Huaraz – Cordillera Blanca Trek

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Lima - Huaraz - Huascaran National Park - Lima
Duration:
6 days / 5 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 798.- pp (excluding flights)

Trek through the world’s highest tropical mountain range, a land of endless snowy peaks and wisps of cloud reflected in blue lagoons - it’s hiking heaven. Visit traditional towns tucked away in the Andes and swing in a hammock with valley views.

Day 1-2 – Lima – Huaraz

Today, you’ll make the journey to Huaraz, following the rugged coastline before veering inland. Before long, the snowy heads of the Andes will slide into view and you’ll spot your first alpacas grazing on the plains. Huaraz is the Kathmandu of the Andes, packed with laid-back restaurants, bars and plazas. You’ll stay in a central, comfy hotel for 2 nights so you can adjust to the altitude, giving you time to explore the restaurants, markets and museums this lively town has to offer.

Day 3 – Huaraz – Huaytapallana – Llanganuco

This morning you’ll take the bus to the traditional Andean towns of Carhuaz and Yungay, and at the end of the morning you’ll reach your lodge, perched on the shores of the crisp Llanganuco Lagoon. It’s flanked by giant peaks Huandoy and Huascaran, giving it an unreal setting. From here you’ll embark on a 6 hour trek to the Huaytapallana Valley, at the foot of Huandoy. As well as taking in the jaw‐dropping scenery, you’ll also visit nearby villages and learn about local customs and delicacies (flavoured mountain ice, anyone?), before returning to your lodge for a hearty dinner and snooze in a hammock.

Day 4 – Llanganuco – Hike to Lagoon 69

Today you’ll travel deeper into the mountains to visit the famous Chiancocha and Orkoncocha lagoons, set against a backdrop of snow‐capped mountains. Afterwards, you’ll trek to Laguna 69, a blinding bright blue lake at the foot of Chacraraju mountain. From here, you’ll be able to see two of iconic peaks of the Cordillera Blanca – Huascaran and Huandoy. After a 3‐4 hour hike, you’ll return to the lodge for a second night.

Day 5-6 – Llanganuco – Huaraz – Lima

After a relaxing morning at the lodge, you’ll head back to Huaraz in the afternoon. Your bus back to Lima isn’t until the evening, so you’ll have time to grab a bite to eat in town before heading to the bus station. Since this is an overnight journey, we’ll request fully reclining seats so you can get a nice night’s sleep on your way back to the capital.