Huanchaco, Peru

We finally convinced ourselves that it was time to leave Huaraz. After about two weeks there, it was difficult to leave. I knew the staff at Hostal Churrup and enjoyed talking with them in the mornings. I knew the backpackers staying there. And I had finally figured out the back ways and routes around town. Almost a local and I knew it was time to leave.

So I popped two dramamine and got on the nine hour night bus to Huanchaco, a little beach town about 12 km outside of Trujillo.

The first day here we stayed in a hostel called Casa Suiza, aka, Casa Boring. Everyone stayed in their rooms, there were no dorm rooms, the food was disgusting and there was no communal kitchen. We went to explore the town and found another hostel called Naylamp which seemed much more backpacker friendly with a large area in the back for camping. So the next day we switched hostels.

View of the hostel common area.

My first impression, which I´m quickly learning means absolutely nothing, of Huanchaco was bad. I didn´t like it here in comparison to Huaraz at all. Where were all the women in their bowler hats and cute colorful skirts? Huanchaco seemed touristy and lacked appeal. Men and boys from all directions approached us wherever we walked, pushing flyers and pamphlets for their restaurant or surfboard rentals in our faces. We got more than the usual amount of cat calls and kissy noises, which by the way the men here must start practicing when they are in embryo because by the time they are 12, they can make that kissy noise sound from so far away and still be so loud.

Anyways, I didn´t like Huanchaco. I was starting to plan when we should leave when these three California girls came into the camping area all smiles. Their naivete and eagerness for everything, put things in perspective for me and I cheered up.

Sunset at the beach.

Yesterday, we went surfing. We rented boards and wetsuits for the day for 20 soles (about $6) and went out sin instructor. It was super fun. I kept saying to myself "I´m surfing in Peru," another thing that I didn´t think I would be doing before I came here. The other was hiking in the Andes. Stupidly, I didn´t even realize the Andes were in Peru.

"The strip."




Inside the tent and excited about it!

The Cali girls popping Lullia´s blood blister she got
from playing soccer barefoot on concrete.

The caballitos. Little fishing boats made from reeds that
look like a cross between elve shoes and kayaks.