This is a visit to a series of important archaeological sites from various cultures and periods of pre-Inca civilizations located in both coastal and Andean environments such as the Chavín de Huántar Ceremonial Temple (1000 BC), the oldest and most advanced civilization with monumental granite pyramids, ceremonial plazas and platforms linked by stone-carved staircases such as the Lanzón Gallery with its supreme deity of Chavín, sophisticated sculpture, fine ceramic and metalwork are exceptional. We will visit the Paramonga Temple (1200 AC), belonging to another culture, one of the famed astronomy observatories of ancient Peru, built in successively geometrically shaped adobe platforms by the northern Chimú Culture.

The tour includes a visit to the Santa river valley, Llanganuco Canyon and lakes in the heart of the Huascarán National Park. This park includes the magnificent iced-peaks of the Cordillera Blanca such as Huascarán (6768m), Huandoy (6395m), Chacraraju (6113m), Chopicallqui (6395m), and Pisco (5885m). It encompasses many of the highest peaks of the Andes and a great ecological diversity with fascinating tropical Andean flora, as well as the cultural wealth of living communities who preserve their cultural heritage until now.

Day 01 : Lima / Huaraz (By Bus)

Travel to Huaraz (400 km) by public bus.
Reception at bus terminal in Huaraz and transfer to Hotel.

Day 02 : Huaraz / Chavin De Huantar / Huaraz (Full Day)

Travel through the Cordillera Blanca, pass the Cahuish Tunnel, arriving in Chavin de Huantar, South America’s oldest and most advanced cult ure in the past, and one of the six independent centers of civilization in world prehistory. In Chavin we find monumental granite pyramids and ceremonial plazas linked by stone-carved staircases. Subterranean chamber complexes, known as galleries, are the most unusual Chavin architectural style. We visit the Lanzón Gallery with its supreme deity of Chavin, a large stone idol called Lanzón that is finely carved with human, Jaguar, Anaconda, and Harpy Eagle iconography. Sophisticated stone-carved friezes, columns, giant heads, and astronomic representations are a puzzle for Andean archaeology-astronomers.

Day 03 : Huaraz / Callejon De Huaylas And Laguna De Llanganuco (Full Day)

After breakfast we set out for the heart of Huascaran Biosphere Reserve. The mountain scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as we ascend the slopes of the Cordillera Blanca. Exciting peaks such as Huandoy (21,000 feet) and Huascaran (22,200 feet) above sea level, form the granite walls of this U-shaped glacial-eroded canyon with its two turquoise Llanganuco lakes. This is a giant natural history laboratory where we learn about high tropical Andes species and ecosystems. Forest of silk-paper-barked Queñua and Quishua trees cover the canyon floor. Colorful bromeliads, orchids and cactuses, among other plant species, embellish the granite boulders and cliffs.

Day 04 : Huaraz / Pastoruri Glacier (Full Day) / Huaraz / Callejon De Huaylas

LIMA or TRUJILLO (by bus) | Credit: PILAR OLIVARES / PROMPERU
Visit to the Pachacoto Gorge in the Huascaran National Park to hike up to the base of the Pastoruri glacier, and then to the glacier itself. This glacier mountain of relatively easy access by regular tourists is open from April to November. Pachacoto is a glacier for the practice of snow sports while enjoying the beauty of a glacier landscape in a summer day. On the way, you are surprised by the view of the spectacular Puya Raymondi. This giant bromeliad produces the world’s largest inflorescence, reaches heights of up to 36 feet, and is the habitat of a variety of Andean hummingbirds. This centennial plant flowers once in its life-cycle producing 15,000-20,000 flowers on conical spikes, and about ten million seeds.

