"When I started to
appreciate the real value of simplicity and the way that people can be
happy in their environment, my senses opened to their beliefs, and my
respect for them too. Nature is a source of good energy and it?s nice that
we are now aware of ecology and a respect for nature. With this trip, we
will learn to love and appreciate what we
have, and enjoy every day life a little bit more."
Lucho Hurtado
We would just like to mention that our future visitors should meet the following conditions:
The following mountain trips are not suitable for people
suffering from heart disease, severe asthma, or fear of heights.
CAMINO HUANCA - 5 DAYS
The Andean mountains and their people have always been very
interesting and important to anthropologists and travelers alike. The
mountains trips are for those who not only want to travel to take nice pictures
but who want to feel that they actually "know" our
special Andean life. This trip is a very unique opportunity for any
traveler to LIVE a real Andean experience.
FIRST
DAY:
We leave Huancayo (alt. 3240m) early in the morning, driving
for 2 hours up to 4200m to our trekking point.
From here we
walk a small trail to the glacier lakes of the Huaytapallana Snow Mountains.
The walk is not
hard, it?s mostly downhill ...
a small rest, then we continue up to a second lake, a tranquil mirror
reflecting
the snow peaks. After lunch we take a small excursion to the glacier point, in order to get accustomed to the
altitude. Back at the tents we have dinner and warm up with a hot drink, then fall asleep under the stars and
our magic mountains.
SECOND DAY:
This is a hard trek. After breakfast some horses will come to carry our packs to our second campsite, while we
take a "short cut" up and down the mountains. This is a bit demanding but after a good 3 hours up, our lunch at the summit will be more enjoyable. The way down is a bit steep so we will take our time. Some curious llamas
will be around the magnificent, open Andean landscape. Arriving at our second campsite we can enjoy a good dinner with
the company of friends who live next to the glacier lakes.
THIRD DAY:
We leave early, packing our backpacks onto horses and llamas to make our trek easier. Walking up to 4000 m, you will find
that the ups and downs of the hilly mountains are not that difficult, but you will be glad that you are not carrying your
backpacks! Lunch will be served at a convenient stop, plus a nice hot soup upon arrival at a house of friends at the Challhucocha
Lake. This place and lifestyle of mountain shepherds is a perfect example of how people with less are happier than people who have more.
FOURTH DAY:
An easy walk towards a small village called Nahuinpuquio, with an opportunity to stay for an afternoon & overnight in an Andean
village, flavored with Andean hospitality. We visit a rural school and walk around this friendly little town. After a good dinner
we are ready to sleep in the homes of the local people. Our rustic beds of llama skins and blankets may not be
so comfortable - but very good for the memories!
FIFTH DAY:
We leave Nahuinpuquio, carrying our own packs this time. The way is beautiful and we only have one steep hill to
climb. The rest of the journey is an enjoyable downhill trek to the touristic village of Ingenio, where a rewarding lunch of
delicious trout awaits us. A shocking contrast of noise and loud music makes us realize that we are back in "civilization".
We take a bus to Huancayo for a good shower and a nice dinner at "La Caba񡦱uot;. A fantastic ending for this special trip!
HUAYTAPALLANA - 1 DAY
We will begin our drive along the Shullcas River. As we climb the winding road to Acopalca, located
at 3500 meters above sea level, we?ll take note of the change in ecology. Here the ichu grass, trees and other
vegetation are replaced by curious cactus and bromilieas hanging from the rocky crag of the mountain.
We'll get a taste for the Andean way of life with our Andean friends in the town of Rondapampa.
Next we'll continue on the starting point of our trek. The initial portion of our hike is a bit steep. It can take
up to an hour to make this climb but we'll be sure to stop intermittently along the way to rest.
After a rest at the first pass we'll trek around the lakes, just enjoying the views.
Within two hours we'll have made our way to Cochas Grande, an emerald lake of glacial water. From here
we'll climb to the rock walls of Huaytapallana Glacier. It's a steep and challenging climb but not dangerous.
Once we reach the glacier line we'll pay our respects to Apu and absorb the view.
As we make our way down the mountain to the trail we'll stop for a snack, continue trekking around the lakes and finally traversing a few hills to make our way back to the starting point.
