Jancu – Shacsha – Carhuascancha – Chavin (11 days / 10 nights)

We will get up at 6:00 a.m. to enjoy the Andean sunrise. After breakfast we will start walking along a flat path to the Rajucolta Lagoon located at the base of one of the 6,000-meter snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, “Huatsan”. We will climb a bit to achieve a panoramic view of the lagoon and mountains. After taking many photos, we will descend and leave the Rajucolta Valley to start climbing to our next camp next at the Turicocha Lagoon.

Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 450 m. going up.

After spending the night in front of the snowy Cashan and following on from breakfast we will start with the ascent on an easy and smooth path towards a pass called Cashan Steppes that allows us to enjoy the valleys, snow-capped mountains, trees, rivers and much more. Once the photos have been taken, we will go down to the valley and turn left to visit a beautiful lagoon called Cashan, then we leave the valley to go up a little towards the Shacsha crystal clear lagoon, where we will spend our next night.

Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 150 m. climb and 550 m. down.

This valley is small but very beautiful. We will start our walk towards the Azuleja Lagoon by an easy and beautiful path, next to a small river that comes from the deglaciation of the snowy Shacsha. In 45 minutes, we will arrive at the foot of the snowy mountain where the lagoon is located, where we will spend a little bit of time, then we will go down another path that goes along the northern edge of the valley, between the quenuales, and quishuar enjoying the panoramic view of the valley, the lagoon and mountains. In the afternoon we will go fishing under the guidance of our staff and with a little luck enjoy the delicious fried trout with Peruvian corn. As you can see, this day will be a day of rest with a short walk surrounded by unique beauty.

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 450 m. rise and 450 m. down.

After having spent a nice day next to the Shacsha Lagoon, we will start our walk early on a narrow path to climb the Pucarahirca Pass (red mountain). This is one of the few occasions where we can see and enjoy one of the auquénidos of the ancient Peruvian vicuna. In addition, this steppe allows us to see the South and North of the Cordillera Blanca Valleys and the Cordillera Negra. After taking many photos of the Vicuñas and all those incredible places, we will go down to our next camp, located at the entrance of the Rurec Valley, better known as Wiscor Machay.

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 550 m. rise and 450 m. down.

This is a day of exploration in the Rurec Valley. This valley is surrounded by two mountain ranges and several snow-capped mountains such as Shacsha, Cashan, Rurec, Uruhuasraju and Tuctupunta. After approximately 3 hours of walking in the valley we will arrive at a beautiful lagoon called Tararhua, located at the base of the snowy Rurec. After lunch and rest we will go down the same path to our camp where our cook will be waiting with a hot chocolate.

Walking time: 7 to 8 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 480 m. rise and 480 m. down.

After recovering energy with a yummy breakfast, we begin our walk slowly downhill, crossing the Rurec River, we will climb a bit on a flat mountain, the natural grass of the Ichu, a high Andean plant that we will be able to enjoy throughout our trip, After a few hours on the way we will arrive at the farm of one of our mountain helpers, a place where you will spend magical moments coexisting with the traditions and customs of the Andean people. You will eat and sleep in a typical mountain house.

Walking time: 7 to 8 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 150 m. rise and 150 m. down.

After this unique experience, we will begin our trek to the Yanashallas Pass (4750m) one of the oldest roads in Peru. This trail was used thousands of times by the men of the Chavin culture, a culture that pre/dates Christ by 1200 years

After a few hours of climbing this well-walked and beautifully preserved path, we will arrive at the pass where we can enjoy the view of the two valleys, the Callejon de Huyalas and Conchucos; in addition to the snowy Shacsha, Cashan, the Huamanpinta Lagoon and much more. After taking many photos we descend to our next camp in the Shongo Valley.

Walking time: 7 to 8 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 400 m. rise and 900 m. down.

After a rest and a brief visit with the inhabitants we will go into the Alhuina Valley in front of the majestic snowy Huantsan Mountain 6395 m. After enjoying the waterfalls and lagoons we will arrive at our next camp

Walking time: 5 to 6 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 530 m. going up.

This will be a harder but none the less spectacular day, as we cross two high passes, Portachuelo at 4850 m and Mesapata of 4650 m. The path goes through beautiful valleys, between a green mantle of natural grass, bordered by impressive rocky mountains close to the majestic snow-capped mountains Huantsan, Pamparaju and others; After a break and lunch in the Rimarima Valley we will continue towards the second pass, where we will arrive very tired but happy to have had that unique view of the Andean landscape. After a rest, and time for photos of the Tumagarañon, Tumarina Lagoons and of course after enjoying the spectacular wild fauna, we will descend to our next Carhuascancha Camp, where the chef will be waiting with a delicious and nutritious dinner.

Walking time: 8 to 9 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 470 m. up and 500 m down.

After spending a night in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca and surrounded by incomparable landscapes, we will start walking along a well marked and easy path in the Carhuascancha Valley to the town of Yuracyacu where our driver will be waiting to transfer us to the ancient town of Chavin.

After visiting its underground galleries, square plaza, in front of the falconidas, and much more of Chavin, we will return to Huaraz.

Walking time: 8 to 9 hours approximately.

Approximate difference in altitude: 830 m of descent

We can camp one more night in Rima Rima, we will walk and discover the Llanganuco Lagoon and its wild ducks. This area is also surrounded by a wonderful landscape.