Tribewanted: Vorovoro

So after months of planning and preparation, the first Andina group is almost upon us. I arrived back to Peru on Thursday and have been up in the town of Huaraz just checking over some final details before the first group arrives on Saturday. Within hours of being back here I was reminded of what I find so special of this country. It’s unique blend of peoples, history, culture, scenery, vibrancy and general ‘Latinness’ come together to create what is quite an intoxicating mixture that few can ever forget.

Huaraz is the base town around which Andina takes place. It is very much an up and coming town that consistently seems to develop everytime I come back. There are always a few more shops, restaurants and businesses springing up which reflects hopefully a growing economy and it is quiet and well organized. One of the most striking aspects of Huaraz is how relaxed and hassle free it is. Traveler, urban Peruvian, climber and indigenous Q’echua rub shoulders with almost effortless ease as each goes about its daily business. It reminds me of Labasa in in the way that being foreign is met with mainly and inquisitive yet positive curiosity, you are definitely made to feel welcome here.

Part of what gives the town this tranquil aura I believe is the stunning scenery that is on all sides. Rising up to the left is the green and brown ridged Cordillera Negra; to the right is the jagged and majestic white peaks of the Cordillera Blanca scraping against an almost endless sky. And at the end of the tunnel formed by these two patiently sits the enormous Huascaran (Peru’s highest mountain at well over 6500 m’s) dominating the skyline whilst at the same time almost teasing you to come a bit closer. Being surrounded by such vast scenery it would be impossible to feel anything other that extremely small and inconsequential, thus lending the town its very laid back atmosphere.

Stepping out of Huaraz in the villages (as we will do on our treks and climbs) is like almost stepping back in time. Quiet rustic communities sit on the sides of these mountains with vast backdrops as part of the view. Leathery faced but cheerful men tend to the fields; open faced and welcoming women in elegant sombrero and a vast multitude o brightly colored skirts play with their young ones and children can be found herding anything from donkeys, cows and bulls down what would loosely be referred to as the road. Whilst mountain life is unbelievable arduous and tough, these people seem to approach their daily lives with great joy and fulfillment. You are always greeted by inquisitive yet welcoming smiles and never made to feel as though you shouldn’t be there. As though echoing Vorovoro, you are never too far from laughter.

So now all we need are the Tribe! The first group arrives on Saturday on what promises to be a tough but incredible adventure in one of the most spectacular parts of Latin America.

If you are interested in more info on Andina then have a look at the following
www.tribewanted.com/blog/andina

There are still spaces on the 15th August Group, if you are interested please drop me a line giles@tribewanted.com
Days 1 – 14 £1000
Full trip £1500