Huaraz: Fat Tires, Thin Air

By Rob Rachowiecki

Cordillera Negra—ripe for ripping (Rachowiecki, Rob)

Your first instinct is right: With snow and crevasses, you don't want to drag a bike up to the Cordillera Blanca. But due west of that glistening range is the Cordillera Negra, a bit lower in elevation and ripe for ripping through on two wheels. And the views! Lots of trails serve up panoramas of almost the whole Blanca. Get yourself in shape: Your body wears out much faster at this high altitude. To take on these trails, the guy to talk to is Huaraz-born Julio Olaza at Mountain Bike Adventures, who has biked in the United States, speaks English, knows the area, and can provide decent bikes, gear, and support.

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