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The itinerary below is a sample itinerary. Depending on the group and travel times, the actual itinerary may vary in day-by-day content and total number of days. Call us (1-877-627-1425) for specific details.
July 5 US to Lima
Today we will travel from the US to Peru. We will arrive in Lima in the very early morning hours on July 6.
July 6 Lima to Huaraz
After clearing customs and immigration we will board our bus and enjoy a 7 hour ride to Huaraz (approximately 10,000 feet above sea level). We will make a few stops along the way and observe the changing landscape as we head north. We will settle in to our hotel in Huaraz and have dinner in this lively tourist town.
July 7 Huaraz to Konchukos Tambo
This morning we will depart early for the scenic Konchukos Valley. We will drive through Huascaran National Park this morning and enjoy views of some of Peru’s highest peaks. We will arrive at Konchukos Tambo in time for lunch and to settle into our rooms. During the afternoon we will inspect the farm surrounding the lodge, where experiments in ecological farming are conducted. We will also host a group of traditional weavers from Carhuayoc, who will demonstrate why they won the state´s weaving competition. We may even have a chance to learn to use a simple loom and some basic weaving techniques. We will have dinner and stay the night at Konchucos Tambo.
July 8 Chavin
After breakfast we will embark on a half day hike up one of the creeks which leads to the glaciers, lakes and queñua forests. Although we will not make it to these spectacular sites, we will get a great feel for the rigors of the area and the beauty of this unvisited valley. We will return to the lodge for lunch and then drive ten minutes to the Chavin de Huantar archaeological site, a UNESCO monument. We will explore the tunnels, carved heads and impressive stonework that laid the groundwork for the Inca Empire. We will again have dinner and stay overnight at Konchucos Tambo.
July 9 Chavin to Huanuco Pampa
We will take a four hour drive over the pass above the village of San Marcos past the large Antamina mine which produces copper, zinc and molybdenum. We will continue to Huansala and into the Department (or state) of Huanuco. We will arrive at Huanuco Pampa in the afternoon in time to explore the ruins. Situated on a grand plateau, Huanuco Pampa is one of the major settlements of the Incas outside of Cusco on the main Inca Road that leads from Quito, Ecuador to Bolivia and beyond. Tonight we will camp near the ruins and prepare for our first day of trekking.
July 10 Queropalca to Lake Carhuacocha
After a three hour drive through the towns of Rondos and Baños we will arrive at the town of Queropalca, an important site for gold and silver excavation during Inca times. This is the starting point for our trek. We will take a half–day hike to reach the shores of the beautiful Lake Carhuacocha (13,600 ft). On clear days the snow-capped peaks of Jirishanca and Yerupajá (Peru’s second highest peak) are reflected in the water. We will set up camp on the shores of the lake. (Hiking distance: 10km Estimated hiking time: 4-5 hours).
July 11 Lake Carhuacocha
Today we will spend the day in the community of Carhuacocha doing a community service project side-by-side with local community members. Our project will include planting native trees and painting the school.
July 12 Lake Carhuacocha to Mitucocha
Leaving our campsite behind, we will hike over a pass at 4,650m (15,252ft) with great views of the surrounding area. The imposing Mount Yerupajá, Rondoy and Ninashanca will form the backdrop of our hike today. We will arrive at the shores of Lake Mitucocha (13,900 ft) early this afternoon giving us the opportunity to walk around the lake and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We will camp on the shores of Lake Mitucocha. (Hiking Distance: 10 km, Estimated hiking time: 5 hours).
July 13 Mitucocha to Rondoy
Leaving our camp at Mitucocha, we will head towards Cacanampunta Pass at 4,750m (15,580ft). The winding trail to the pass descends on the other side back to Cuartelwain where we have lunch. We will continue hiking through to the Rondoy valley. (Hiking Distance: 13Km Estimated hiking time: 7 hours).
July 14 Rondoy to Jahuacocha
Today we will ascend through the Rondoy valley toward Rondoy pass at 4,700 m (15,416ft). From the top of the pass we have views of the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, Rasac and Solteracocha. After reaching the summit of the pass, we will descend toward Lake Jahuacocha (13,120 ft) where we will camp below a beautiful cirque. (Hiking Distance: 9km Estimated hiking time: 6 –7 hours)
July 15 Jahuacocha
Today we will have the opportunity to summit Mount Berlin (16,400ft). Tonight we will camp again at Lake Jahuacocha.
July 16 Jahuacocha to Pocpa to Chiquian
Today we will walk approximately 4 hours to the community of Pocpa. We will stop for lunch and then take a bus to the town of Chiquian where we will stay in a hotel overnight.
July 17 Chiquian to Lima
After breakfast we will travel to Lima (approximately 6 hours of driving) where we will catch our late evening flight back home.