Epic Huaraz Llama trek: Olleros and Chavin de Huantar

Llama Trek : Olleros and Chavin de Huantar

04 Days / 03 Nights

Trekking across the Huascarán Biosphere Reserve we admire, among many others, the impressive iced-summits of Huantzán Grande (6395 m.) and Cashan (5723 m.).

The trail leads us to Chavín de Huántar, a world cultural heritage site of monumental granite pyramids, spectacular base relief carvings and sophisticated subterranean structures. We hike accompanied by Llamas and share the Andean resident’s traditional life styles.

• Distance : 28 Km
• Altitude : 3200 – 4670 meters above sea level
• Rating : Easy to moderate
• Weather : Warm to hot in the daytime / temperature cold at night
• Trekking time : 5 to 7 hours a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Huaraz

Regular bus to Huaraz 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 (4,100 m.a.s.l.). Scenic mountains capes announce our arrival to the Callejón de Huaylas Valley between the Cordillera Negra (Black Mountain Range) and the Cordillera Blanca (white mountain range). We continue to Huaraz (3,100 m.a.s.l), the “Capital of Mountaineering and International Friendship.”

Overnight at Huaraz.

Day 2: Huaraz to Canrey Chico and Trek: Sacracancha & Tuctu

This morning we drove to the southern part of the Callejon de Huaylas Valley between the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra until arrival at Olleros town (3,500 m.a.s.l.). and continue to the picturesque village of Canray Chico.

Here we start our hike following the course of the Rio Negro (Black River) and the Uquian gorge. During our hike we enjoy the company of our handsome llamas as our ancestors did for thousands of years. On our way, we hike across the Puna bio-region dominated by the ichu while we admire the magnificent Huantzán peak (6,395 m.a.s.l.), once the Sacred Mountain of the Chavin Civilization, and also the Uruashraju peak (5,722 m.a.s.l). We camp in Tuctu (4,100 m.a.s.l.)

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 03: Tuctu treck and visit Chavin and Huaraz

This morning we followed the remains of an old Inca trail up to Punta Yanashallash pass (4,700 m.a.s.l). We enjoy the sight of the impressive Huantzán peak, the highest of this section of the Cordillera Blanca. We descend to Shoncopampa (4,088 m,a,s.l) from where our trail continues along the Inca road as it leads down by the Wacheksa Ravine.

Descending this ravine, we pass across picturesque villages of friendly people living traditional lifestyles of Chichucancha. Then we will have a transfer in private car crossing the Andean towns of Lanchan, Nunupata and finally we arrive at Chavin town(4,180 m.a.s.l.). We will explore Chavín de Huántar, South America oldest and most advanced culture, and one of the six independent centers of civilization in world prehistory.

At Chavín we find monumental granite pyramids and ceremonial plazas linked by stone-carved staircases. Subterranean chamber complexes, known as galleries, are the most unusual Chavín architectural style. We will 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. Return to Huaraz and overnight.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 04: Huaraz departure day

Breakfast at hotel.

At a certain time, our transportation will be waiting to take you to the bus station.

En of services.

What’s included:

Transfer Lima – Huaraz – Lima in regular bus (non-stop buses with air conditioning, chemical toilette, TV, lunch on board, hostess)
Private car transfers in Huaraz: bus station – hotel – bus station.
Private car transfers to all starting and returning points to/from the hiking destinations
Bilingual trekking guide.
First class trekking services: Cook and full meal in the mountains, according to program.
Donkeys and donkey drivers, and a Horse.
Sleeping tents (for 2 or 3 persons each), kitchen, dining and toilette tents.
Air mattress.
All cooking gear and dining equipment.
First aid group kit.
Entrances fees to the National Park.
Upon return from Huaraz transfer from the bus station to the hotel or to the airport

Not included:

Hotels in Lima and Huaraz.
Dinners in town.
Personal expenses: camping gear, specific medicines equipment, phone calls, extra meals, drinks, tips and others of personal nature

Important

What to bring?

Backpack with rain shelter.
Sleeping bag.
Clothing for warm and cold climates like a waterproof jacket.
Rain pants and lightweight pants.
Trekking shoes.
Slippers or sandals (for showers).
Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
Long- and short-sleeved polo/T-Shirts.
Rain poncho and a hat.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
Flashlight and batteries.
Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.