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

A Tunnel to the Sky

Today was a day of incredible heights and unforgettable sights as we ventured deeper into the Cordillera Blanca. It’s amazing how each day here seems to outdo the last, revealing even more of Peru’s stunning natural beauty. I’m so glad I get to share these experiences with Hans-Peter and Lila – creating memories that I know we’ll cherish forever.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Jose Olaya in Huaraz. It was a cozy little spot, perfect for fueling up before a day of exploration. Lila was particularly excited, bouncing in her seat as she devoured her pancakes. Even Hans-Peter, who usually prefers a lighter breakfast, enjoyed the traditional Peruvian coffee. It's these simple moments, sharing a meal and anticipating the day ahead, that really solidify our bond as a family.

After breakfast, we set off towards our main destination: the Túnel Punta Olímpica. The drive itself was an experience, winding through the mountains with breathtaking views at every turn. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of the Andes. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the sheer scale of the landscape around us. It reminded me of the vastness of the Simien Mountains back home in Ethiopia, yet distinctly Peruvian in its character. The colors of the landscape were muted in the morning light, but the grandeur was not lost.

As we approached the tunnel, the anticipation grew. I had read about the Túnel Punta Olímpica, the highest road tunnel in the Americas. But nothing could have prepared me for the reality of it. The tunnel entrance seemed to pierce directly into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, a gateway to another world. It was constructed between 2012 and 2013, and is over a kilometer long. The mountain was named Punta Olímpica in honor of the Peruvian soccer team's victory at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys are those that take us through the very heart of the mountains.

Driving through the Túnel Punta Olímpica was surreal. The darkness of the tunnel contrasted sharply with the bright sunlight outside, creating a disorienting but exhilarating sensation. Emerging on the other side, we were greeted by a panorama of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys. The Cordillera Blanca stretched out before us in all its glory, a majestic tapestry of rock, ice, and sky. The air was noticeably thinner here, a reminder of the altitude, but the views were more than worth the slight shortness of breath.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage of the Cordillera Blanca, a must-visit destination in Peru for every traveler.

We spent the afternoon exploring the Cordillera Blanca, stopping at various viewpoints to soak in the scenery. Lila was fascinated by the towering peaks, peppering us with questions about their names and heights. Hans-Peter, ever the engineer, was impressed by the feat of engineering that the Túnel Punta Olímpica represented. For me, it was a moment of profound connection with nature, a reminder of the earth’s power and beauty. I tried to capture the views with my camera, but no photograph could truly do justice to the experience.

For lunch, we stopped at Callejón restaurante Huaraz, a charming spot with traditional Peruvian cuisine. We enjoyed a delicious meal of *aji de gallina* and *trucha frita*, savoring the flavors of the region. Lila, surprisingly, loved the *aji de gallina*, even though it was a bit spicy for her. It’s wonderful to see her embracing new tastes and experiences with such enthusiasm. I made sure to remember the recipes so I could try to recreate the dishes back in Munich, sharing a little piece of Peru with our friends there.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to Huaraz. For dinner, we decided on Mi Comedia - Pizzeria, a cozy pizzeria that came highly recommended. After a day of Peruvian cuisine, we were all in the mood for something a little different. The pizza was delicious, cooked in a wood-fired oven, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

Before heading back to our campsite, we decided to stop at Killa bar for a nightcap. The bar had a lively atmosphere, with locals and tourists mingling and enjoying the evening. I ordered a *pisco sour*, while Hans-Peter opted for a local beer. Lila, of course, had a juice. We sat and chatted, recounting the highlights of the day and making plans for tomorrow. Killa Bar had a singular ambience. Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of the Huascarán Park. I’m particularly excited about visiting Parque Nacional Huascarán, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It seems like every corner of this park holds a new wonder, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Huascaran National Park has exceeded all of my expectations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Sharing this experience with my family makes it all the more special. I am also grateful that the altitude has not been too challenging for Lila. I was a little nervous about that, but she has proven to be quite the little mountain climber!

I am also grateful for having remembered to pack my hiking boots. However, I do wish I had remembered that extra battery pack for my camera. I´ll need to make sure it is replaced in Huaraz, so I can continue to capture all these stunning views. And I really wish I had packed a more comprehensive first-aid kit.

I am looking forward to tomorrow, and I hope that the weather will be as good as it was today! Good night from Huaraz!