Recreation

From trekking [1] to biking [2] to experiential tourism [3], the options for activity in Huaraz [4] are diverse. And there are a number of ways to organize each activity. You can arrange details from abroad, which is preferable if you plan to do popular treks during peak season. Or you can arrive in Huaraz and make arrangements then. This option is more complicated during peak season.

Regardless, an invaluable resource, once in Huaraz [4], is the Casa de Guías (Parque Ginebra 28-G, tel. 043/42-7545, www.casadeguias.com.pe [5], 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–8 p.m. Mon.–Sat., open Sun. during high season). As the Mountain Guide Association of Peru, the Casa de Guías trains and certifies guides according to international standards, provides contact to Huaraz’s certified mountain guides, and helps with trip planning.

In its office, you can find maps, route information, weather forecasts, and snow condition reports. Here, you can also make contacts with certified guides, who can lead almost any trip imaginable; less expensive guides-in-training (aspirantes), a good choice for non-technical routes; and porters, arrieros (muleteers), and cooks.

For safety, and because of the technical demands of many of Huaraz [4]’s climbs, it is essential to work with a certified mountain guide and to give yourself a couple of days to acclimatize. Remember that Huaraz is at 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) and the mountains above are much, much higher; altitude sickness is a common problem. All the companies listed in this travel guide work with certified guides and can recommend acclimatization hikes.

For trips during high season, these companies should be contacted a month or two in advance. If you are planning your trip independently, you can verify your guide’s legitimacy by asking to see his official Mountain Guide Association identification card. Beware because there are many fly-by-night agencies.