Huaraz, the Heart of the Mountains - Semi-private tour

Explore this impressive region of glaciers, snow-capped peaks and dream lagoons during 4 days of adventures and appreciation of local geography and history. Walk some of the most attractive walks in this part of the world, in which you will discover beautiful landscapes. Enjoy Huaraz, a hidden gem in the Andes.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Huaraz: the city of Huaraz is part of an Andean valley known as the “Callejón de Huaylas” (The Huaylas Alley). It is the starting point of some of the most impressive walks and adventure experiences in the country.

White Range: this area has 663 glaciers, 16 snow-capped peaks that exceed 6,000 meters in height, 269 lagoons of beautiful colours and 41 rivers. An unsurpassable natural complex.

Day 1: LIMA – ARRIVAL HUARAZ (470km – 8hrs)

Hop on the shared bus in Lima and depart for Huaraz. The city of Huaraz is the starting point for some of the most impressive walks in the country and beautiful Andean landscapes that include snow-capped peaks and turquoise lagoons. After arriving at the bus station, a private coach will leave you at the hotel for check-in. Take advantage of the afternoon at leisure to rest or explore the surroundings. 

Overnight in Huaraz.

Day 2: HUARAZ – HUASCARAN NATIONAL PARK – HUARAZ (80km – 2hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up at around 09:30 am. Today you will cross the magnificent “Callejón de Huaylas”, a valley fed by the Santa River, located between “Cordillera Blanca” and “Cordillera Negra” mountain ranges. On the way, you will visit the towns of Carhuaz, Mancos and Yungay, and while ascending towards the “Cordillera Blanca” the mountainous landscape will become increasingly spectacular. The Huandoy Mountain and Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru, make up a "U" shaped canyon where the two turquoise lagoons of Llanganuco are located. You will find yourself in the heart of the “Huascarán National Reserve”, a huge laboratory of natural history where it is possible to learn about the species that inhabit the Andes and their ecosystems. There, explore the Chinancocha and Orcococha lagoons, take a walk to enjoy the Andean ecosystem, and observe the main mountains of the Cordillera Blanca from the Cebollapampa viewpoint. After the visit, return to Huaraz.

Overnight in Huaraz.

Day 3: HUARAZ – PASTORURI MOUNTAIN – HUARAZ (185km – 5hrs / Hiking 6km – 3hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey south through the Santa River valley, passing through the towns of Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac. You head to the Pachacoto Gorge in Huascarán National Park, where you encounter high-altitude puna vegetation like "ichu" and sparkling mineral springs. You also see the "Puya Raimondi," a plant that can reach up to 12 meters in height and hosts various Andean species. During your trip, enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks of Mururaju, Huarapasca, and Tucu. At 4,850 meters above sea level, you start a hike along the edge of the Pastoruri Glacier, observing the effects of climate change and fossil remains. Your guide provides information about the glacial environment before you return to Huaraz.

Overnight in Huaraz.

Day 4: DEPARTURE HUARAZ – LIMA (470km – 8hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning you are transferred to the bus station to start your departure from the city. The tour will end in Lima, from where you can continue with your travel arrangements.

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. The passenger may take up to 20 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg in hand luggage. The excess will be allowed according to the capacity of the bus and will have an additional cost.