ESCAPE: Walking with wildflowers, women and wonder: A Peruvian adventure in the Cordillera Huayhuash
After months of intensive training, Tammy Ballantyne Webber joined 12 women on a two-week Peruvian trek that came with stunning views, glacial rivers, harsh nights and the joy of sharing hard-won successes.
After months of rigorous training, Tammy Ballantyne Webber joined 12 women on a two-week trek through Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash. Upon arrival in Lima, the group savored the city's offerings, including a visit to the historic Basilica and Convent of St. Francisco and a seaside restaurant for ceviche. They embarked on a nine-hour bus ride to Huaraz, the starting point for the trek.
Upon reaching an altitude of 3,050m, the group began acclimatization with hikes to Churup Lake and Cuartelhuain. The Cordillera Huayhuash circuit comprised eight days of high-altitude trekking, including freezing nights, hailstorms, and passes over 4,800m. The women faced altitude sickness early on but persevered, supported by their shared camaraderie and the Peruvian team.
They celebrated milestones, such as first ascents over 5,000m, a birthday, and a dip in a glacial river. The group's experiences were deeply emotional, marked by the joy of shared hardships, triumphs, and the profound beauty of the Andes.
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