THE NORTH AND CENTER MOUNTAIN PROGRAMMES

Activities levels:

All circuits in this region, begin at Huaraz city or Chiquian village. These two starting points are eight hours distant since Lima, journey in comfortable line or private buses. One day to six days circuit (The trek of the llama) are foreseen in order to discover and acclimatize before the big trekkings.

THE TREK OF THE LLAMA (5/6 days circuit)

In the White Mountain Range are many paths with superb landscapes. This circuit is a set of varied itineraries starting from Huaraz, easy access and distance not frequently covered.

The proposed hike permits to have a complete panorama of the whole massif: mountains, lakes, villages and populations. The walk rhythm is easy to moderate. Some circuits can be realized with llamas on demand.

CARPA-CHAVIN

At the south of the White Mountain Range, the altiplano dominates a mineral landscape. This region with a superb panorama is rich in fauna (vigogne, birds of prey, birds-flies) and in flora (Puya Raimondi), it offers calm and amazing hikes toward the pre-Columbian Chavin city.

When leaving Huaraz, the path toward the Chavin village and its millennial ruins drives through the high plains of the Andes. Passing close to the glaciers, the trail visits a set of lagoons and superb landscape in a region dominated by the Huantsan 6395m.

HUARAZ-CAYESH

This circuit offers superb high mountain landscapes, accessible to the hikers at some hours from the andinisme capital, Huaraz. Secret lakes, condors and panoramas of altitude are the menu of this circuit that goes up until the glaciers to the foothills of impressive peaks.

 

CONCHUCOS-YAINO-YANAMA:

THE BIG HIKES

This itinerary is the most beautiful Andes hike circuit. On the foothills of the most impressive summits of the White Mountain Range. The itinerary crosses famous valleys and places forgotten by the crowd. You will also be in contact with the villagers and the peasants of the puna.

SANTA CRUZ - LLANGANUCO-ULTA

Around the famous circuit between Santa Cruz and Llanganuco (a fairly difficult trekking), where many circuits area prepared in order to cross the most beautiful landscapes of the White Mountain Range: glaciers, vertical peaks, lagoons, with transparent water valleys, secret ravines, condors and the vicuñas are examples of the Huascaran National Park wealth.

VAQUERIA - YAINO - ALPAMAYO

When leaving the Llanganuco Ravine, the superb Valley of the Lakes , at the foothill of the biggest giants of the Andes (the Huascarán 6768m), a part of the Santa Cruz-Llanganuco itinerary is covered. This path leads to the Alpamayo 5967m "The Most Beautiful Mountain of the World", a superb pyramid of ice and snow.

CORDILLERA DE HUAYHUASH

Chiquián located in a deep valley opens one of the rare access to the magnificent and wild Huayhuash Mountain Range. The way borders innumerable rivers rich in trouts and superb lakes, crosses ravines (4800m) on the foothills of eternal snow. The hike has several doors of exit: Chiquián and Cajatambo.

CORDILLERA DE HUAGURUNCHO

Is an adventure with a different way.  The program includes Huagaruncho, the Oxapampa rainforest.

GLACIAL HIKES

CHAVIN - HUARAZ

Departure from Chavin pre-Columbian site, the first day offers superb wild landscapes at the edge of many lakes. The passage of the Maparaju Ravine 4990m to the foothill of the Cayesh 5721m and the Huantsan 6395m is impresionant. On the way toward Huaraz: ascension to the Andavite 5518m at the Chincheys 6222m and Pucaranra 6147m foothill.

QUILCAYHUANCA-ISHINCA (HUAPI 5421M, ISHINCA 5530M, URUS 5495M)

Walk across the valley of the condors and pumas, situated at some walk hours from Huaraz toward the Lagoon Tullpacocha Camp, to the foot of a impressive glacier. This first part continuous going through the Cojup Ravine toward the Ishinca Ravine. Crossing the passage, the ascension of three summits is possible.

ASCENSION ITINERARIES

Two classic and beautiful ascensions. Technically few difficulties except some stiff and impressive passages in a dizzy and extraordinary ambiance.

A big classic in the sequence of several technically easy summits, all situated around the camp of basis of the Ishinca valley where a shelter is placed. This circuit is a beautiful picture of hunt for all mountaineers wanting to confront the altitude and the Andes.

 

ALPAMAYO 5947M FACE SOUTH AND HUASCARAN ON 6768M NORMALS

The most beautiful mountain of the world and highest summits of Peru are in the program of this circuit for driven and experienced with good technique mountaineers. The acclimatization itinerary travels over the the Pucahircas mountains until the Safuna lagoon, the objective: the Alpamayo historic camp.

PISCO 5752M, NORTH HUANDOY 6395M, WEST 6356M, SOUTH 6160M NORMALS,

Superb three summits sequence of more than 6000m, among the most famous and prestigious of the Andes. The ascension takes place on the Paron side of the mountain, Northwest face, or by Llanganuco, Southeast face. An altitude camp with an exceptional panorama (Pisco, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui and Huascaran) permits to tempt the three Huandoys in a relative short time, with good success possibilities.

