Where is Huaraz
Despite being the second-largest city in the Peruvian Andes and the gateway to some of the most pristine alpine lakes, Huaraz has not yet made it onto many tourists' radar. However, this stunning region is quickly gaining popularity and becoming known as one of the best places in the world for hiking.
Two weeks of puppy cuddles
Carhuaz is just outside of Huaraz and home to CasaViva, a nonprofit animal shelter that rescues abandoned dogs and finds them loving homes. Through Worldpackers, I was able to exchange my work at the shelter for free accommodation. After applying on Worldpacker’s platform and being accepted, I took an overnight bus from Lima to Carhuaz and was greeted by a magical sunrise, my wonderful host, Jessica, and two very sweet alpacas, whom I later befriended by feeding my banana peels each morning.
After being shown around, I was advised to take a nap because I was being put on the afternoon shift that day. Each week, volunteers were assigned a rotating schedule of morning and afternoon shifts, along with two days off. The work consisted of walking the dogs, feeding them, cleaning kennels, and most importantly, giving them as much attention and affection as possible.
While I tried to love all the dogs equally, after one day, I did find a favorite named Chaska. My parents heard so much about her loving personality, they began to take bets on whether I would return home with her. Sadly, I didn’t, but we had a wonderful two weeks together exploring the town of Carhuaz. Before or after my shifts, I would take her into town with me, where we quickly befriended some of the fruit and ice cream vendors.
The Hiking
On my days off, Jessica helped me sign up for hikes to some of the region’s famous alpine lakes. I visited both Laguna Parón and Laguna 69, which were both lakes with unreal shades of blue. Laguna 69, in particular, was as rewarding as it was challenging. The hike was around a 10-mile round-trip hike with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, but the views at the top and our smushed PB&Js made it all worth it!
From high-altitude hikes, early mornings filled with loving dogs, and fruit vendors that quickly learned my name and favorite fruit, Carhuaz quickly became one of my favorite destinations in Perú, and Casaviva, my favorite volunteer experience!
That last lake shot is ridiculous wow!