INCLUDES:
- Transportation Lima / Huaraz / Lima (Trujillo), bus route (special service)
- Private Transportation : Transfer to bus terminal / hotel / and vice versa
- Tourist Guide: English-French-German-Italian and Spanish
- 3 Lunchs + Refreshments on board (bus)
- All entrance tickets
- 03 nights accommodation at Hotel El TUMI

Trekking across the Huascarán Biosphere Reserve we will admire, among many others, the impressive iced-summits of Huantzán Grande (6395m) and Cashan (5723m). The trail leads us to Chavín de Huántar, a World Cultural Heritage Site of monumental granite pyramids, spectacular bas-relief carvings and sophisticated subterranean structures. We hike accompanied by llamas and share the Andean resident's traditional life styles.

Day 01 : Lima / Huaraz

Our comfortable vehicle takes us via the Pan American Highway along the Pacific Ocean coast, across sand deserts and through coastal valleys to Pativilca. Here we take the Pativilca-Huaraz Highway and drive up into the Andes until we reach Conococha Lake at 4100 meters above sea level. Scenic mountain views announce our arrival to the Callejón de Huaylas alley between the Cordillera Negra (Black Mountain Range) and the Cordillera Blanca, We continue to Huaraz (3,100 meters above sea level), the “Capital of Mountaineering and International Friendship”. We overnight at our Hotel in Huaraz

 

Day 02 : Huaraz / Olleros / Arhuaycancha

Driving along the Callejón de Huaylas Valley we enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Blanca’s highest peaks until me arrive in Olleros (3,500 m), and then in the picturesque village of Canray Chico. Here we start hiking following the course of the Rio Negro (Black River). On our way we admire the Huantzán Chico and Uruashraju peaks. We camp at Arhuaycancha (3,400 m.)

Day 03 : Arhuaycancha / Yanashallash / Shoncopampa

We follow the remains of an old Inca road up to Punta Yanashallash pass (4,670 m.). We enjoy the sight of the impressive Huantzan Grande peak, the highest of this section of the Cordillera Blanca. We camp in Shoncopampa (4,100 m).

 

Day 04 : Shoncopampa / Chavin / Huaraz

Our tour continues along the Inca Trail as it leads down by the Wacheksa Ravine. Descending this ravine we pass by picturesque villages living traditional lifestyles. We arrive in Chavin (4,180 m.) town and explore Chavin de Huantar, South America’s oldest and most advanced culture, and one of the six independent centers of civilization in world prehistory. In Chavin we find monumental granite pyramids and ceremonial plazas linked by stone-carved staircases. Subterranean chamber complexes, known as galleries, are the most unusual Chavin architectural style. We visit the Lanzon Gallery with human, Jaguar, Anaconda, and Harpy Eagle iconography. Sophisticated stone carved friezes, columns, giant heads, and astronomic representations are a puzzle for Andean archaeoloy astronomers. Return to Huaraz to our hotel for overnight.

Day 05 : Huaraz / Lima

After a relaxing breakfast we return to Lima, carrying with us unforgettable memories of our experiences in the world’s largest tropical high-mountain ecosystems and the friendships we built with our adventurous companions on the trails of Cordillera Blanca and the Huascaran Biosphere Reserve. Afternoon arrival in Lima.

Technical Data:

Season: April to October
Walking distance: 38 km
Altitude: 3200 – 4670 meters above sea level
Rating: Easy
Weather: Warm to hot during daytime / temperate to cold at night
Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours a day
2 nights of camping

INCLUDES:
- Transportation Lima / Huaraz / Lima (Trujillo), bus route (special service)
- Private Transportation : Transfer to bus terminal / hotel / and vice versa
- Private transportation to beginning of trekking and return to Huaraz.
- Service guide to walk, cook, mule driver and personal assistant when necessary.
- Animals load (donkeys) and horse saddle.
- Bipersonal dormitory tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, inflatable mattress.
- Tourist Guide: English-French-German-Italian and Spanish
- 3 Lunchs + 2 Refreshments on board (bus) / 2 dinners
- All entrance tickets to Huascaran National Park
- 03 nights accommodation at Hotel El TUMI