YERUPAJA 6634m WEST NORMAL - RASAC 6017M NORMALS

The Yerupaja is the highest summit of the Huayhuash Mountain Range, its surprising and aerial ascension is an expedition for driven mountaineers, wanting to confront one of the most beautiful and famous summit of the Andes. The natural acclimatization is done while the mountain range tour.

An progressive stage permits to discover the rock climbing and to finish by the ascension of a big easy way in altitude. First day technical and practical, next days ascensions in cliffs, then in wall, we finish by a big race with a difficult enough level to difficult.

SUMMITS AND ITINERARIES (also see big ascensions / itineraries)

TAYAPAMPA 5657M NORTHEAST (approach three days)

Superb tapering summit situated at the side of the Alpamayo, middle difficulty, one ascension day.

PILANCO 5273 NORMAL (approach three days)

Small summit in snow with an Alpamayo view, easy, half-day

QUITARAJU 6040M NORTH FACE (approach three days)

Imposing summit facing the Alpamayo, middle difficulty, 2/3 days,

SANTA CRUZ GRANDE (SNOW COVERED) 6259M FACE NORTHEAST (approach three days)

The highest summit of the Alpamayo region, difficult, two ascension days.

TAULLIRAJU 5830M FACE EST (approach three days)

An impressive tapering rock and ice tour, difficult, 4/5 days ascension.

PARON REGION

AGUJA NEVADO NORMAL 5888M (approach one day)

A beautiful acclimatization summit, easy to middle difficulty, one day ascension.

CARAZ I 6025M NORMAL (approach one day)

A big mountain with an immense ice face, middle difficulty, one day

ascension.

ARTESONRAJU 6025M SOUTH FACE (approach one day)

One of the most beautiful snow and ice mountains of the White Mountain Range, difficult, one ascension day.

GARCILASO PIRAMIDE 5885M NORTWEST FACE (approach one day)

In the shape of near perfect pyramid, this mountain dominates the Paron lake, two ascension days.

LLANGANUCO REGION

CHACRARAJU 6112M FACE SOUTH POWER STATION (approach one day)

The impossible peak, one of the most difficult wall ascensions, very

difficult, four or five ascension days.

YANAPACCHA 5460M WEST NORMAL (approach one day)

A beautiful acclimatization mountain, several ways in snow and rock, easy, one ascension day.

SOUTH HUANDOY 6160M SOUTHWEST FACE (approach one day)

Famous in the world, this mountain is the one of the dizziness, difficult, one ascension day.

HUASCARAN NORTE 6654M NORTH FACE (approach one day)

The historic way of the North Huascaran is a big itinerary in altitude, very difficult, 4/5 ascension days.

HUASCARAN REGION

HUASCARAN 6768M (approach one day)

A variant of difficulty of the normal way, difficult, four ascension days.

HUASCARAN 6768M SOUTH INTEGRAL (approach one day)

The longest altitude race of South America, difficult, four or six ascension days.

HUASCARAN NORTH 6654M NORMAL (approach one day)

South face of the second summit of Peru, middle difficulty, four ascension days.

CONTRAHIERBAS 6036M NORMAL ULTA (approach one day)

A superb panoramic summit, balcony above the Huascaran, middle difficulty, two days.

COPA REGION

COPA 6188M CROSSING HUALCAN 6122M (approach one day)

A big crossing and ascension of summits of more than 6000m, middle

difficulty, four days.

ISHINCA REGION

OCSHAPALCA 5888M NORTH FACE (approach 2 days)

A difficult summit that permits to admire one of the most beautiful location of the Andes, middle difficulty, two days.

HUARAZ REGION

VALLUNARAJU 5686M (approach 1 day)

A pretty acclimatization summit, easily accessible, easy, one day.

RIMA-RIMA 5254M (approach 1j)

An exclusively rocky ascension, sportier than technique, easy, one or two days.

HUAPI 5421M (approach 1 day)

Short panoramic ascension, easy, one day.

PUCARANRA 6156M (approach 1 day)

This big summit of the Cojup valley offers a big way, difficult, two days.

PALCARAJU 6274M (approach 1 day)

This imposing face of ice and snow is an engagement race, difficult, two or three days.

RANRAPALCA 6162M (approach 1 day)

This very beautiful individualized summit is a climbing snow, difficult, two days

TULLPARAJU 5787M (approach 1 day)

Is one of the most impressive ice summits of the White Mountain Range, difficult, two days.

CAYESH 5721M (approach 1 day)

An exceptional, very difficult ascension, five days,

HUANTSAN REGION

SAN JUAN 5843M (approach 1 day)

An isolated summit in a not so visited valley and easily accessible, middle difficulty, two days,

HUAMASHRAJU 5434M (approach 1 day)

Very tapering summit that offers an unique panning in a very isolated, easy region, 2 days,

RUREC 5700 (approach 1 day)

This big rod of snow and ice is the most beautiful balcony on the Huantsan 6395m, middle difficulty, 2 days,

URUASHRAJU 5722M (approach 2 days)

Isolated summit giving on the face of the Huantsan 6395m, easy, 1 day

CATAC REGION

QUESHQUE 5680M (approach 2 days)

Related small summits offering varied climbs in a mineral region, easy, 2/4 days

PONGOS 5688M (approach 1 day)

Main peak of this region that reachs on two desertic valleys, middle difficulty, 1 day

RARIA 5576M (approach 1 day)

Situated to the foot of a passage and a lake, this lost peak is unique, easy, 1 day

CAULLARAJU 5686M (approach 1 day)

Last massif in the South White Cordillera, it sits on the altiplano, easy, 1/2 day.

