In the building of the House of Guides, based in the Geneva Park of the city of Huaraz, there is the Association of Mountain Guides of Peru (AGMP), the Center for High Mountain Studies (CEAM) and the Language Center of the House of Guides (CI). It is the only place in the whole country authorized for the most demanding standardized, regularized and certified training and assessments by the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM) based in Switzerland.
Beyond the House of Guides, there is the Huascarán National Park with its snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, which reach heights that go from 5000 to 6768 m.a.s.l., and it is considered the most important glacial cover located in the tropics. In the shelter of the Quebrada de Llaca at 4474 m.s.n.m. The technical courses of Mountain Guide, Aspiring and pre-aspiring Mountain Guide are carried out, in addition to the AGMP Rescue and First aid courses. From this point there is an impressive landscape formed by the view of two of the most imposing snow-capped mountains in the entire mountain range: Ocshapalca (5888 m) and Ranrapalca (6162 m), which have given rise to another beautiful attraction: Laguna Llaca, from the waters of the thaw of these enormous glaciers, in which an emerald green color is mixed that gives it a unique charm.
Huaraz is a cosmopolitan city with many faces and towns full of cultural history. Years ago it was a small traditional Quechua-speaking town, today it is transformed into a mestizo and modernized city, in part because many migrants from other regions of Peru and even from other countries settled as residents. This phenomenon originated a surprising demographic growth and a cultural diversity with different traditions that coexist on a daily basis. Also tourism in the region, specifically mountaineering activities, such as: Mountaineering, trekking, canoeing, Mountain Biking, etc., originated a positive economic impact and allowed the entire transformation of the city and the basic tourist services that were offered. Currently, Huaraz has it all.
The House of Guides of Peru has a quite peculiar history, and it is that in 1977 on an exploration trip through the Andes carried out by the Swiss Camille Bournissen, he realized that there were no mountain guides, only muleteers with little experience and little technical knowledge in climbing, in an area as impressively beautiful and full of snow-capped mountains as the Cordillera Blanca. For the history of Peruvian mountaineering, this trip by Bournissen meant international recognition of the potential development of mountain activities at high altitudes, which allowed, in the following year after considerable logistical preparation by the Guides Association from Switzerland, the first course for pre-aspiring mountain guides is held in Peru. And in 1980, the Association of Mountain Guides of Peru was formed and the first High Mountain Guides school in Peru AGMP, after the first course of aspiring Peruvian guides traveled to the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and will successfully make the ascent of 18 summits. In 1990, the AGMP was admitted to the International Union of Mountain Guides Associations (UIAGM), being the first South American association to be recognized as a member of this prestigious international institution.
This year, for the first time since the first steps of the House of Guides more than 40 years ago, a new study modality was implemented that allows all applicants to take academic subjects at a distance, unlike technical courses that are would translate to 108 days of mountain training. The Peruvian Andes are one of the best places in the world for high mountain climbing and it is for this reason added to the prestige of this institution in the region that, when the news about the new study modality was released, applicants from different nationalities (Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, France) residing in Peru chose to take the entrance exam in Huaraz. Some with more experience than others, but all with the same passion and dedication for the mountains, essential characteristics for those who aspire to become an accredited guide.
The process to become an AGMP / UIAGM Mountain Guide is challenging, it takes a lot of determination and commitment to function smoothly in the various mountain terrains including glaciers, a guide must climb both rock and ice and be able to skiing in mountain terrain where there are no slopes. In addition, he must have general knowledge of risk management, environment (flora, fauna, geology, culture), orientation, meteorology, avalanches, rescue and first aid, not to mention the great burden not only physical to which it is subjected, but also emotional. It is a comprehensive training that also includes human values, which allows you to gain the trust and respect of an audience, and thus be able to keep them safe on the safest route.
A guide shares his passion and knowledge with clients. He is trained to try to minimize the dangers inherent to the mountain, providing clear instructions to turn any ascent into an enriching experience on the safest route. Anyone can climb the mountain, but it needs previous preparation, from people with little experience to the most experienced.
“Being in the mountains for me is not a solitary experience – it is so much about the people you share these adventures with”
Kathy Murphy, Segunda mujer británica en lograr la certificación UIAGM.
The UIAGM official high mountain guide is the highest level among mountain professionals and it is a true honor for anyone who sets out to acquire such prestigious recognition. To date, there are only 7000 accredited guides worldwide and 27 associations, among which the AGMP stands out, who leads expeditions and leads ropes in the mountains of Peru and the world, also carries out rescue work and gives technical courses with the aim of safe practice in mountaineering and adequate response in mountain emergencies. At the tourist level, the AGMP seeks to provide foreign tourists with a high margin of safety, an effectiveness that no institution in Peru offers.