Huaraz and Cordillera Blanca
All content by World Expeditions
Enjoy a series of day walks in the most dramatic mountains in Peru
The Cordillera Blanca is considered by many to be the most spectacular mountain regions of Peru, if not the whole of South America. North of Lima is Huaraz, where we base ourselves for a series of day walks in the Cordillera Blanca, home to Huarascaran, Peru's highest peak, where we enter this wild and dramatic landscape of towering peaks and glaciers from the comfort of our hotel.
Highlights
- Explore Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca
- Exhilarating day walks to pre-Inca ruins, pristine mountain lakes, and hot springs
- Magnificent vistas of 6000+ metre glaciated peaks
- Experience indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems
Itinerary
Day 1 Depart Lima by bus to Huaraz (Total driving - approximately 8 hours)
Transfer to bus station for journey by comfortable and modern public tourist bus to Huaraz. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of day/evening at leisure.
Day 2 Short walks to visit ruins of Willcahuain and other points of interest near Huaraz (Total walking and driving - approximately 5 hours)
Today is a shorter and more relaxing day. Starting at the hotel we will hike up to the impressive pre-Inca site at Willcahuain (Wari culture 600-900 AD), situated 7km north-east of Huaraz. This temple has a network of corridors running through it, and was where the mummies of the Wari ancestors were buried. From here we will walk through farmland down to the hot springs at Monterrey, where you will have a chance to relax in medicinal pools that reach temperatures of 46 degrees Celsius. Return transfer to hotel.
Day 3 Full day to Laguna 69 (Total walking and driving - approximately 12 hours)
This is a long day. Drive to Yungay (2500m) on the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca. On the way, there will be great views of the Chinancocha and Orcancocha lakes, as well as the towering peaks of Huascaran, Huandoy and Yanapaccha in the distance. We will then drive on to Cebollapampa. This is where we will start a 4-hour walk to Laguna 69 - a lovely high mountain lake situated at the base of the Pisco and Chacraraju peaks, which provide amazing reflections on still days. We will then hike back to the vehicle for our return to the hotel.
Day 4 Full day to Laguna Churup (Total walking - approx 6 hours; Total driving - approx 3 hours)
Drive to the town of Pitec (3850m) passing through the farming settlements of Unchus and Llupa. From Pitec, we will undertake a steep uphill walk (3.5km) to the beautiful turquoise Laguna Churup. After visiting the lake, we will walk back down to Pitec. We will then drive to Huaraz for a farewell meal with our guide.
Day 5 Bus from Huaraz to Lima, where trip concludes
Transfer to bus station for journey by comfortable and modern public tourist bus back to Lima. On arrival, transfer to the airport or to your hotel, where trip concludes.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 4 breakfasts, and 3 packed lunches
- Expert bilingual guide
- Comfortable and centrally located hotels
- Private transportation to each day walk
- Comfortable modern public tourist bus from Lima to Huaraz return
- Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed
- Basic medical kit
Summary
- 4 nights hotels
- 3 day walks
Trip Main Activities
- Adventure Touring
- Day Walking
Group Size Min
2
Group Size Max
6
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,290








