Family Adventure in the Heart of Huaraz, Peru

Reaching New Heights in the Cordillera Blanca

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Manka Fusión Artesanal. It's a charming spot, and the fusion of Peruvian and Italian cuisine was an interesting way to start the day. I opted for a traditional Peruvian breakfast, while Olivia enjoyed a coffee. Ethan, of course, went straight for the pastries. It's amazing how much energy that boy has, especially knowing what we had in store for the day.

Fuelled up, we set off early for the Cordillera Blanca Summit. The drive to the trailhead was stunning, with the morning light painting the mountains in hues of gold and rose. As we gained altitude, the air grew crisper, and the landscape transformed into a rugged, awe-inspiring panorama. I have done a lot of hiking in the Peak District back in the UK, but this was something else. The sheer scale of the Andes is humbling.

The hike itself was demanding. I had read that most trekking options in the Cordillera Blanca should be considered physically demanding owing to the altitude, and that was no lie. Ethan, surprisingly, was a trooper. Maybe it was the promise of a celebratory ice cream later, or perhaps he's just got more stamina than I give him credit for. Olivia, ever the practical nurse, kept us all hydrated and paced our ascent perfectly. I confess, there were moments when I felt the altitude, but the views kept me going. Towering snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and turquoise lakes unfolded before us at every turn. The beauty was simply mesmerizing.

Reaching the summit was an emotional moment for all of us. There's something profoundly satisfying about setting a goal and achieving it, especially when you do it together as a family. We took photos, of course, to capture the moment, but no image could truly convey the sense of accomplishment and the sheer majesty of the surroundings. I felt so proud watching Ethan take it all in, knowing he'll remember this day for the rest of his life. Olivia squeezed my hand, and I knew she was feeling it too. These are the moments that make all the hard work of travel worthwhile.

Sometimes, the greatest views come after the hardest climbs.

After soaking in the views and enjoying a well-deserved rest, we began our descent. The way down was easier on the lungs, but harder on the knees. We took our time, stopping frequently to admire the scenery and reflect on our accomplishment. Back in Huaraz, we were all ravenous. We decided to try Cafe Andino for lunch. It was a great choice. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and the food was delicious. Olivia had a quinoa salad, I opted for a hearty soup, and Ethan devoured a plate of pasta. It was the perfect way to refuel after our epic hike.

With the afternoon still ahead of us, we decided to explore the local shops. I had read that Huaraz is an artesanía center. We ventured into FOLK Huaraz, a charming shop that showcases local crafts. Olivia was immediately drawn to the textiles, while Ethan was fascinated by the pottery. I found myself admiring the intricate details of the hand-tooled leather goods. We picked up a few souvenirs – a colorful scarf for Olivia, a small ceramic llama for Ethan, and a leather-bound journal for me to record our adventures. It's nice to support local artisans and take home a piece of the culture with us.

As evening approached, we made our way to Trivio Resto Bar for dinner. The name 'Trivio' comes from the Latin word 'Trivium', meaning the confluence of three roads, representing a place where people meet and share stories. The restaurant embodies this philosophy, creating a welcoming space where people can connect and enjoy good food and drink. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was excellent. I tried one of their craft beers, Olivia enjoyed a glass of wine, and Ethan was thrilled with his burger. It was the perfect way to end our day.

Before heading back to Hotel La Joya, we took a leisurely stroll through the Plaza de Armas, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Huaraz at night. The city was alive with music and laughter, and the air was filled with the aroma of street food. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning a visit to Querococha Lake [see itinerary of tomorrow]. I've heard it's another stunning location, and I'm eager to see what it has to offer. We'll start the day with breakfast at Hierba Buena Restaurante, followed by lunch at El Fogón. In the evening, we'll treat ourselves to dinner at Wayta - El Chef Andino. And perhaps, if we're not too tired, we'll check out John House Restobar for a nightcap.

Today was more than just a hike; it was a testament to our family's spirit of adventure and resilience. It's these shared experiences that strengthen our bond and create lasting memories. As I sit here writing this, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore this incredible country with the people I love most. And I'm excited for what tomorrow will bring.