Albergue Urpichallay

I stayed in this hostel for 3 weeks with a group of 20 international Master students and staff for a scientific field study program in the nearby Huascaran National park. Our experience with Albergue Urpichallay was truly outstanding. It is a charming hostel located in the hamlet of Marcara, very close to the road Huaraz - Carhuaz. As such it is very easy to reach by colectivo or taxi from Huaraz (ca. 30 minutes) or Carhuaz (ca. 15 minutes). It is also very close (5 minutes ) to Anta Airport where the LCPeru flight from Lima to Huaraz arrives. Colectivos ride along the road every 5 minutes from early morning to late evening and take you to Carhuaz or Huaraz for ca. 50 ct - 1 US$. Or for more luxury, there is a line of taxi's waiting for you in Marcara itself (walking distance). Here you will also find a few shops and restaurants as well, and even a well organized, clean medical post. In other words, the hostel is located at a great, central location for exploring the region. However, what sets this place apart from your average hostel in Huaraz is its unique authentic Peruvian atmosphere and the great people that run it. The Albergue Urpichallay is run by the friendliest family I ever met. They are always smiling, cook you great breakfast, lunch and diner from fresh local ingredients if you want, and are always there to help. Fancy cooking yourself? You're welcome to use the kitchen and fridge. The students even cooked for them one night and we had dinner all together, which all of us enjoyed greatly. Looking for a nice evening of relaxation? Ask Louis to light the fireplace for you and start the salsa music. He will even teach you to dance if you wish. Also nice about the place is that it is setup as a sort of eco-lodge. They grow their own vegetables and have a few sheep and the family dogs (as well as the adorable 2 year old family son) running around the place. What's more, they are involved in education programs of the local people, so you may encounter groups of local children learning about traditional food, or groups of local women helping in the harvest of the home-grown corn. The students and I really enjoyed the informal interactions this yielded with the local people. Finally, you will be supporting the local economy in Marcara by shopping and eating there, and will most likely be the only tourist in the village. Oh, and of course the accommodations itself are great as well. Nice shared rooms (ca 4 beds per room on average) with their own shower and toilet. So, if you are looking for a very nice stay in an authentic Peruvian atmosphere, where you will meet great local people instead of scores of fellow tourists, yet at a very central location for exploring the Cordillera Blanca region of Huaraz and Carhuaz (including Huascaran National Park), this is definitely the place for you.