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Huaraz - Cordillera Blanca trekkings (& Chavin de Huantar)Peru trekkingRoute: Lima - Huaraz - NP Huascaran - Lima extended stay: Chavin de HuantarTrue, northern Peru can be tricky to plan into your itinerary. If it’s your first visit to Peru you’ll probably stick to the middle and the south. After all you won't want to miss the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. However, this Peru trekking adventure is quite easy to fit into your schedule if you’re spending 3-4 weeks travelling around in Peru. Even the most discerning hiking enthusiast can’t help but be impressed by the region of Huaraz and the Cordilleras, a spectacularly beautiful authentic part of Peru with jagged snow-capped peaks towering over lush green valleys. The Cordillera Blanca trek will pass through the Huascaran National Park and you'll visit several local farmer families. If you have the time you can extend this module with a day trip to the archaeological excavations at Chavin de Huantar. If you would like more ideas of what you can see and do in Peru take a look at our varied Peru tours, and of course Machu Picchu holidays which will take you along the infamous Inca Trail. |
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5 days / 4 nights or 6 days / 5 nights Departs daily from Lima |
Accommodation |
Charming hotel and traditional mountain lodge. |
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Price |
£369 per person sharing for 4 nights £425 per person sharing for 5 nights |
Includes |
Transport, English-speaking guide during trek and (if booked) during excursion in Chavin, accommodation with breakfast on Day 2, 3, 4 (5) |
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Transport |
Scheduled bus and minibus |
Excludes |
Other meals, entrance fees, transfers |
Day 1: Lima - HuarazOn the first day of your Peru trekking adventure, you'll take an early morning taxi to the Lima bus station where you’ll catch the 9.30am day bus to Huaraz (approx 7 hours). We’ll book you a seat on a Royal Class bus, so you’ll have the comfort of on-board snacks and a toilet. Because you’ll be travelling in the day time you’ll be able to see the beautiful varied landscape. The first leg of your Peru trip follows the road along the barren rugged coast, before veering off inland. Soon you’ll see the first snow-capped peaks of the Andes looming in the distance and you’ll spot your first lama grazing on the plains. Late in the afternoon you’ll arrive at the bus station in Huaraz where you can simply take a taxi to your hotel for a few beers (approx $2). |
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Like many other Peruvian cities, Huaraz was rebuilt to an American model after the devastating earthquake of 1970. It’s not particularly pretty but thanks to the growth in tourism the city is gradually becoming a Kathmandu of the Andes, and we have to admit that certainly has its charm. You’re already at 3091m altitude, so we’ll book an overnight stay for you to acclimatise before setting off on your trek. If you have enough time, we suggest staying an extra night to help your body adjust even better. Just let us know on your quote request form. Your hotel and its comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms is within walking distance from the Plaza de Armas. You’ll find plenty of places to eat here in the evening. After dinner, you'll can pack your bags for your trek. You’ll return to the hotel at the end of this Peru trekking adventure. Just pack the essentials for the next couple of days and leave the rest of your things at hotel reception for safekeeping. |
Day 2: Huaraz - Huaytapallana - Llanganuco (approximately 6 hour hike)On day two of your Peru trekking adventure you'll start off early, heading north by bus to the traditional Andes settlements Carhuaz and Yungay. Afterwards you'll continue on towards the snow-capped mountains of Huandoy and Huascaran. By the end of the morning your bus will wind its way up to the beautifully situated Llanganuco Lodge. The lodge, located on the shores of the lovely Llanganuco Lagoon, is the starting point for quite a few hikes and treks through the picturesque environment. It's probably because of this that there's such an active mountaineer atmosphere in this area. |
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After arriving and checking into the Llanganuco Lodge, you will start the day's Peru trekking at the base of Huandoy (6,160m). While the 6 hour trek might sound strenuous, it shouldn’t be that exhausting providing you’re relatively fit. After just over three hours of walking, you will reach Quebrada Huaytapallana, a beautiful biodiverse valley in the Huascaran National Park. When you reach the valley, locals will show you how they make tasty treats from local resources: they make snow cones from chipped ice and flavoured syrups. The way back to the lodge is much shorter, so you should be back at the lodge before dark. After you arrive you can crawl onto a hammock or enjoy a hearty meal in the restaurant. Then it's boots off, feet up and off to bed for an early night. |
Day 3: Llanganuco - Hike to Lagoon 69 - Then back to HuarazToday will surely be a highlight of your Peru trip as you'll once again venture out into the area surrounding the Llanganuco Lodge. You'll travel deeper into the mountains and you'll pass by several deep blue lagoons. You'll visit Chinancocha and Orkoncocha (the famous female and male blue lagoons), both of which are surrounded by a surprising array of flora and fauna. Don’t forget to look up every now and then to take in the snowy peaks of the Giant Andes while you're here.Afterwards you'll be dropped off at Cebollapampa where today’s Peru trekking begins. After three hours you'll reach Laguna 69, an incredibly bright blue lake at the foot of the towering Chacraraju (6.112m). From here you can also see 2 more icons of the Cordillera Blanca; Huascaran and Huandoy. On the way back you'll be picked up and taken back to the lodge before being transferred back to Huaraz. |
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Day 4: Huaraz - Overnight bus to LimaSince we'll book a night bus for you, you'll have an entire day to spend in Huaraz on your Peru trekking tour. You can visit the daily Indian market in the Avenida San Martin, a colourful spectacle of local vendors in their vibrant traditional dress and market stalls selling everything under the sun. Sunday is the best day to visit the market, and is a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs from your Peru holiday. If you visit the Archaeological Museum on the Plaza de Armas you can admire an interesting collection of Chavin sculptures. In the evening, try one of the restaurants around the Plaza before making your own way to the bus station. Make sure you stock up on snacks and drinks beforehand, the dry air on the bus will make you very thirsty. Your Royal Class bus leaves at 11PM. Don't forget to bring along a warm sweater since it can get chilly on the air-conditioned bus and perhaps a small pillow to lay your head on. |
Day 5: Arrival in LimaEarly this morning you'll arrive at the Lima bus station, where your Peru trekking adventure will end. From Lima you can embark on many other modules exploring both Peru and Boliva. Take a look at our Peru tours and Boliva tours for more inspiration. |
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Extension:
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Day 6: Excursion to Chavin de HuantarOn this optional extension of your Peru trekking tour you'll head south for a visit to the archaeological excavations at Chavin. On the way down you'll visit Lake Querococha, the Kahuish tunnel at 4,450 meters above sea level and the thermal baths of Qercos. However, the highlight of the day will certainly be the ancient ruins of the Chavin civilization. Around 900 BC, this mighty culture flourished and the Chavin people ruled over large parts of Peru from the highlands all the way to the coast. The religious epicentre was the Chavin de Huantar temple, of which only ruins remain.Enjoy the scenic view out across the snow-capped peaks of the Andes or roam through the labyrinth of tunnels. You can also visit the museum next to the ruins before returning to Huaraz. The entire trip should take about 8 to 10 hours to complete. |
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A sneak peek at your hotel
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A sneak peek at your mountain lodge
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