For the novice or the keener, more experienced pilot, the Cordillera Blanca is a paragliders playground. For the novice we offer introductory courses and tandem flights (for those with less time or who want the thrill and unique views, without learning how to actually fly). For the keen pilot with their own equipment, the Blanca provides excellent cross country flying, day after day, as the conditions replicate themselves daily. The vast majority of all winds here are thermic, as opposed to the dynamic winds of the coast. This necessitates a high proficiency in active flying - constantly responding to the movement of the wing as it surges around above you. After a big flight, land back at the lodge to the cheers of the spectators. For serious cross country enthusiasts ground support with radios can be provided.
We are possibly a
season away from having our own horses and stables. In the meantime we can organise horse rides from our lodge through local farms. They are not the biggest of horses but it is a great option for exploring the region without too much exertion. Plus it's fun!!! All trekking routes can be done on horseback.
To hire a horse for the day it will cost about $35
The biking opportunities here are endless and world class. The altitude adds an extra element of both mental and physical endurance. Short bike routes riding 2-3 hours near the lodge are great for acclimatization. More intense 3 day polaris style trails are also accessible with single track descents for over 2 vertical km being par for the course. For those who can pay and don't want the uphill, transport can be arranged to the top of the descents.
Bring your own bike if you are serious about biking and we will help provide the information you need to organize your own trips. We are also happy to arrange guiding for $50 USD per day. Below are just a few rides we recommend in the area
The Way Inn Lodge is an excellent place for a spiritual retreat. The mountains provide a surreal setting for the individual to be in touch with the mind, body and spirit. We encourage people to meditate as well as soak up the abundant energy lingering amongst the area. Due to the expertise available, we are currently hosting courses in salsa dancing, martial arts and tai chi. Clients also have the privilege of joining free yoga sessions daily at 7:30 am*. Please see event calendar for schedule of activities. See pricing for more details.
*note: subject to change based on instructor's schedule.
SALSA DANCING (2 hrs per night)
Night 1 - Salsa Cubana - 1st hour - first steps for men and women, apart.
Night 1 - Salsa Cubana - 2nd hour- first steps, practicing together.
Night 2 - Salsa Cubana - 1st hour - four basic turns, apart.
Night 2 - Salsa Cubana - 2nd hour - The basic turns, practicing together.
Night 2 - 3rd hour - Salsa night in the disco - practice what you've just learnt!
Night 3 - Perfecting turns and learning new ones.
Night 4 - Crash course in Merenge from the Dominican Republic, and Bachata (a slow dance)
MARTIAL ARTS
Day 1 - Basic kicking, punching, falling, and deflecting techniques.
Day 2 - Intermediate falling, beginner holding and throwing techniques.
Day 3 - Movement in combat, bringing it all together.
TAI CHI
Day 1 - 24 posture kata, introduction to pushing hands, I Ching Chings.
Day 2 - 24 posture kata, 24 posture kata applications, pushing hands, I Ching Chings.
Day 3 - 24 posture kata, 24 posture kata applications, I Ching Chings
YOGA
Private lessons are available at $10 ph or, if you are already proficient in the asanas, join the daily group on the lawn at 7:30 am (mon - sat).
About the instructor
I have been a martial artist for 14 years. I have rank in many different styles including Shaolin Do, Tai-Chi, Hapkido, Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, including a first degree black belt in Aikido, a second degree in Shotokan, and a third degree in American Street Karate. In 2000 I opened a Karate school with my roommate offering Aikido, and Kung Fu. Two years ago I started training with Grand Master Whiley. Since then I have instructed Seminars all over the country. Presently we are working on several video lines including Self Defense, Hapkido, holding and throwing techniques, and break fall. We also regularly teach hand to hand combat to the U.S. military. When I first started training with master Whiley on of the co instructors, Jacen, spent several years training with an Indian Yoga Master. I trained with him for a year before he got called to active duty. Presently I am training with a friend who went to the Baptiste Yoga school in Cambridge for several years.
CROQUET LAWN
A soft green pad of manicured grass at 3712 meters gives us reason to believe we can lay claim to having the highest croquet lawn in the world. We're open to challenges!!!
VOLLEYBALL
The croquet lawn also doubles as a volleyball court, but a seperate volleyball will also be ready soon (estimated by May 2006)
SAUNA & HOT TUB
Not yet! A steaming hot tub oriented to the spectacular views, is in the works. Nearby you will be able to plunge into the cold pool right infront of the lagoon bungalow . This is expected to be ready by May 2006. We have plans to also implement a dry sauna, but in the meantime we can just dream about it.
GAMES
For those lazy days, we have an array of board games to keep you entertained with fellow guests. Choose between Scrabble, Chess, Risk or plain old cards. From time to time we do enjoy a good game of poker at our round table, with beers and whiskey galore!
The rock routes around us are currently underdeveloped, as the rock has only been exposed by retreating glaciers in the past few years. Some development has been done in the Llaca valley and can be incorporated into the Llaca day hike (see treks and hikes) - ask us for more info on site. Alternatively, for any serious climbing enthusiasts wishing to establish new routes (or their name) we are more than happy to come to an arrangement to help reduce your costs whilst staying and also help finance the hardwear, provide rock drills, etc.
The area around the Way Inn Lodge holds an absolute wealth of climbing possibilities especially in bouldering. The rock is excellent granite with some stunning features just begging to be climbed. This guide offers three circuits with 4-8 boulders in each. Although this is by no means exhaustive, there are many other boulders with many great problems to be climbed and added to the list. This guide just gives a taster of the best problems on the most aesthetic boulders in the area. Also the great thing about the bouldering at the Way Inn Lodge is most of it is within 20 minutes of a cold beer and a great feed!!
small top rope and leading crag is included in circuits 1 and 2, offering 7 or 8 bolted lines on each, and even two naturally protected lines on the crag in circuit 2 for honing those trad techniques. While reasonably short each crag offers a little bit of everything from hard overhanging lines to pebble pulling slab routes to skin shredding hand cracks.
While the author unfortunately did not have time to climb all of the problems, he has offered estimated grades on some of the boulders and the crags, but the Way Inn require the help of you, the climber, to estimate grades for each of the problems you climb, and once a consensus has been reached the grades can be added to the guide. The grades are English technical grades and please consult a conversion table if you are not familiar with these. Also, if you feel any of the routes need any cleaning of sorts please feel free to do so (ask to borrow wire brushes etc. from the WI), please make sure that the rock is not damaged in the process.
I hope you enjoy the selection of boulders problems and routes, and please let the Way Inn know if you have any feedback on the routes or the guidebook, and please remember "climb now and work later".
The Way Inn Lodge is the perfect place to begin many treks in the Cordillera Blanca. Below are just a small selection of what is available whether you are looking for day hikes, acclimatisation or multi-day treks, all this is possible from the front door of the Lodge.
Soft, grassy lawns on Inca style terraces are situated on the hillside alongside the cascading mountain stream with its pools, falls and the plant and animal life that goes with it. Shower and toilet facilities are provided, shared with the Cave bungalow. A sun trap in the day, this is a very social area. great for sunbathing and taking in all the views and fun.
Those travelling with a mobile home are welcome to park their vehicle onsite and use our facilities at the camping rates. Tents and camping equipment are available for rent. See the WAY OUT STORE under services for more info.
Natural rock outcroppings in their raw state make up for most of the wall space in this one room bungalow, giving it a distinct "cave" feeling. Specially designed for the adventure traveler, this bungalow provides bunk bed accommodation.
There are shower and toilet facilities right outside the door.
