Hatun Machay

Again Huaraz. Again in the same noisy city, my mind was getting restless. The weather kept us from the next 6000er and according to the death toll it seems like this season isn't made for mountaineering. So we had to find an alternative for the time being. Following the advice of other climbers, we went to Hatun Machay, the rock climbing paradise of Ancash.

«An amazing forest of rock, with unbelievable formations!»

Hatun Machay lies in the middle of nowhere surrounded by a breathtaking wasteland. Lots of bolted routes, uncountable boulder problems and even tread climbing possibilities. We were out of practice, but damn, it felt good to shred fingers on some rock again. The comfort loving sports climber can stay at cabaña, but its cheaper to camp in the yard. You can use the kitchen and eat your food inside, quite an advantage over 4000 m. After a tough day of climbing you can hang around the cosy and warm furnace, sipping a beer and talking to people from all over the world. Sometimes you should allow yourself some coziness, so you can think of these times when you're laying in your sleeping bag freezing your ass off. It was only for a few days, but the change of air felt good.