Huascaran National Park

Huascaran National Park

Awesome. There is no other word. A paradise surrounded by imposing glaciers that bathe the mountain range and are the origin of mighty rivers; with a flora and fauna of hundreds of species; and with 33 archaeological sites to connect with history, as well as commune with nature.

Here the Puya de Raimondi grows, a plant up to 12 meters tall. Here rest the lagoons of the purest turquoise that one can imagine. Here one thinks: paradise exists.

The Huascarán National Park, located in the north-central zone of the country, is one of the most emblematic protected natural areas of the country since it protects one of the areas with the greatest biological and cultural diversity in Peru.

Inside it protects the ecoregion of the Humid Puna of the Central Andes. The territory of the Huascarán National Park is rugged and includes the eastern flank of the Cordillera Blanca in the area of the Callejón de Conchucos and the western one in the area of the Callejón de Huaylas. It presents snow-capped peaks with altitudes ranging from 5,000 m.s.n.m. and 6,768 m.s.n.m. (Huascaran); deeply encased ravines as a result of glacial fluvial erosion; and a large number of lagoons.

The Huascarán National Park is located in an eminently tropical zone, hosting the highest snow-capped mountains in the world in this geographical region. Within its limits there are about 660 glaciers and 300 lagoons of glacial origin. That is why the importance of the Huascarán National Park is also reflected in its hydrological potential, since its snow-capped mountains feed the basin of the Santa, Marañón and Pativilca rivers.

The pristine character of the landscape is impressive and is the central attraction of the Huascarán National Park. Thus, the good state of conservation of its ecosystems is the main axis of activation of the local economy. Going through this place is a journey through the history of Peru and the impressiveness of our geography.

Objective

Protect the largest tropical mountain range in the world, its wealth of flora and fauna, geological formations, snow-capped mountains and scenic beauties. Protect the ecosystems of the Cordillera Blanca that are the nation's natural, scientific, and cultural heritage.

Creation

On July 1, 1975, through Supreme Decree No. 0622-75-AG. Recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve on March 1, 1977, and in 1985 as Natural Heritage of Humanity.

Location

In the department of Ancash, in the provinces of Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz, Recuay, Bolognesi, Pomabamba, Huari, Mariscal Luzuriaga and Asunción.

Extension

340,000.00 hectares.

Flora and fauna

In the Park there are more than 120 species of birds and 10 mammals. Among the most outstanding birds we have the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the torrent duck (Merganetta armata) and the puna partridge (Tinamotis pentlandii), the jerga duck (Anas georgica spinicauda), the mountain duck (Lophonetta specularioides alticola) . There is also the sapling grebe (Rollandia rolland morrisoni), the giant coot (Fulica gigantea), and the Andean gull (Larus serranus).

Among the mammals, the wild cat (Oncifelis colocolo), the Andean cat (Oreailurus jacobita), the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis) and the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) stand out. Other species are the gray deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the puma (Puma concolor incarum), the vizcacha (Lagidium peruanum), the weasel (Mustela frenata agilis), the añaz (Conepatus sp.), the Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus), among others.

The Huascarán National Park presents a wide spectrum of microclimates, which causes it to have a mosaic of different types of vegetation. 779 species of high Andean flora distributed in 340 genera and 104 families have been identified. In this floristic diversity, the Bromeliaceae family is represented by the Raymondi puya (Puya raimondii), a species that has the largest inflorescence in the world and is one of the conservation objects of the Park. You can see stands of puya Raymondi mainly in the Carpa and Queshque ravines.

Relict quisuar (Buddleja coriacea) and queñua (Polylepis sp) forests are also preserved, which are located mainly to the north of the Llanganuco sector. There are also high Andean meadows, puna grass and various oconales (bofedales), located mainly above 4,500 meters above sea level.

Climate

The minimum temperatures occur in the upper parts of the mountain range, reaching an annual average of 0° Celsius and the maximum around 7° C. As you lower altitude, temperatures rise and the climate becomes more pleasant.

Tourist Routes

In the Huascarán National Park you can practice mountain biking, skiing, climbing, adventure walks and experiential tourism that allows you to discover this fascinating place, the scene of the development of part of our culture.

The national park has about 25 trekking circuits and 102 climbing destinations. 33 archaeological sites have been identified that include rock art, settlements, terrace systems, roads, cultivation terraces, chullpas, tombs, viewpoints, fortifications, irrigation channels, micro dams, etc., being the most representative: Auquispuquio, Cullicocha, Queshquepachan, Paccharuri, Quilcayhuanca, Nuevo Tambo, Cayesh, Pachacoto and the pre-Hispanic road from Olleros to Chavín.

Llanganuco Creek:

These are two beautiful glacial lagoons located 25 km northeast of Yungay, between the Huascarán peak —the highest in Peru— and Huandoy. From here starts a pedestrian path (María Josefa) that crosses a dense forest of queñuales through which a stream of crystalline waters runs, which is ideal for observing birds and wild flora.

Purhuay Lagoon:

It is located 5 km from Huari in the Conchucos region. It is a 3 km long mirror of water surrounded by mountains and eucalyptus forests.

Puya stands:

They are located in the Carpa and Queshque ravines to the south of the PNH. They are accessed through a dirt road that leads to the Pastoruri glacier. On the route you can visit the sparkling waters of Pumapampa. Likewise, you can participate in the rural community tourism activities of the Peasant Community of Cátac.

Querococha Lagoon:

It is located 20 km northeast of Recuay on the route to Chavín. It is located at the foot of the snow-capped Yanamarey and Pucaraju. It is the ideal destination to spend a morning boating.