Family Adventure in the Heart of Huaraz, Peru

Embracing the Majesty of Huascarán

Today was nothing short of spectacular as we ventured into the heart of Parque Nacional Huascarán. The sheer scale of the landscape, with its towering peaks and expansive valleys, left us in awe. It’s a place where you truly feel humbled by nature’s grandeur, and I couldn’t wait to share this experience with Olivia and Ethan.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La Casita del Mago. The cozy atmosphere and delicious Peruvian coffee were the perfect start to fuel our adventure. Ethan, of course, was thrilled with his pancakes, and Olivia and I enjoyed some traditional Andean bread with avocado. It's these simple moments, sharing a meal and preparing for the day, that I cherish most when we travel as a family.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine in a magical setting at La Casita del Mago in Huaraz - where every meal tells a story.
With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set off towards Parque Nacional Huascarán. The drive itself was an experience, with winding roads offering breathtaking views at every turn. As we ascended, the landscape transformed, revealing snow-capped peaks in the distance. I had checked the weather forecast, and thankfully, September in Huascarán National Park is moderately chilly and breezy, with average highs around 62°F (17°C) and lows around 37°F (3°C). So we made sure to dress in layers, as advised, to stay comfortable throughout the day.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Parque Nacional Huascarán, Peru's stunning national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Once inside the park, we were immediately struck by the incredible biodiversity. The park spans across several provinces, showcasing a range of landscapes from rugged mountains to serene lakes. We decided to take a moderate hiking trail, one that was suitable for Ethan, and immersed ourselves in the natural beauty. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the occasional bird call.

The mountains are calling and I must go. - John Muir

We paused frequently to take photos, trying to capture the immensity of the surroundings. Ethan was particularly fascinated by the unique flora and fauna, pointing out different types of plants and asking endless questions about the local wildlife. I tried my best to answer, drawing from my travel guidebook and a few quick searches on my phone (I really need to remember that portable charger next time!).

Around midday, we stopped for lunch at D’Dos Restaurant in Huaraz. It was a welcome break, and we were all eager to try some authentic Peruvian cuisine. Olivia opted for a traditional chicken dish, while Ethan and I shared a hearty plate of *lomo saltado*. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous – exactly what we needed to refuel for the afternoon. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service added to the overall experience.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at D’Dos Restaurant in Huaraz, where every dish tells a story.
After lunch, we continued our exploration of the park, venturing towards one of the many stunning viewpoints. The panoramic vistas were simply incredible, with snow-capped mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the lakes below. It was a moment of pure serenity, and I felt grateful to be sharing it with my family. I am really happy that Olivia suggested we come here, it is a welcome change from my usual destinations.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to start making our way back to Huaraz. Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Gatos ropa y accesorios de aventura/souvenirs. I wanted to pick up a few mementos of our trip, and Ethan was keen on finding a small souvenir to take back to school. The shop was a treasure trove of handcrafted jewelry, stylish bags, and functional outdoor gear. We spent some time browsing the selection, eventually settling on a few small items that would remind us of our time in Huascarán.


Explore Gatos, the premier fashion accessories store in Huaraz, offering unique adventure gear and souvenirs that embody the spirit of the Andes.
For dinner, we chose Mi Comedia - Pizzeria. After a day of hiking and exploring, we were all craving something comforting and familiar. The pizzeria had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air. We ordered a large pizza to share, and it was delicious – the perfect end to a perfect day. I had the pizza peruana which was delicious!


Discover authentic Italian pizza in Huaraz at Mi Comedia - Pizzeria, where every bite is crafted with passion and tradition.
Reflecting on the day, I am struck by the incredible beauty and diversity of Huascarán National Park. It’s a place that truly captures the essence of Peru, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. I’m so glad that we made the decision to come here, and I know that this is an experience that we will all cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into the history of this region with a visit to the Sitio Arqueológico Chavín de Huántar and the Chavin National Museum [i]. I’m particularly excited about this, as I’ve always been fascinated by ancient civilizations, and I know that Ethan will love exploring the archaeological site. We'll also try out Lliclla Rooftop Bar [i]. After that, we will have dinner at Kaypacha Restaurante [i], I have heard great things about it!

As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Traveling with family can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Sharing these experiences with Olivia and Ethan, watching them discover new things and create lasting memories, is what makes it all worthwhile. And as we continue our journey through Peru, I know that there are many more adventures to come.

Our trip is already half way done, I am hoping the rest of the trip is as amazing as the first half!