Huascaran

The park's diverse wildlife includes 112 bird species and numerous mammals adapted to high-altitude environments. Notable species include the Andean condor, puma, spectacled bear (the only bear species in South America), vicuña, and various deer species including the vulnerable taruca. The park also hosts several endemic species of amphibians and reptiles. The high-altitude lagoons provide habitat for various waterfowl species, including Andean geese and giant coots. Several species within the park are considered threatened or endangered, making it an important conservation area.

The park hosts over 800 plant species, distributed across various ecological zones from valley floors to high-altitude areas. The most iconic species is the Puya raimondii, the world's largest bromeliad, which can grow up to 12 meters tall and flowers only once in 100 years. Other notable vegetation includes queñual forests (Polylepis sp.), various cacti species, and numerous medicinal plants used traditionally by local communities. The park's varied elevation zones create distinct habitats, from humid montane forests at lower elevations to high-altitude grasslands (puna) and permanent snow fields at the highest elevations.

The park encompasses the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range, featuring 27 peaks over 6,000m (19,685ft), including Peru's highest mountain, Huascaran (6,768m). The range formed through tectonic uplift and volcanic activity during the formation of the Andes. The area is characterized by dramatic glacial valleys, moraines, and cirques, shaped by multiple glacial periods. The park's geology includes diverse rock formations, primarily composed of granodiorite and other intrusive igneous rocks. Recent decades have seen significant glacier retreat due to climate change, affecting the park's hydrological systems and landscape.

Huascaran National Park experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season (April to October) and a wet season (November to March). During the dry season, days are typically sunny with temperatures ranging from 0-20°C (32-68°F), while nights can drop below freezing. The wet season brings frequent afternoon rains and more cloud cover, with similar temperature ranges but higher humidity. At higher elevations above 4,000m (13,123ft), conditions are more extreme with possible snowfall year-round and temperatures frequently below freezing. The best time to visit is during the dry season, particularly June to August, when climbing and hiking conditions are most favorable.

The park was established in 1975 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The area has been inhabited since pre-Columbian times, with significant influence from the Chavín and Inca civilizations. The region gained international attention following the devastating 1970 earthquake that triggered a massive avalanche from Huascaran, destroying the town of Yungay and killing over 20,000 people. The park has since become a crucial site for studying climate change impacts on tropical glaciers and high-altitude ecosystems. Archaeological sites within the park, including ancient trails and ruins, provide evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years.

Key attractions include Llanganuco Lakes, two stunning turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks; the Pastoruri Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the tropics; and numerous trekking routes including the famous Santa Cruz Trek and Huayhuash Circuit. The park contains over 600 glaciers and 300 lakes, making it a crucial water source for the region. The Quebrada Honda and Quilcayhuanca valleys offer excellent opportunities for hiking and climbing. The park also features several hot springs, including the popular Chancos thermal baths, and provides access to world-class mountaineering routes on peaks such as Huascaran, Alpamayo, and Chopicalqui.