Day
1. We drive the Pan American Highway along the Pacific Ocean,
across sand deserts and through coastal valleys to Pativilca. From here
we drive up the buttress of the Andes until we reach Conococha Lake
(4080m). Impressive mountainscapes of perennially snow capped peaks,
announce our arrival at the Callejón de Huaylas Valley between
the Cordillera Negra (Black Mountain Range) and the Cordillera Blanca
(White Mountain Range). We continue to Huaraz (3100m), the "Capital
of Mountaineering and International Friendship". Overnight in Huaraz
at the
Hotel Andino Club. (Tourist coach, lunch on board included).
Day
2. EL PINAR - WILLCAHUAIN HIKE
Hike to El Pinar viewing point to have a panoramic view of the Northern
and Eastern peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. We continue our hike to
the archaeological site of Willcahuaín from where we continue
to Monterrey thermal baths and Restaurant for lunch. Transfer to Huaraz
and our hotel. Overnight in Huaraz at the Hotel Andino
Club. (Lunch included).
Day 3. HUARAZ - LLANGANUCO - HUISHCASH
This morning we transfer to the Llanganuco Canyon, formed by the granite
walls of Peru's highest tropical peaks -- Huascarán (6768 m)
and Huandoy (6397 m). Forests of silk-paper-barked Queñua and
Quishuar trees cover the canyon floor, and colorful bromeliads grace
the granite boulders and cliffs. We arrive at Llanganuco Lakes, then
continue beyond them and set up our first campsite at Huishcash (4300
m), an outdoor natural history museum.
(Lunch and Dinner included).
Day
4. HUISHCASH - PORTACHUELO DE LLANGANUCO - PAMPAMACHÉ
After breakfast we ascend to Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4750 m). The
view of the spectacular iced amphitheater formed by some of the highest
peaks of the tropical Andes (Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, Chopicallqui,
and Huascarán) is a breathtaking surprise. Here we start our
hike descending along small lakes and streams to Pampa Maché,
where we set up camp (3760m.).
(Lunch and Dinner included).
Day
5. PAMPA MACHE - PARIA GORGE
This morning we hike along the Huaripampa Gorge. In the distance we
can see the Andean villages of Yanama and Colcabamba. Continuing our
hike, we cross Ranincuray Gorge with its magnificent views of the towers
of Chacraraju East (6200m), swampy meadows, small lakes and forests.
Scenic peaks such as Huascarán, Chopicallqui, Ulta, and Contrahierbas
provide great opportunities for photographs. Our second camp is installed
at 3800 meters.
(Mountain Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included).
Day 6. PARIA GORGE - TAULLIPAMPA
Today is filled with pleasant surprises and gorgeous views as we walk
through grassy areas and along the Morococha Lakes. Climbing Inca stone-carved
steps, we arrive at Punta Unión Pass (4780m). The panorama of
this valley is dominated by the impressive iced walls of Taulliraju
(5830m) above Taullicocha Lake. We camp in Taullipampa at 4150 meters.
(Mountain Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included).
Day
7. TAULLIPAMPA - ALPAMAYO BASE CAMP - TAULLIPAMPA
From Taullipampa camp we climb by a zig-zag trail the buttress of Alpamayo
peak. On our way, we observe various vegetation ecosystems with diverse
and colorful high altitude flora. The iced peaks of Artesonraju, Paria,
Quitaraju and Pukajirca are visible from many different sites. The view
of the rocky, iced and fluted south face of Alpamayo Peak (5947m) in
all its rugged grandeur is a feast for the eyes. We climb up to reach
the Alpamayo base camp and the forming Arhuaycocha Lake with icebergs
floating in its icy waters where we have lunch while enjoying the magnificent
view of Alpamayo Peak. We return to our camp for overnight.
(Mountain Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included).
Day
8. TAULLIPAMPA - JATUNCOCHA LAKE ICHICCOCHA - LLAMA CORRAL
We hike down Taullipampa Gorge, accross small patches of Queñua
and Quishuar trees, remains of small forest destroyed by ice avalanches.
These species are the endangered hard wood of high altitude Andes, which
can grow up to snow line. We walk across a plateau of fine white granite-sand
and granite paths until we reach Jatuncocha Lake of beautiful turquoise
color waters. We continue or hike to enjoy from time to time a grimpse
of some of the renowned iced peaks above, and several high waterfalls
surrounded my lush subtropical Andean vegetation. We arrive at Ichiccocha
Lake, and soon after to Llamacorral Camp (3800m).
(Mountain Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included).
Day
9. LLAMA CORRAL - CASHAPAMPA - HUARAZ
A trail down the left ridge of the deep Santa Cruz Canyon provides us
with opportunities to appreciate various vegetation ecosystems as we
pass from areas with high altitude plants to tracts with tropical species
such as bromeliads and orchids covering the granite walls. The rocky
silhouette of the Cordillera Negra on the horizon announces our approach
to Cashapampa Village (2900m), from where we transfer to Huaraz and
your hotel. Overnight in Huaraz at the Hotel Andino Club.
(Mountain Breakfast and Lunch included).
Day
10. HUARAZ - LIMA
We return to Lima, enjoying spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca,
and the glistening vertical walls of the Cordillera Huayhuash in the
horizon. As we leave the golden puna plateaus and rolling hills, the
landscape transforms into deep ravines filled with farms and picturesque
villages. Continuing to drive downhill through narrow valleys, we arrive
at the wide coastal plains, and then to Lima. Transfer to your chosen
hotel. (Tourist coach, lunch on board included).
===============================================================
It is essential
that you be prepared and necessarily equipped for the trek. You will
be accompanied by an experienced bilingual trekking guide, pack animals
to carry the camping gear, donkeys and donkey drivers, one horse and
camp assistant(s). All group camping equipment: Four and three season
tents (for 2 persons each), kitchen, dining, and toilet tents and all
cooking gear and dining equipment are included
Upon request
we will send you a list of recommended personal gear for your expedition.
With
the architecture of a typical "casa hacienda", "El Patio
de Monterrey" Hotel is a traditional cozy hotel surrounded by beautiful
gardens and "patios" of colonial style. 
Situated
close to the main Plaza the Hostal Andino it has wonderful panoramic views
of the Callejón de Huaylas and external gardens. All rooms have private
facilities and there is restaurant and bar. 
Day
1. Transfer from your hotel to the bus station. Public bus
Lima/Huaraz. Arrival in Huaraz and transfer to the hotel.
Day
2. Traverse the Cordillera Blanca via the Cahuish Tunnel to
visit Chavín de Huántar, South America's oldest and most
advanced culture, and one of the six independent centers of civilization
in world prehistory. Chavín’s monumental granite pyramids
and ceremonial plazas are linked by stone-carved staircases and platforms.
Subterranean chamber complexes, known as galleries, are the most unusual
Chavín architectural style. Visit the Lanzón Gallery with
its supreme deity of Chavín, 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 archaeo-astronomers.
