10:30 | Huaraz (Ancash region), Jul. 25.
Peru's National long weekend holiday is the perfect opportunity to visit Huascaran National Park, located in the Andean region of Ancash.
The place houses a wide range of natural attractions including snow-capped mountains, plant and animal species, as well as picturesque villages.
Located 443 km northeast of Lima city, the park covers an area of 340,000 ha. and features 660 tropical glaciers and 300 glacial lakes.
The natural protected space comprises territories in Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz, Recuay, Bolognesi, Huari, Asuncion, Mariscal Luzuriaga and Pomabamba provinces.
Puya Raimondi
The impressive mountainous landscape is the major highlight of the area, where the Puya Raimondi grows.
Also known as the Queen of the Andes, the plant is a rare specimen that flowers once as it comes to the end of its life-span —between May and November.
Other 779 plant species under 104 families and 340 genera have been identified in the area.
Moreover, the place provides habitats for numerous animal species: 120 birds and 10 mammals.
Snow-capped peaks
Among the park's snow-capped mountains is
Huascaran —Peru's highest at 6,768
meter and one of the highest in the Americas.
While in there, visitors can unleash their adrenaline rush on
trekking, mountain biking, rock and ice climbing, as well as skiing tours as well.
Furthermore, travelers can take boat rides at Chinancocha and Purhuay Lakes.
The area compiles some 33 archeological sites featuring cave paintings, settlements, agricultural terraces, roads, tombs, viewpoints, among others.
(END) MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/25/2017