Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ded into an overnight trip if you want to step onto the Parón glacier (4900m) at the foot of
Artesonraju. See
Click here
f
or more information about starting this hike in Caraz.
Laguna 69
Though it is best enjoyed as a beautiful overnight trek past marvelous backdrops, Laguna
69 is often done as a long day hike. The lake is the jewel of the Cordilleras and a perfect
acclimatization walk. The campsite on the way to the laguna is a true highlight, where you
can wake up to a crystal morning vision of Chopicalqui (6345m), Huascarán Sur (6768m)
and Norte (6655m). In the morning you scramble up to Laguna 69, which sits right at the
base of Chacraraju (6112m), and then hike down past the famous Lagunas Llanganuco.
That's a lot of impressive lakes crammed into just two days. The trails to Laguna 69 com-
mence near the Yurac Corral (3800m), on the northern tip of a big bend in the Llanganuco
road.
Quilcayhuanca Valley
This three- to four-day hike, also from Pitec, is only moderately difficult, although you'll
need to be well acclimatized to tackle it. It winds up the Quilcayhuanca Valley through
qeñua
trees and grassy meadows until reaching the Laguna Cuchillacocha and Tullpa-
cocha. Along the way, you pass breathtaking views of Nevado Cayesh (5721m), Maparaju
(5326m), Tumarinaraju (5668m) and a half-dozen other peaks over 5700m. Because this
trek is not well marked, it's best to go with a guide (or have top navigations skills and a
topo map).
Inca Trail
This three- to six-day hike along an Inca trail, between Huari and the city of Huánuco, is
just starting to be developed. Hikers cross well-preserved parts of the old Inca trail and
end up in Huánuco Viejo, which was one of the most important military sites of the Incas
in northern Peru. This route is being organized in conjunction with the Inka Naani project.
It aims to encourage tourism that respects the cultural heritage of the region and ties to-
gether several independent grassroots tourism initiatives. All guides are local (and
English-speaking if requested) and porters and adobe shelters called
tambos
(the Quechua
word for resting place) are available if you want to sleep out of the elements. Contact the
Mountain Institute or Respons Sustainable Tourism Center (
Click here
) in Huaraz.
Callejón de Conchucos Treks
If you're short on time but still want to cross the Cordillera and get up close to some icy
peaks, the relatively easy two- to three-day
Olleros to Chavín de Huántar trek
comes to