 HUAYTAPALLANA
- 2 DAYS, 1 NIGHT
FIRST DAY:
We leave Huancayo following the Shullcas River, up past Vilcacoto. The windy road displays the ecological changes
as we go up higher and higher. At 3500 m, we will already find that the ichugrass, trees and vegetation have disappeared.
Just after we leave the last village, Acopalca, we find some curious cactus and bromilieas hanging from the rocky mountains.
We'll get a taste for the Andean way of life with our Andean friends in the town of Rondapampa. We continue further
up and arrive at the starting point of our trek. As we traverse down hill we will immediately notice one of the glacial lakes, and will
aim our efforts to reach that lake. When we arrive at the lake a beautiful surprise will be in front of us ... the whole range of snowy
peaks will be right there reflected in the lake! Now we take our time to trek around the lake, after which we will stop for a snack at
the shepherds? hut.
Back on the trail we walk up towards the second lake, Cochas Grande, which cannot be seen until you are in front
of it. An emerald lake into which glacial waters flow, this peaceful view will be our company for lunch. We set up the tents to
camp here, but after lunch we go up to our sacred mountain, which will involve a trek up the steep rocky walls until we reach the
glacier point. It is here that we pay respect to the mountain, feeling the good energy, and of course enjoying the magnificent view.
Now we are ready to come down, it is almost dark and we will arrive at our campsite just in time to get our dinner, a good
hot soup and hot calientito making our sleep more enjoyable.
SECOND DAY:
We get up and enjoy our breakfast, pack and start trekking towards the highest pass at 4800 m. This pass is a big aim, but we are lucky,
as we are without our backpacks, so that we can enjoy the steep way up and the views with less effort,but those looking for punishment are welcome to carry some stones.
As we go up we will see a number of lakes, birds and possibly the famous Viscachas. When we are tired, convenient stops
and good chocolate for energy will be provided. Yes we all make it to the pass and there we will have lunch.The view to both sides is
just amazing!
We have to take care trekking down hill, taking the next 2 hours to climb down, hard on the muscles, but the always-comforting
feeling of making it pushes us on. Once we have reached our destination, we will take our transport back to Huancayo where we meet for dinner at
La Cabañ¡ after a good shower of course!
HUAYTAPALLANA - 3 DAYS, 2
NIGHTS
FIRST DAY:
We
leave Huancayo at
6:00 a.m, our car climbs up and up until our arrival at Acopalca, a mountain
town, about one hour later. During our drive we stop for some photos,
but specially to learn about the different ecological floors - from
Huancayo, in a valley at 3,240 m above sea level to the eastern glacier
and snowy mountains of the Huaytapallana. Acopalca is 3,800 mts high
and the starting point of our trek.The pass over Rondapampa, is 4,200
m and it is here that we get ready for our walk down and up and around to
the glacial lakes.
We stop for lunch and camp at Yanauccha Lake
with the impressive view of our sacred mountains. After lunch we climb to
the ice point, where you will learn about our old Indian religion ...
not a tourist show but a real feeling of inner peace. Back at our camp
we will enjoy our warm drinks and sleep cosily under the shooting stars !!
SECOND DAY:
We start at
7: 00 a.m, A breakfast with such a view is a luxury! After packing we climb
up slowly to 4,500 m, 4,800 m, and to just over 5,000 mts. Our lungs
are working hard but our eyes and souls are jumping and happy.
At the summit we have a good lunch and relax. During our
journey we might see some famous rodents (vizcachas) of fine fur - sorry
no hunting! After our long trek down we arrive at a group of huts of my
good friends to enjoy their hospitality and way of living. They are llama
shepherds who live in straw huts, aparently poor but richer than most as
they don?t need more than they have and even have extra to share. Our
night is spent in these huts, again surrounded by mountains, llamas and
stars.
THIRD DAY:
At about 8:00 am we join in the morning routine of our new friends, milking their cows, herding the llamas out
into the countryside, making cheese - just everyday work, but for us a good chance to learn directly how a day
starts in Andean life. After breakfast we pack and walk for a while up and down hills, covered with tussock
grass, our legs are happy as it is almost all down hill! Next to a singing stream, we stop at some old shepherd
caves for lunch. A little bit more walking will bring us to the point where we get our transportation ...
back to Huancayo, a good sauna with soothing eucalyptus, and a well deserved dinner will be served at La Cabañ¡ ·ith
our classic Calientito.
For more information please Contact us:
 incasdelperu@gmail.com
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