Huaraz

Monday 9th May 2011

My bus from La Union arrived into Huaraz about 16:30.

I checked into ´Aldos Guest House´(30 Sols per night) and later went to an agency so see what there is to do around Huaraz (which seems to be quite a bit!) I decided to book myself on a tour for tomorrow and spent the rest of the evening walking around town.

More festival celebrations in Huaraz:

Tuesday 10th May 2011

I took a day tour to Lagunas Llanganuco (which passed through some small local towns such as Monterrey, Caraz, & Carhuaz).  More amazing scenery in the countryside around Huaraz.

The main sight of the tour was the Chinancocha Laguna which is a beautiful lake in the mountains.

Some friends from Lima I met on the tour:

We spent some time there before making our way back to Huaraz but first we stopped off in the town of Yungay (the original town was destroyed in 1970 by an avalanche and the entire 18,000 people in the town were killed in seconds). We got an opportunity to visit the ceremonial graveyard and temple.

There were numerous other day trips I wished I could have gone on from Huaraz, but I didnt have the time. Huaraz is also the starting point for alot of backpackers to go trekking in the Cordillera Blanca mountains (usually 4-5 day treks), but I only stayed a few nights in Huaraz as I wanted to get north as soon as I could.

Wednesday 11th May 2011

Alot of walking today. I got up early and walked all around Huaraz taking photos. I visisted the Archaelogical and Etnography Museum in the morning

... and later walked through the city centre taking photos

... and went to Jiron Jose Olaya street to see the old buildings which is the only street still intact from before the city of Huaraz was levelled in an earthquake.

I then continued on walking up to the Mirador de Retaqenua which has fantastic views over the city.

All day I came across so many processions of music and dancing throughout the town but as I was making my way back from the Mirador back into town I came across loads of traditional processions gathering around the plaza. I stayed here for a few hours watching the parades, the music and the traditional costumes.

Later that evening I met a German backpacker (Sebastian) and we decided to meet up later for a few beers in ´Extreme Bar´. Went on to a club later so it turned out to be a very late night .. but great fun.

Thursday 12th May 2011

I took a walk north of Huaraz and then caught a bus out to Wilkahuain (about 8km north of Huaraz) in the afternoon to see the small ruins, temple and also the museum.

The weather wasnt the best so I didnt stay too long before heading back into Huaraz. I went to the bus station and booked myself on an overnight bus leaving at 21:00 heading north to Trujillo (315 km, 9 hours).