as glamping, but was gorgeous! We hiked past glaciers, saw a glacier lake at the top, and saw the mountain that is known as the "Paramount Mountain" (the one used in the logo). At the end of the hike, much to our surprise, the tour took us to thermal baths where we could soak our sore legs!