Climb epic summits from Huaraz

Climbing adventurers in Peru will be hard pressed to find a better base camp than the town of Huaraz. Located about 8 hours outside of Lima, Huaraz is the premier spot for any hiker or climber embarking on the Andes. The town offers some of the best access to the peaks just beyond the Callejon de Huaylas Valley, a series of mountains that nearly all reach heights of about 19,000 feet. Avid climbers looking for a demanding trek will likely find Huascaran, the tallest of the peaks at 22,205 feet, to be the perfect challenge. While the trek will leave even the most apt climbers wheezing during sections of the climb, the Huascaran's slopes are ample reward: It is the home of the highest tropical ecosystem in the world. The rugged terrain of the region is also the perfect spot to launch a Peruvian mountain biking expedition. However, due to the region's prolific rains, bikers should expect to get a little muddy. Huaraz's natural beauty is also highlighted by its impressive local culture. The valley is often host to multiple village markets, which provide the perfect chance for visitors to interact with area residents and artisans.