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15-Nights Trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash from $5,495
MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1376696
Peru Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking
Tackle one of the world's most spectacular mountain circuits in the Cordillera Huayhuash, a compact yet magnificent range that's richly glaciated, steep, and dramatic. Six of Peru's highest mountains rise from this striking massif. This classic, multi-day trek in the Peruvian Andes is challenging but rewarding, with unequalled views of its turquoise glacial lakes, jagged, snow-capped peaks, and stunning hanging glaciers that extend thousands of feet from the peaks. Let our experienced team of mountain guides support you in this trek of a lifetime through remote and rugged terrain.
- Challenge yourself with 11 days of high-altitude hiking, including eight mountain passes over 15,000 feet
- Take in the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, hot springs, and native wildlife of the Cordillera Huayhuash
- Acclimate first with three days in the mountaineering center of Huaraz, with short hikes and a visit to the pre-Inca site of Chavin de Huantar
Minimum Age: 17
15 nights from $5,495 per person
Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Peru Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking
Day 1 Arrive in Lima & Transfer to Huaraz
8-hour private van transfer or 1-hour flight transfer (July 1 2024 onwards)
Arrive at Lima airport early (we recommend arriving in Lima the day before). Transfers to Huaraz depend on your travel dates. For departures through June 30, 2024, transfer together ~8 hours by private van or bus from Lima to Huaraz, enjoying a box lunch en route. For departures starting July 1-August 30, 2024, take a 7:00 am commercial flight from Lima to Huaraz. In 2025, guests book their own flight to and from Huaraz, together with international flights, and the tour starts with an airport transfer on arrival in Huaraz. All groups enjoy a welcome dinner in Huaraz this evening.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(D)
Day 2 Discover the Ancient Center of Chavin de Huantar
5-hour private van transfer
3-hour guided visit to archaeological site
Continue your acclimatization with a day trip from Huaraz to the monumental site of Chavin de Huantar, one of the oldest archaeological sites you can visit in Peru - first inhabited as early as 1500 BC! Nestled at 10,500 feet, between the eastern and western ranges of the Andes, this complex of temples, terraces, and underground mazes belonged to the Chavin culture, who pre-dated the Inca by over 2,000 years. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, Chavin was a gathering place for worshipers from around the region. Admire the pyramidal temple and buildings of the ceremonial center, with outstanding examples of zoomorphic stone carvings. Step inside recently uncovered passages of underground tunnels, and visit the small on-site museum that houses artifacts found at the site including carved stone figurines and musical instruments.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(B, L)
Day 3 Hike to Ararcocha & Huilcacocha Lakes
1-hour private van transfer
4 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 2746' elevation gain & 121' elevation loss
Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cordillera Blanca as you travel into the mountains by bus, then hike to two pristine Andean glacial lakes. This is a great acclimatization hike to help you adjust to the thinner air and prepare you for more challenging future hikes. From Rumichuco Bridge, ascend toward Ararcocha (12,116') and Huilcacocha (12,221') Lakes, boasting some of the best panorama views of the Cordillera Blanca range, including the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca — Mount Huascaran - whose glacier-topped pinnacle sits at 22,204 feet! After a hearty lakeside lunch, meet your bus for the drive back to Huaraz.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Journey to Chiquian & the Cordillera Huayhuash
5-hour private van transfer
Starting out in the early morning, enjoy a 2-hour transfer south along a paved road to the town of Chiquian. Stop at a vista point to admire views of the Cordillera Huayhuash including Yerupaja, the second highest peak in Peru. The last section of the drive is on a dirt road towards the village of Llamac, gateway to the Cordillera Huayhuash. Past the village of Pocpa and the Pallca mine, arrive at the entrance of the Rondoy Valley at 13,287 feet. Here, the scenery opens up into rolling grasslands, dominated by the snow- capped peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Set up camp in Cuartelhuain at 13,772 feet.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Huayhuash
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike over Cacananpunta Pass to Lake Mitucocha
5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,853' elevation gain & 1,719' elevation loss
Begin your trek in earnest, ascending up and over the Cacananpunta Pass (15,367') at the northern end of the range, keeping an eye out for Andean condors soaring overhead. This is the Continental Divide, and from this point on, rain that falls on the western slopes flows to the Atlantic and rain that falls on the eastern slopes flows to the Amazon. From here, descend through a multicolored landscape to the beautiful, flat, and grassy campsite at Janca (13,923'), not far from Lake Mitucocha. Marvel at the turquoise waters reflecting the Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca peaks. This is a short walking day to aid acclimatization, but if you're still feeling energetic, you can take the short walk to Lake Mitucocha in the afternoon.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Huayhuash
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Hike over Carhuac Pass to Lake Carhuacocha
5-6 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,270' elevation gain & 3,064' elevation loss
Today's pass, the Carhuac (15,174') takes a bit longer but is not too steep, with splendid views of Yerupaja (21,765'), the highest mountain in the Huayhuash. Descending to the rim of a hanging valley, look down on the crystalline blue-green waters of Lake Carhuacocha. Tonight's campsite below the lake (13,710') offers an incredible vista of peaks and hanging glaciers, proving you don't need 26,000-foot peaks to have the most inspiring mountain scenery.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike over Siula Pass to Huayhuash Camp
8-9 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 3,032' elevation gain & 2,047' elevation loss
Wake up before dawn if you'd like to catch the sunrise over the lake. The sun's first rays catching the peak of Yerupaja certainly make the effort more than worthwhile. After breakfast, set out on a long but gradual climb up a verdant valley, surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of Yerupaja, Yerupaja Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Santa Rosa, and Carnicero. Also pass a series of pristine and crystal clear lakes - Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillacocha. Then, climb steeply to the top of the rocky Siula Pass (15,866'), before descending to Huayhuash Campsite (14,281'), where you'll sleep nestled at the foot of Mount Trapecio and the three peaks of Jurua.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Hike to the Viconga Thermal Bath
6-7 hours/7.2 miles hiking with 1,759' elevation gain & 1,634' elevation loss
Start your day with a gradual, three-hour climb towards the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass (15,675'). From this beautiful vantage point, descend along the valley, passing grazing llama and sheep. After a walk beside the large Viconga Lake, take a short climb up to reach Viconga Thermal Baths (14,327'), a natural hotsprings, and your camp for the night.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Climb to Cuyoc Pass
6-7 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,342' elevation gain & 1,693' elevation loss
Tackle a long, challenging day ascending to Cuyoc Pass (16,558'). Stop to take in the marvelous views of the surrounding high mountains before descending down over a rocky section. Finally, hike along the valley to camp at Pampa Cuyoc (14,862').
