Cordillera Blanca
Ancash
The Cordillera Blanca and the Huayhuash mountain range, located in the central highlands of Peru, are part of a star destination for adventurers in search of peaks and snow-capped peaks, the most imposing such as the Huascarán (6746 meters above sea level), the Yerupajá (6617 meters above sea level) or the Alpamayo (5,947 meters above sea level) will be your companions on the route, dominating the landscape over Polylepis forests and between lagoons that hang like turquoise jewels.
We select the best possible hikes in this landscape of peaks and snow-capped peaks, challenging routes in which the physical effort to overcome them is rewarded with adventures in wild nature, with local communities of ancient traditions and spectacular little-explored archaeological sites such as the temple of Chavín de Huántar or the Qhapaq Ñan: the Great Inca Trail.
Cordillera Blanca
Ancash
Trek Santa Cruz 4 days/3 nights: The Santa Cruz trek is perhaps the most famous hiking route in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. It is located within the Huascarán National Park and connects turquoise lagoons and snow-capped peaks more than 5,000 meters high in a 4-day hike. It begins at 3,700 meters above sea level. and leads to Paria, passing through native queñuals and picturesque towns. The challenging second day culminates in Punta Unión at 4,750 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Huascarán National Park. Camping in Taullipampa at 4,250 meters above sea level. The third day reveals majestic peaks such as Artesonraju and Alpamayo. The expedition ends with a leisurely hike, encountering waterfalls and farmers, leading to Cashapampa and a three-hour drive back to Huaraz.
Trek Huayhuash 4 days/3 nights: This is the perfect hike in the Huayhuash Mountain Range, not very long, nor difficult, but with countless panoramic views, forests of native trees, ancestral villages, and the best-known snow-capped peaks in the world. Leaving Huaraz, you will see the Huayhuash Mountain Range and Yerupajá, the second highest peak in Peru. After breakfast in Chiquián, the adventure continues to the town of Llamac and the entrance to the Rondoy Valley, at 4,050 meters above sea level. Spend the first night in Matacancha, at 4,100 meters above sea level. On the second day, ascend to the Sambunya Pass, at 4,750 meters above sea level, for spectacular views of Jirishanca, Yerupajá and more. Camp next to Lake Jahuacocha at 4,057 meters above sea level, which offers birdlife and exploration. The last day drives to the Achin valley, descending to Pocpa and returning to Huaraz.
Qhapaq Ñan: The great Inca road from Chavín to Huánuco Pampa. This destination is a living testimony of the Great Inca Trail, which connected Cusco with Tomebamba (present-day Cuenca, Ecuador) during the Inca Empire. This engineering marvel is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The adventure begins in Chavín de Huántar, a pre-Inca site with an ancient temple dedicated to divine powers. For four days, the journey follows the historic route, resting near Tambos (wayside shelters) each night. The cobblestone road winds through pampas, mountain passes and diverse ecosystems, connecting remote towns. The expedition culminates in Huánuco Pampa, the largest archaeological site outside of Cusco, which showcases the strategic brilliance and network of connectivity of the Incas.
Lagoons in the heart of the Andes Mountains: Parón- Churup-69: This captivating destination has beautiful lagoons of brightly colored waters framed by snow-capped peaks. A four-hour hike leads to exquisite landscapes within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Huascarán National Park, which is home to approximately 434 glacial lagoons. The various hiking trails cater to all levels of difficulty and offer a connection to the natural beauty and untamed majesty of this wilderness.
**Laguna Churup**: A four-hour walk begins in Llupa and leads to Pitec and the Churup and Quillcayhuanca streams. This gem of a lagoon in the national park displays mesmerizing blue-green waters.
**Laguna 69**: The adventure begins in Yungay with a bus trip to the Cebollapampa camp, which takes around three hours. The hike to Laguna 69 is manageable and offers impressive views of the snow-capped Chacraraju at 6,112 meters above sea level.
**Laguna Parón**: Just an hour and a half drive east of Caraz, this destination offers impressive views of the imposing Artesonraju (6,025 meters above sea level) and the formidable Chacraraju (6,112 meters above sea level).
**Lake Llanganuco**: A short 45-minute drive from Yungay takes you to this natural wonder. The walk follows the shores of Chinancocha and Orconcocha, two pristine lakes of extraordinary beauty. Alternatively, a local community offers boat rides, providing a five to six hour experience in the Andean landscape.
