Happiness at the top of a mountain near to Huancayo. 
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BIKING AND CAMPING, 2 DAYS

First Day:

At 8 a.m. we’ll meet at La Cabaña & Incas. Once we sort out equipment, distribute maps and review some basic instructions, we’re off! We’ll head east out of Huancayo, taking back streets to avoid the traffic. Before leaving town we’ll stop to explore Parque de la Identidad, an artistic and architectural phenomenon.

After a tour and explanation of the park we’ll follow hidden trails via Cullpa to the town of Cochas Chico, renowned for its expert gourd carving. The route to Cochas is a gradual climb uphill. Once we reach the summit a panoramic view of Huancayo and the Mantaro Valley will be before us. Upon entering Cochas we’ll pay a visit to several artisans for an impressive demonstration of the gourd carving process. Visitors will be amazed by how the simplest of tools in the hands of a skilled craftsperson produces the most intricate design work. We’ll come away with a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication involved in this artistic pursuit.

From Cochas we’ll wind our way through Paccha and Hualahoyo, ultimately reaching the town of Hualhuas. In Hualhuas are some of the finest textile weavers in all of Peru. Here we will observe first-hand the traditional weaving techniques of the Andean region. To complete our cultural tour for the day we’ll head to San Jerónimo, the center of silver filigree production. After a visit with some of the local artisans we’ll enjoy a snack in a spot overlooking the Mantaro Valley. Once we get back on the trail we’ll ride through a series of small villages such as Lastay, passing the beautiful countryside scenery of Antala. We’ll end up in the Valley of Ingenio where we’ll break for a lunch of fresh trout. And then it’s on to our campsite.

Second Day:
After waking up to a hearty breakfast we’ll head out along the paved roads, ending up on the backcountry roads leading to Ocopa Monastery. In Ocopa we’ll get a taste for the historical molding of European religion with Andean life. Following a tour of the monastery we’ll ride over to the town of Concepción for a very pleasant lunch. After lunch it’s back on our bikes in the direction of Huancayo. Once we’re showered and rested we’ll meet up again at La Cabaña for dinner.