South America

This journey takes place in the stunning landscapes of Huascarán National Park. Nevado Mateo is an ice climber’s dream, or even a beginner’s perfect start. This is a peak with fantastic glacier sections, surrounded by Peru’s majestic Cordillera Blanca. This mountain stands at approximately 16,896 feet (5,150 meters), therefore, make sure you acclimatize before trekking here. Nevado Mateo is considered a medium-level climb, ideal for those looking to get their first taste of ice climbing. Below, I’ll cover everything you need to know about climbing Nevado Mateo, including tips for preparation, the thrill of the ascent, and essential information to help make your experience as unforgettable as mine! Reaching the Base: Leaving Huaraz The journey to Nevado Mateo starts bright and early, most climbers set out around 3 a.m. from Huaraz. Most people completing this hike will stay in Huaraz. It’s a bustling town and trekking hub that serves as the starting point for many expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca. I booked the tour through my hostel, Krusty Hostel. We had three people on our tour and we all booked them at different places. That appears to be typical with most trips from Huaraz. There’s tons of tour companies, but they all go together on the trips. The drive from Huaraz to Punta Olímpica, the trailhead, takes about two hours. Be prepared for winding through the stunning landscapes of Huascarán National Park. If you get car sick, this is very windy!! Even before reaching the glacier, the scenic drive offers dramatic views of snow-covered peaks. The drive really helped with the anticipation for the climb ahead. The Ascent: Rocky Trails and Glacier Hiking Starting the Hike From Punta Olímpica, the hike begins on a rocky trail that gradually leads you toward the glacier. The first part of the hike is not bad as you are just walking. It’s essential to come prepared with a sturdy pair of hiking boots and layered clothing. It was very very cold on the mountain, remember, you’re ice climbing so it has to be cold. You will heat up quite a bit while hiking, but make sure you have warm clothes.  The hike to the glacier takes about two hours and steadily gains altitude, adding to the physical demands. Transitioning to Ice Climbing Gear Once we reached the edge of the glacier, it was time for us to transition into ice-climbing equipment. We had helmets on the whole time, but we added on our harnesses, crampons, and took out our ice axes. All of this gear is essential. The company we went with provided us with this gear so we did not bring our own supplies. We even tried on the boots the night before as they supply the boots. I will say, the process of gearing up heightens the sense of adventure and anticipation. I was SUPER excited as you can see in my video. Our harnesses were linked by a  rope that was connected to our guide. The crampons helped significantly by providing traction on the ice. With all the gear, you’ll be ready to tackle the glacial terrain. This was my first time using these tools, and while it was challenging, it added an exciting layer of technique and skill to the climb! The Ice Climb at Nevato Mateo As you move onto the glacier, the real ice-climbing begins. The ascent is a mix of steep, icy slopes and occasional crevasses, and every step requires focus. Using the ice axe to grip and the crampons to stabilize, you’ll feel both exhilarated and challenged. This section of the climb demands strength and technique but is achievable even for first-timers with a moderate fitness level. The surrounding views are breathtaking—white snow stretches endlessly, and towering peaks rise in every direction, offering the perfect backdrop. Snow and Changing Conditions On my climb, I was surprised by the amount of snow covering the glacier, which added to both the beauty and the difficulty of the experience. Snow-covered trails can be slippery and physically taxing, so take it slow and steady, staying focused with each step. Weather conditions in the Andes can be unpredictable; on my climb, we were enveloped in fog at the summit at first, but it eventually cleared, revealing the peaks and valleys around us. Reaching the Summit of Nevado Mateo The final push to the summit of Nevado Mateo typically takes around 3 to 4 hours from the start, depending on the pace and weather. As you approach the top, the sense of accomplishment builds with every step. At the summit, standing at 16,896 feet, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca. On clear days, you can see neighboring peaks like Huascarán and Chopicalqui, making you feel both humbled and exhilarated by the scale of these incredible mountains. Spending a few moments at the top, surrounded by the grandeur of these peaks, is an unforgettable experience. Descent: Making Your Way Back Down After soaking in the summit views and taking photos to capture the moment, the descent begins. Descending a glacier requires caution, as the steep icy slopes can be tricky to navigate. Guides often lead climbers down slowly, step-by-step, ensuring everyone maintains footing and balance. The return journey to Punta Olímpica takes around two hours, giving you time to reflect on the adventure and relish the satisfaction of reaching such an incredible height. Essential Tips for Climbing Nevado Mateo 1. Prepare for Altitude At nearly 17,000 feet, the altitude on Nevado Mateo is no joke. Spend a few days in Huaraz to acclimate before the climb, and consider tackling lower-altitude hikes to help your body adjust. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, so staying hydrated and taking your time on the ascent is crucial. 2. Dress in Layers and Bring Weatherproof Gear Weather in the high Andes can change rapidly, with temperatures dropping significantly as you approach the glacier. Dress in layers to stay warm, and bring waterproof gear, as snow and ice can make the climb damp. Gloves are

