Huarez, Peru

Huarez, a city surrounded by beautiful mountains including the picture perfect Artesonraju mountain, rumored to be the Paramount Pictures live-action logo! After the 14 hour bus ride, we unfortunately had another 3 long hours through winding, narrow roads up to the city. Our first night we visited the Sierra Andina brewery which is operated by a former Steamboat Springs local (what a small world!). The next day our tour company picked us up at 6 am to head to the Parque Nacional Huascaran. There we embarked on one of the most beautiful hikes in the Cordillera Blanca; Laguna 69. The hike was about 12km round trip starting at 12,500 ft elevation and ending at 15,000 ft. Once we reached to top we were rewarded with the lakes stunning pristine blue color sitting at the foot of the mighty Mount Chacraraju.

During the hike we experienced all types of weather; rain, sun and snow. The altitude definitely was a factor at 15,000 ft but we managed to fight through the lack of oxygen. We only spent two nights in Huarez and quickly hoped on a bus to Lima on Monday morning. So much to see in so little time!

Some cool Church in Huarez

                                                                    The brewery

                                                  The first blue lake before the hike.

                                                                           At the top!

                                                              Moooooo to the waterfall!

                                                                   Queen of the world!

Huarez