Trek Cordillera Huayhuas 17 Days

Overview

Peru offers an unparalleled journey into history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. One of its crown jewels, Machu Picchu, stands as a testament to the ancient Incan civilization, inviting travelers to explore mysterious ruins nestled high in the Andes. Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, enchants visitors with its vibrant blend of colonial and indigenous traditions, cobblestone streets, and lively markets that showcase exquisite crafts and local cuisine.

Beyond these iconic sites, Peru boasts a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveler’s interests. The Sacred Valley, with its fertile terraces and stunning mountain vistas, provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Lima, the bustling capital, offers a dynamic culinary scene where world-class chefs reinvent traditional recipes, blending local ingredients with modern techniques.

Further south, the desert landscapes of Paracas and the unique formations of the Nazca Lines invite mystery and exploration, while the high-altitude beauty of Lake Titicaca offers serene views and the chance to experience life on floating islands. Each destination in Peru presents its own unique charm, making the country a versatile destination for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry.

The advantages of visiting Peru are numerous: from the opportunity to experience ancient history firsthand and indulge in exquisite culinary delights, to enjoying some of the most stunning natural landscapes on the planet. Whether wandering through the ruins of Machu Picchu, exploring the cobbled streets of Cusco, or discovering the hidden treasures scattered throughout the country, every moment in Peru is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the beauty of a nation steeped in heritage and natural wonder.

Historical Marvels:
Explore ancient ruins like Machu Picchu, a breathtaking testament to the Incan civilization.
Cultural Richness:
Visit Cusco to experience a unique blend of colonial history and indigenous traditions through vibrant markets and local crafts.
Diverse Landscapes:
Enjoy the varied scenery of Peru, from the lush Sacred Valley and high Andean peaks to the mysterious Nazca Lines and desert landscapes.
Culinary Delights:
Discover Lima’s dynamic food scene where traditional recipes meet innovative culinary techniques.
Unique Destinations:
Experience tranquil moments at Lake Titicaca and explore other hidden treasures across the country, each offering its own distinct charm.

These highlights illustrate why Peru is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

Tour Overview

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Lima – City

Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
PM City Tour: Lima Colonial and Modern
- Visit the Cathedral, San Francisco’s convent
- Explore the Square of Weapons, Congress Square, San Martin Palace, and Arzobispal
- Tour the financial district of San Isidro and Miraflores (Park of the Love, Circuit of the Coast Green)
Return to the hotel; free night.

DAY 2:

Lima – Huaraz

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the bus station for departure to Huaraz (the “City White”).
Approximately 9 hours of travel.
Arrival in Huaraz, reception, and transfer to the selected hotel; free night. (B)

DAY 3:

Huaraz – Chiquian

Arrival in Chiquian, passing through small villages.
Transfer to the hostel.
Overnight stay.

DAY 4:

Trek – Llamac

Breakfast.
Early morning trek on a trail abundant with flowering cacti, enormous agaves (with flower stems in various stages), and red and yellow Cantuta.
Camp at Llamac (3,300 m); lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 5:

Trek – Pallca

Breakfast.
Begin the trek to Pallca (3,840 m), a hamlet with mud huts and thatched roofs.
Along the trail, possible sightings of Peruvian woodpeckers.
Lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 6:

Trek – Matacancha

Breakfast.
Ascend steeply along a mountainside adorned with purple lupine.
Afternoon free to explore and visit Laguna Garacocha (4,500 m), a glacial lake backed by a steep moraine wall.
Lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 7:

Trek – Mitucocha Lake

Breakfast.
Early morning trek across the Cacanan Pass (4,700 m), with opportunities to see condors and vizcachas.
Observe various alpine flowers, including tiny moss-flowers and forget-me-nots along the route.
Camp at Laguna Mitucocha (4,300 m), a lake teeming with trout; lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 8:

Trek – Cahuacocha Lake

Breakfast.
Early trek to enjoy spectacular views from Cahuac Pass.
Camp at Laguna Cahuacocha (4,150 m).
In the afternoon, view Yerupaja (6,634 m), Perú’s second-highest mountain.
Lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 9:

Trek – Huayhuash

Breakfast.
Begin by crossing a river, then gradually approach the pass of Carnicero (4,600 m).
Continue towards Huayhuash, a hamlet of five mud huts.
Camp at Huayhuash; lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 10:

Trek – Puscanturpa

Breakfast.
Early trek crossing a pass at 4,750 m, admiring panoramic views and observing hawks.
Camp at a windy location with an inspiring view of Puscanturpa (5,430 m); lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 11:

Trek – Huayllapa River

Breakfast.
Gradually ascend to the pass of Punta Cayoc (5,000 m), the highest point of the trek.
Pass by a partially frozen swampy lake and observe grouse-like birds near the pass.
After the pass, descend steeply through the valley to camp at the Rio Huayllapa (4,400 m); lunch, dinner, and camp.

Days 12 – 13::

Trek – Jahuarococha Lake

Day 12:
- Breakfast.
- Gently descend the valley, then make a steep descent along a 190-meter waterfall, surrounded by abundant flowers (notably yellow broom, a type of fuchsia).
- Before reaching the village of Huayllapa, sharply ascend through a narrow valley until it opens into an expansive plain; camp at 4,300 m; lunch, dinner, and camp.
Day 13:
- Next morning, ascend the first pass, Topush (4,800 m).
- Enjoy views of the second pass and the splendid Cordillera Huayhuash, with peaks such as Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, and Yerupaja.
- Descend sharply over a long distance to camp at Laguna Jahuarococha (4,100 m), offering excellent views of Mt. Rondoy; lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 14:

Trek – Llamac

Breakfast.
Cross the final pass of the trek (4,300 m) and then descend steeply toward Llamac.
Pass through a small field overlooking the valley en route to the campsite; lunch, dinner, and camp.

DAY 15:

Trek – Chiquian to Huaraz

Breakfast.
Early hike to Chiquian, involving a gradual descent followed by a steep ascent to Chiquian and the trailhead.
Drive back to Huaraz; overnight stay.

DAY 16:

Huaraz – Lima

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the bus station for departure to Lima.
Upon arrival in Lima, reception at the bus station and transfer to your hotel; overnight stay.

DAY 17:

Lima – Home

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport at the designated time for your departure to Lima or your next destination. (Minimum of 3 people required)