

The Andean city of Huaraz - 400km north of Lima - is a bustling high-altitude hub ringed by the jagged snowcapped mountain peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.
As well as being close to a number of significant archaeological sites, the region around Huaraz offers superb opportunities for ice climbing, rock climbing, trekking, paragliding and even skiing.
Most travellers take a couple of days to acclimatize to Huaraz's altitude (3090m) by exploring the city, stocking up on warm clothing and embarking on easy day hikes.