As our time is dwindling down, we had one last big “must do” on our list: hike in the Cordillera Blanca. As part of the Andes, the Cordillera Blanca has 22 mountain peaks that tower over 6000 meters (19,685ft). Everywhere you look you see white, snow capped mountains crammed together, separated only by dramatic valleys, lagoons, waterfalls, and hot springs. We stationed ourselves in Huaraz to further investigate the trekking options in the area which range from 1 day hikes to week long ventures. We decided on the Santa Cruz Trek which is one of the most popular, for a total of 4 days hiking and 3 nights in a tent. We by-passed the tour groups and instead rented all the gear we would need for the adventure: a tent, sleeping bags and mats, camp stove, cooking pot, plates/bowls, heavy jackets, and hiking sticks. Add in 4 days worth of food and our bags were cramped to the gill....well let's be honest, Rich's bag was crammed.
The first day was a relatively easy 5 hour walk to the campsite, where we got the first look at some snow as the clouds drifted around the mountains. We woke up before dawn the 2nd day to start our hardest day, hiking 900 meters up in elevation (2,952ft) over the pass and into another valley. The hike up was challenging because of the packs, but our work was well rewarded when we crossed over the pass and saw the steep valley below, surround by enormous mountains on each side. The 3rd and 4th days were a breeze as we continued to walk down the valley, passing beautiful lagoons and crazy high waterfalls. 
We were fortunate enough to have pretty good weather as we are still in the end of rainy season here. Although it rained almost every night, we were able to at least get our tent up, and usually get dinner made before getting soaked. And although we may have missed seeing all of the mountains in their glory at one time, we were ecstatic to see them individually as they would occasionally peak out from the almost permanent shroud of clouds. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and one we are both eager to repeat again when we get the opportunity.
4 comments:
Yayyyyy! This sounds incredible. I wouldve loved to be up there with you two! I went for a hike today, although only 2.1 miles, up to "Fragrance I saw my favorite flowering in bloom for the first time this year. It was beautiful. We watched the sun go down over the islands. It is Ahmrees 3 birthday tomorrow, May 1. I am so glad to hear you loved the trip!
Sounds like a great excursion!!! It is now May and you guys have passed the 400 day mark... Counting down the days to the end of your great trip must be hard but I for one (and I know there are many others) am excited about your return... Love DAD
Are you counting the days yet? We are and are excited to think you are returning this month. As has been the case your whole trip the pictures have been fantastic and the blogs so well written. Can hardly wait to see you. Stay safe, healthy until we see you . Lots of love, pray for you daily. Grandpa n Grandma C
Really gorgeous photos! Brings back a lot of memories of our cross country trip and living/climbing in Colorado. Although the mountains are much different. LOVE the photos of the mountain lake. What an amazing color blue!
See you soon!
Lots of love,
Aunt Deere
XO
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