Good evening, dear friends!
（笑）Let me start by saying that this morning, I was half-jokingly looking for a crack in the ground to hide in. Hahaha! But seriously, after resuming updates yesterday, I received an overwhelming amount of love and concern from all of you. Your kindness truly warms my heart—I feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends like you in my life!
Today, I want to take you on a journey with me to Huaraz, Peru, where I had the chance to embark on not one, but two unforgettable hikes. In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience at Paron, while saving the stunning Lake 69 for next time.
———Huaraz, Peru 🏔️———
✔️ Nestled in the central-northern part of Peru, Huaraz is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. ✔️ Reaching Huaraz requires a long but scenic drive—anywhere from 10 to 14 hours depending on traffic. (For reference, I left Lima at 4 PM and arrived just as dawn broke at 6 AM the next morning. On my return trip, I departed Huaraz at 9 PM and reached Lima by 7 AM.
) ✔️ Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters, Huaraz offers breathtaking views and serves as the perfect gateway to some of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the region. ✔️ Whether you're looking for day trips or multi-day treks, Huaraz has something for everyone. (Pro tip: It’s always wise to acclimate to the altitude first before diving into any adventure.
If your body feels up for it, the multi-day treks provide a much richer experience compared to shorter excursions.) ✔️ Among the must-see attractions are Lake Paron, Lake 69, and the glacier lakes. (Unfortunately, due to severe altitude sickness, I had to skip the glacier lakes. However, if your body permits, I highly recommend tackling all three trails—it’s an experience of a lifetime!
) ✔️ Just before leaving, I met a kind Peruvian friend who shared invaluable advice about coca tea. ⚠️ Did you know that chewing the leaves directly is far more effective than simply drinking the tea? Place the leaves between your teeth and cheek, gently sucking out the juices. Even if it seems tasteless, avoid swallowing the remnants, as it may lead to unwanted stomach issues like diarrhea.
For me, drinking the tea alone didn’t do much to alleviate the symptoms.
That's all for now! Stay tuned for more stories from my adventures in Huaraz. Until next time! 😊
———Laguna Paron 🌊——— ✔️ This was the highlight of my trip to Huaraz, and it didn’t disappoint! (While not as famous as Lake 69, its serene beauty truly takes your breath away!)
✔️ I visited Laguna Paron in late July 2023. At the time, there were no organized tours available, but renting a car or hiring a taxi is definitely an option. Important tip! ❗️ On my way, I met several travelers asking about tours in the city center. When they learned there weren’t any, they decided to skip it altogether—a real shame.
Through the hostel owner, I arranged a private car with some newfound friends, and our driver stayed with us for the entire day. The journey took three hours each way, leaving us with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the lake. The car rental cost 400 soles for the day, while the entrance fee was just 5 soles per person.
✔️ We started bright and early at 8 AM, with the driver picking us up directly from the door. Despite some light traffic, we arrived around 11:30 AM, ready to begin our adventure.
✔️ The hike itself lasted about 40 minutes, starting off gently before gradually becoming steeper. It only took about 20 minutes to reach the first viewpoint, where you can pause and take in the stunning scenery. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue climbing for another 10 minutes to get even closer to the water.
✔️ Altitude sickness? Unfortunately, I’m all too familiar with it (I needed oxygen at 3,500 meters during my visit to Xinduqiao). While I did feel tired, it wasn’t unbearable, and I managed to push through.
✔️ For older individuals or young children, this trek might be challenging due to the large rocks near the top. There’s barely a defined path (as seen in Figure 10), so it’s essential to assess your fitness level beforehand. Experienced hikers found it relatively easy, reaching the summit within 40 minutes.
✔️ Be prepared for strong winds at the peak—wearing windproof clothing is highly recommended.
✔️ Three hours is more than enough to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Laguna Paron. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking views.
✔️ For those craving more details, check out the vlogs shared in my previous posts—they provide a deeper look into this unforgettable experience.
@薯队长 @走走薯
