Family Adventure in the Heart of the Andes: Exploring Huascaran National Park

A Day of Remembrance and Awe

Today was a day of profound reflection and breathtaking beauty. From the somber grounds of Campo Santo in Yungay to the majestic presence of Huascarán, I experienced the duality of life's fragility and nature's enduring grandeur. It’s a day that has left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me of the importance of cherishing every moment and honoring those who came before us.


Experience the serene beauty and historical significance of CampoSanto Yungay, a unique park in Yungay, Peru.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Chilli Heaven. I must admit, finding a place with familiar flavors always brings a sense of comfort when you're far from home. While the menu was primarily in English, we managed to order some delicious fajitas and curry. Lila especially enjoyed the chicken curry, though it had a bit of a kick! It reminded me of the flavorful spices we use in Ethiopian cuisine, a little taste of home away from home. I was a bit surprised to see a 'cerveza de coca' on the menu, but decided to stick to a mango juice.


Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Indian cuisine at Chilli Heaven in Huaraz – a culinary haven for food lovers.

Fueled up, we set out to visit Campo Santo in Yungay. The drive itself was stunning, with the Cordillera Blanca looming in the distance. As we approached Yungay, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt heavy with unspoken stories. Campo Santo, the site of the old city of Yungay, stands as a poignant memorial to the devastating 1970 earthquake and subsequent landslide that buried the town and its inhabitants.

Walking through the grounds, now a giant cemetery, was a deeply moving experience. All that remains of the old city are a few remnants – a section of a church, some barely standing walls, and four palm trees, all witnesses to the immense tragedy. The most striking feature is the Cristo Redentor, a statue of Christ with open arms, watching over the graves of the buried city. It's a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

It's hard to imagine the vibrant city that once stood here, nestled in the heart of the Callejón de Huaylas, known for its beautiful landscapes and the majestic Huascarán. To think that in a matter of minutes, it was all gone, erased by the forces of nature. The sheer scale of the disaster is difficult to comprehend, with thousands of tons of mud and rock burying everything in its path.


Explore Huascarán, Peru's highest peak, featuring stunning glaciers, diverse wildlife, and unparalleled outdoor adventures in the majestic Andes.

Visiting Campo Santo is a humbling reminder of the power of nature and the importance of remembering those who have been lost.

After paying our respects at Campo Santo, we drove towards Huascarán National Park itself. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing most of the Cordillera Blanca. As we ascended, the landscape transformed into a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and deep valleys. October in Huascarán means moderately chilly and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 17°C. We were well-prepared with warm clothing, but I was glad I had also packed a raincoat, as there was an 87% chance of rain.

Huascarán, the mountain itself, is the highest in Peru and the highest tropical mountain in the world, standing at a staggering 6,768 meters above sea level. Just seeing it towering in the distance filled me with a sense of awe and respect. The park is home to over 900 species of flora and 200 species of fauna, including the Queen of the Andes, spectacled bears, condors, and vicuñas. While we didn't spot any bears or condors today, the vibrant plant life and the occasional vizcacha scurrying across the rocks kept us entertained.

The park offers a plethora of activities, from trekking and mountain biking to ice climbing and skiing. With Lila in tow, we opted for a leisurely hike, soaking in the stunning views and taking countless photos. I made sure to capture the moment with my camera, though I realized I had forgotten to pack extra batteries! Thankfully, Hans-Peter had his phone to capture some memories as well.

For lunch, we stopped at El Fogón in Huaraz. This restaurant is known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We enjoyed a hearty meal of lomo saltado and sopa criolla, both bursting with flavor. Lila was a big fan of the 'tequeños de queso'. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable. It was the perfect way to refuel after our morning of exploration.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at El Fogón in Huaraz - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to try Kuya Kuya Coctelería Profesional Novoandina for a drink. This place is known for its innovative cocktails made with local fruits. I opted for a 'cremosos' cocktail, while Hans-Peter tried one of their 'refrescantes' options. Lila, of course, had a non-alcoholic fruit concoction that she declared was the best drink ever! It was a fun way to end the day, experiencing the local flavors in a unique and creative setting.


Discover the vibrant fusion of Andean flavors and modern mixology at Kuya Kuya Coctelería Profesional Novoandina in Huaraz.

For dinner, we chose Wayta - El Chef Andino. This restaurant is highly recommended for its beautifully presented dishes that blend traditional Peruvian flavors with modern twists. The sopa criolla and lomo saltado were a hit. The service was attentive, and the staff was friendly. It was a delightful culinary experience that truly showcased the best of Andean cuisine.


Discover the essence of Peruvian cuisine at Wayta - El Chef Andino in Huaraz, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and history of this region, gratitude for the reminder of life's fragility, and gratitude for the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Quebrada de Llanganuco and Mirador de la Cordillera Blanca. I'm excited to see more of this stunning landscape and to create more lasting memories with my family. I'm also hoping to find a 'REGALOS Y DETALLES EL CHINITO' to buy some souvenirs.

Until then, goodnight from Huaraz. May your dreams be filled with the majestic beauty of the Andes.