For travelers drawn to awe-inspiring landscapes, Laguna Parón is an unmissable destination in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru. Located near the town of Caraz, north of the Callejón de Huaylas, Laguna Parón is the largest lake in the range. It is known for its vibrant turquoise waters and its remarkable setting within snow-capped peaks. After staying in Huaraz for 10 days and visiting multiple “must-see sites,” this one was my favorite. This post covers everything you need to know to experience this extraordinary lake.  Getting to Laguna Parón 1. Starting Point: Huaraz or Caraz Most visitors to Laguna Parón start from either Huaraz, a popular base for trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, or the smaller town of Caraz, closer to the lake. If you’re in Huaraz, Caraz is a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive away, making it a perfect day-trip option. From Caraz, it’s about an hour’s drive through the Parón ravine to reach the lake. I will say, if you decide to travel from Huaraz, it is a long ride and it can be very bumpy. Unfortunately, I learned that the ride to the lake is quite long, but overall, I still found it worth it. This lake was stunning. The hike was short and we had the chance to kayak – which was extra special. Prepare for a long trip if you decide to travel from Huaraz. 2. Journey through the Parón Ravine The drive through the Parón ravine is an experience in itself. You go through rugged mountain terrain, this route showcases the beauty of the high Andes. The narrow road hugs cliffs and opens up to occasional glimpses of the valley and river below. The journey shows you the natural beauty ahead, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife along the way, but prepare for some pumps. If you get motion sickness, prepare with medication before you go. 3. Tour or Independent Travel To reach Laguna Parón, you have a few options: Guided Tour : Many travelers opt for a guided day tour from Huaraz or Caraz, which includes transportation, a guide, and sometimes snacks or lunch. It’s convenient if you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else and focus on enjoying the scenery. I decided to book the trip through my hostel, Krusty Hostel.  You can book this the day before or in advance. There are numerous tour companies within Huaraz and I learned that it doesn’t really matter what company you use. My vans were generally full and they just put people from multiple companies into one van. Public Transport : Taking public transport to Laguna Parón is possible but challenging. You’ll need to combine local buses and collectibles (shared vans) from Caraz, and it may require some negotiation to reach the lake directly. There was someone there who had hiked up the whole mountain, but she was very tired after her hike. Our bus took her back down the mountain, but I would not advise that as the best option. If you decide to hike, prepare for a long route.  Private Car or Taxi : Renting a private vehicle or arranging for a taxi from Caraz can be a comfortable choice, although slightly pricier. This option lets you go at your own pace, giving you more time to explore the lake area. Arriving at Laguna Parón Altitude and First Impressions Laguna Parón sits at an impressive 13,780 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, therefore, visitors should be aware of the altitude. The altitude can cause shortness of breath or mild fatigue, especially if you haven’t yet acclimated. I took Diamox the entire time I was in Huaraz as I wanted to avoid altitude sickness as much as possible. That said, the lake’s beauty is absolutely worth it. The lake and stunning peaks like Artesonraju, Huandoy, and the Pyramid of Garcilaso, are truly magical and well worth the journey. Viewpoints and Trails Upon arrival, you’ll have the option to explore the area around the lake. We did a short but steep hike to a viewpoint above the lake. I would say this hike is totally worth it as you get great views of the mountains and lake. This trail takes around 20-30 minutes to climb but rewards you with panoramic views. You can see Artesonraju, a pyramid-shaped peak often rumored to be the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo. Each of these peaks is so close it feels almost touchable, adding to the surreal experience. After visiting multiple lakes in the area, this one really was my favorite. Why Laguna Parón’s Color is So Unique The intense turquoise color of Laguna Parón is due to mineral deposits from glacial meltwaters, which create a unique optical effect that reflects the sky and surrounding peaks. Many hikers say it’s unlike any lake they’ve seen. This remarkable coloration has made Laguna Parón one of the most photographed locations in the Cordillera Blanca, and the color shifts subtly with changes in sunlight and cloud cover. See if you can notice how the shadings of the colors change as you are there. I was told to look out for this and it was really unique seeing how the colors changed throughout the day! Tips for Visiting Laguna Parón 1. Acclimatize Before You Hike Since Laguna Parón is at a high altitude, acclimatizing is essential. Spend a few days exploring Huaraz and doing lower-altitude hikes if you can. Taking it slow and drinking plenty of water can help prevent altitude sickness. 2. Pack Essentials: Water, Snacks, and Layers Bring ample water, as there are few places to refill at this altitude. Packing high-energy snacks will help keep you fueled during the steep hike to the viewpoint. If you book your trip as a tour , you will likely stop for breakfast and lunch. Note that the m,eals are not included, nor is kayaking. These are additional charges. Layers are essential, as temperatures can change quickly at this altitude, and weather in