HUARAZ, THE CORDILLERA BLANCA AND CHAVIN SHRINE

Altitude:		3,052 m (10,013 ft) above sea level (Huaraz)
Area:		35,914.8 sq km (13,866.7 sq mi)
Population:		1,063,459 (2007)
Access routes:		By air and by ground.
Climate:		Warm during the day, cold at night, with rains Dec-Apr

This area is known as the "Peruvian Switzerland" because of its glacial lakes and many snow-capped peaks, including the Huascaran, the highest tropical mountain in the world (6,800 m. / 22,400 ft.).  The spectacular scenery of the Huascaran National Park makes the area particularly attractive for climbers and hikers at every level of proficiency.  From here you can visit the ruins of the magnificent stone temple built in around 600 BC by the people of Chavin.