Boots, scarves, caps and sun glasses are all indispensable for the visitor who wants to know snow-covered Mt. Pastoruri located close to the village of Chiquián, south of Huaraz; the traveler will have to take besides, a few small leaves of coca, essential for warding off unwelcome :soroche" or mountain sickness.

On the way that leads to Pastoruri, the gigantic puya Raimondi grows, an inflorescence unique in the world, due to its height which can reach 39 feet, and its long life of close to 100 years.

A journey to the past - a turning back of centuries, is what is felt on arriving at Taricá that lies on the way to Pastoruri. The village is an ancient crafts center where master craftsmen and women make replicas of pre-Hispanic work and also finely decorated jars.

This is the Callejón de Huaylas: a string of picturesque villages, of timeless snow clad mountains, of magic lakes, of delicate flowers, of a hardy, gentle people. A real paradise in the heart of Peru. A place where you can be wide awake and still dream.

First page Entering the Callejon On the Way to Mant Huascaran