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We journied to Huaraz on Monday morning in a very posh coach, complete with DVDs, air conditioning and club class style seats (not exactly traveller´s roughing it). As it happened the air conditioning clapped out after an hour so we sweated the rest of the 8-hour journey in the baking heat all the way to Huaraz. The coach bravely climbed the mountain side over a 4000m+ pass before descending into Huaraz in the valley below the looming Cordillera Blanca. The journey took in some stunning views of crystal clear lakes, rolling hills and we also saw our first llamas of the journey.
When we arrived in Huaraz we were greeted by several expedition companies and reps all offering their wares. We followed a guy called Aldo who showed us to the Hotel Galaxia which, despite having no other guests, is actually quite comfortable, has a great view of the surrounding mountains and at only 30 /s a night (5 pounds) is an absolute bargain. We´re staying in the matrimonial suite (don´t laugh), it does the job, it´s large, central and we get a nice brekkie on the rooftop.
The Huaraz area is best known for its various adventure sports
- ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking, river running and mountain biking. We decided to give the biking a go yesterday and were guided by a cool Peruvian called Julio across single track paths at over 4000m high. Both of us didn´t realise how difficult it would be to go uphill at such a high altitude and also to get to grips with the muddy tracks, puddles, and loose rocks underneath the tyres. Of course, Laura ended up getting stuck in muddy puddles, falling over, getting covered in cowpats and generally bruising herself (pictures provided later) like the clutz she is. All OK though. We did a fast descent down to the valley bottom whilst being chased by perros (dogs) at almost every house we passed. Julio advised us
just give them a kick if they get too close....that´s the only way they learn
, rather you than me mate!! Eventually when we reached Huaraz, Tommy decided he no longer needed guidance and went his own way - that´s one interpretation anyway. We were all safely reunited in the end.
Today we are sunbathing on the hotel rooftop, doing some general "travelling maintenance" i.e. Laura´s washing clothes and obviously blogging. Basically our asses are saddle sore and we are still feeling the burn in our legs
Mountains
Huascaran (we think)from the ride - as Laura said to me this morning
it is probably 2 years since we last did any really strenuous exercise
. Despite the pain we are not put off yet and have organised a one-day trek to the lakes below the foot of Mount Huascaran Peru´s largest peak at just under 7000m.
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Ramage
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Wablo hombres
Looks awesome, looks like you're having a great time ... we had our first hot day here, must have been 28 i reckons. Also you'll be pleased to hear i got a bout of viral gastroenteritis in Spain .. so keep an eye out on the Andean hygiene standards so you don't suffer a similar fate. Over it now, so was able to enjoy a coconut gelato after work whilst strolling to cast my vote. L8r peeps.