TUCO 5479M (approach 1 day)

A small peak of rock and ice in an unique, easy geological landscape, one day.

HUAYHUASH REGION

PUSCANTURPA 5430M (approach 5 days)

Situated to the passage of the most elevated collar of the Mountain Range, this summit is an invitation to climb it, easy, 1 day

NINASHANCA 5607M (approach 4 days)

To the foot of the Huayhuash, it is a technical climbing of middle difficulty, 1 day,

SIULA 6344M (approach 3 days)

The second summit of the Mountain Range, a giant of ice, very difficult, 4/5 days

JIRISHANCA 6094M (approach 3 days)

Neighbor of the Yerupaja, it is one of the more difficult summit of the Andes, very difficult, 4/5 days.

After a visit of Huaraz City, a short easy walk toward the Monterrey village and its thermal baths. An easy jaunt to the discovery of the Indian and the superb landscapes of the Black and White Mountains Ranges.

HUARAZ AND MONTEREY

Visit of Huaraz City and a three hours jaunt above the Monterey village. Discovery of the peasants' life, their history and a naturalistic approach of the Andes (geology, flora, fauna) with superb landscapes on the White and Black Mountains Ranges.

MACASHCA-HUARAZ

Departure from Huaraz in direction of the crests toward the Rajucolta Valley and the Huantsan 6395m, a some hours jaunt will allow to the discovery of the White Mountain Range, its superb landscapes. Contact of the Andes peasants daily life, return to Huaraz.

CONOCOCHA LAGOON, STONES FOREST

At the south of the White Mountain Range the erosion has constructed a stone city. This small walk of some hours permits to discover the secrets of this stone forest situated above the altiplano and the Conococha lake, shelter of the Andean geese and the pink flamingos.

CHURUP LAGOON

This hike begins at the adobe indian village path, that is situated directly to the foot of the White Mountain Range. The trail drives in some hours toward one of the most beautiful Lagoons of the Andes: the calm Churup Lagoon 4550m.

QUEBRADA LLANGANUCO

The Lakes Valley is dominated by the most prestigious summits of the White Mountain Range: the Huandoys 6395m, the Huascarans 6768m, the Chopicalqui 6354m, the Chacraraju 6112m and the Pisco 5752m. A vehicle transports under the Portachuelo of Llanganuco 4800m Passage, one of the most beautiful high road of the Andes, walk descent by

This new circuit undertakes the discovery of the Huaylas Alley its villages and landscapes. This famous and superb Andes Valley is situated between two impressive mountains ranges: the White, covered with glaciers and culminating to more of 6000m at the Black Mountain Range deprived of snow and culminating to 5000m.

After one traditional meal discovery of the Pato Cannyon, a narrow throat dug by the fluvial erosion and return toward Huaraz.

CONOCOCHA LAGOON AND THE STONE FOREST

This unpublished itinerary combines the discovery of the landscapes of the high plateau with the visit of a stone forest, the ruins (unknown origin) observation and the exploration of the Conococha Lagoon, a shelter for the birds that live in this wild region situated at more than 4000m altitude.

Recuay and Catac villages will also be visited. This circuit includes walking (easy).

THE LLANGANUCO RAVINE

A big classic of the White Mountain Range of the Peruvian Andes. The Lakes Valley is surely the most beautiful example of mountain landscapes. Situated to the foot of several summits of more than 6000m, its visit is impressive. We also visit the cemetery, site of a village destroyed by a mud stream.

Chavin, the stone city, is one of the oldest ruins of Peru, its foundation being previous to 2000 years. Constructed mainly under ground, its particularity is the representation of human and animal faces, originate of the mountain and the Amazon Rain Forest. The trail that goes to the city crosses the high plains of the high plateau and a 4500m altitude passage.

Huaraz, at 3100m of altitude, is the Peruvian Andes capital, situated to the foot of the big Andean summits culminating to more than 6000m. Visit of the old city (the Jose Olaya Street), the museum, the pisciculture and the Olivos district that has a general view of Huaraz and the White Mountain Range summits.

Sechin, is one of the rare vestiges of the peruvian Pacific coast, where an incredible variety of stones sculpted in the granite can be found. The representations of this millennial civilization are characterized by human body parts reproductions. The road that drives to the ruins permits the passage to the Black Mountain Range and its impressive landscapes before bordering the desert.

This two days length circuit offers a complete vision of the Andes at the North of Peru. The itinerary clears by tracks very elevated passages approaching the 5000m. Landscapes are superb and imposing to the foot of the glaciers and mountains. The Chacas village famous for its furniture made with sculpted wood is in our night stage (modest inn).