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Hike over Santa Rosa Pass to the Calinca Valley
5-6 hours/4.2 miles hiking with 2,067' elevation gain & 2,743' elevation loss
Start the day's trek with a very steep ascent to Santa Rosa Pass, the highest pass on the trek (16,617'). Take in incredibly panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, then start the descent into the Calinca Valley. Set up camp for the next two nights at Cutatambo Camp (14,068'), not far from the base camp of author Joe Simpson before his climb of Siula Grande that resulted in the 1988 book, 'Touching the Void.'
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Enjoy a Rest Day at Camp
5 hours/5.3 miles optional Cerro Gran Vista hike with 2,064' elevation gain & loss
Take a break from hiking and enjoy the dramatic setting of icy glaciers and crystalline lakes. There are some fine walks nearby, and you can choose to explore the area more if you wish - take a short walk to the base camp of Joe Simpson, or climb the Cerro Gran Vista, a panoramic lookout over the peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Climb to the High Meadow of Huatiac
8-9 hours/10.2 miles hiking with 3,031' elevation gain & 2,831' elevation loss
Retrace your steps down the Sarapococha Valley and drop to warmer climes, continuing to the cultivated lands belonging to the remote village of Huayllapa (11,797'), with beautiful views of alpine waterfalls. In the afternoon, climb steeply again to spend the night at Huatiac, a high grazing meadow at 14,101 feet, under the shadow of Diablo Mudo, the 'Mute Devil'. This is probably the hardest day, but tomorrow will be shorter and easier.
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Cross Punta Tapush Pass
4 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,775' elevation gain & 784' elevation loss
Enjoy an easy day crossing the Punta Tapush Pass (15,715'), then descend approximately one hour to camp at Gashpapampa (14,947'). From the campsite, take in a glorious sunset behind Mount Diablo Mudo, weather permitting.
(B, L, D)
Day 14 Hike over Yaucha Pass to Laguna Jahuacocha
5-6 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 1,525' elevation gain & 3,517' elevation loss
Trek down to Angoshcancha Valley, with its forest of quenual (paper bark) trees, then ascend to steep and scree-covered Yaucha Pass (15,912'). On a clear day, you'll get magnificent views of the highest peaks of the Huayhuash range and long-distance panoramas to the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. This is also another good spot for sighting Andean condors. After a long descent, reach the indescribably beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha, which lies beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Jerupaja, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy, and El Toro and is widely held to be the scenic gem of the whole range. Overnight at 13,372 feet.
(B, L, D)
Day 15 Climb Mancanpunta Pass, Descend to Pocpa & Return to Huaraz
4.5-hour private van transfer
5-6 hours/5.8 miles hiking with 1,801' elevation gain & 3,622' elevation loss
After breakfast, depart early to return to Huaraz. Ascend a steady but gradual climb up to your ninth and last pass: Mancanpunta Pass (15,000') and take a brief rest, taking in the surrounding Andean ranges. Then, descend a steep, gravelly trail to Pocpa (11,427') to meet your private transportation to transfer back to Huaraz.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 16 Transfer to Lima & Depart
8-hour private van transfer or 1-hour flight transfer (July 1 2024 onwards)
Transfers from Huaraz to Lima depend on your travel dates. For departures ending before June 30, 2024, transfer together ~8 hours by private van or bus from Lima to Huaraz, enjoying a box lunch en route. For departures ending July 1-August 30, 2024, take an 8:45 am commercial flight from Huaraz, arriving Lima 9:35 am. In 2025, guests book their own flight from Huaraz to Lima, together with international flights, and the tour ends with a morning transfer from our Huaraz hotel to the Huaraz airport.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(B)
Excursions
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
Start with a scenic tour of the boardwalk, crossing the bohemian district of Barranco and the modern district of Miraflores, passing by Love Park where you can admire an imposing view of the Pacific Ocean. After the tour, arrive at a thematic restaurant and participate in a cocktail demonstration class, learning how to prepare the famous pisco sour. Then, enjoy a demonstration cooking class, learning how to make a delicious, typical Peruvian dish. After both classes, enjoy a tasty lunch overlooking the sea. At the end of your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, gastronomic experience
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
Learn to prepare some of the most representative cocktails of Peru in a participatory class at the elegant Hotel B. The class is carried out by an experienced bartender who explains the history of the drinks and the elements used for each one. Each cocktail will be accompanied by a tasty pairing. Take advantage of this experience to learn about local cocktails in this luxurious hotel, located in a mansion of the early twentieth century.
Tour duration: 1 hour 30
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, seasonal cocktail accompanied by a pairing
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
Museo Larco (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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