More than 750 species have been identified This vast number of species is highlighted by the presence of the Quenuales and the famous Puya Raimondi. This is the only plant of this gender in the entire world, it is calculated that these plants have up to 18 thousand inflorescences, six million seeds and can measure up to 12 meters high. They bloom only one time in their life, which is about 28 years.  The shepherding in the last years has killed many native bushes to include Quenual and the Puya Raimondi. In many of the cases they have been replaced by foreign plants like eucalyptus because of it's utility among the local people. 12 species of birds and 10 mammals.  One can notice the presence of wild ducks in almost all the lakes, with luck one will be able to observe condors. The Quebrada quilcayhuanca offers this possibility.  It's difficult, but not impossible, to observe mammals since they live in their natural state and wild and they prefer to avoid of the human presence. With patience and if your stay is long enough, you may see foxes, vizcachas, pumas, deer, etc. in the high mountain valleys. This area has two defined seasons: a dry season from May to September and a rainy season from October to April.  You can visit the following web site to check the numeric prediction of the Time and the Climate: www.senamhi.gob.pe   From ancestral times, most of the valleys have been used as shepherding areas, many bushes are picked up to be used to make fires. The use of the Ichu (grass) to make roofs for the houses. Together, these practices have caused big deforestation problems and the impoverishment of the natural areas.  In the last years, people who visit the mountains and local residents have put strong emphasis and care in the fact that our world and this environment are extremely fragile and we must not alter the conditions of nature so that it can be visited, admired and enjoyed by future generations.  In spite of efforts by mostly private institutions, there has been little government support and certainly not enough to carry out an effective plan in handling our natural resources. As a step in the right direction, there are some private programs aimed at the reforestization of the Cordillera Blanca and the local governments are demanding that the mining companies act responsibly and with care for the environment. The Cordillera Blanca is in a constant state of geologic activity. The tectonic plaques movement to the east and the movement of the South American continent to the west caused the Cordillera Blanca to rise from the earth. Even now some seismic movement produces avalanches. The glaciers have formed large lakes and the rivers, in finding a way toward the ocean have opened valleys known as quebradas. Although there is water control of the lakes, there are occasional avalanches, landslides and floods. The production of metallic and non-metallic minerals has placed this region in a class of excellence among mining areas around the world. The reserve is considerable. At the moment, the mining company Barrick Misquichilca works the gold mine in the town of Jangas, assuring the promotion of advanced technology and contributing to the development of the region.  Also the mining company, Antamina, that occupies the mine in the Callejon de Conchucos, has established its center of housings in Huaraz. Among the many springs existing along this region we will mention only those with most accessible: Monterrey: 6km north from Huaraz, it is easy to get there and this springs offers all the facilities such as pools, tubs all with natural thermal water including a hotel.  Chancos: It is located at 3 Km of the city of Marcara in the north of Huaraz. It is recommended to use the services of the natural vapor caves, but the individual tubs and the pool are not in good condition.  Other thermal springs include: Quercos at 2 km. from the ruins of Chavin de Huantar.

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