Overview:
The Quilcayhuanca Gorge is a U-shaped valley, located in the Cordillera Blanca, within the Huascaran National Park, 30km from the city of Huaraz. At an altitude that exceeds 4000m in the valley, it is possible to find archaeological remains such as Chullpas, stone-based constructions in a place known as Nuevo Tambo.
- Distance: 47km approx.
- Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
- Maximum height: 5020masl
- Difficulty: moderate - demanding (good physical condition and previous acclimatization)
- Starting point: Quilcayhuanca Valley
- Ending point: Cojup Valley
Note:
- The itinerary is a model to follow, however, situations such as natural disasters, climate change, landslides, political unrest, strikes, demonstrations, changes in government regulations or other force majeure, may cause this program to vary.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Huaraz 3100masl - Pitek 3860 masl - Cayesh 4100masl
We will start the pick-up with the private bus to the hotel, then we will go to the west of the city of Huaraz, crossing picturesque villages of Unchus, LLupa, and Pitek. The bus will leave us at the entrance of the valley of Quilcayhuanca where donkey drivers and his donkeys will make of his company, soon to initiate our long walk by a flat valley arriving until the camping Cayeshpampa.
Overnight camp Cayesh camp
Day 2: Crossing Cayesh 4100masl. - Tullpacocha Lagoon 4300masl. - Cuchilla Lagoon 4625masl. - Campsite Cuchilla 4600masl.
We will begin our hike up the valley, a trail that will take us to visit the beautiful Tullpacocha lagoon surrounded by the Tullparaju, Andavite and Chinchey snow-capped mountains. Then we will ascend in a zigzag towards the Cuchillacocha lagoon surrounded by the imposing Pucaranra snow-capped mountain, then we will cross to the camp where we will have an exceptional sunset.
Return day of the muleteers
Cuchilla Overnight Camp
Day 3: Camp Cuchilla 4600masl. - Huapi Pass 5020masl. - Cojup Creek 3900masl.
We will initiate the walk for a not very marked road until finding a moraine moved of stones managing to reach the highest point of name Paso Huapi; where we will appreciate seeing part of the black mountain range, in the same way, we will observe the snowy Ranrapalca, Ishinca, Palcaraju, Pucaranra, Chinchey, Andavite, San Juan, Huantsan. Finally, we will descend downhill to the Cojup valley, a similar road with little visibility, where we will find our camping area.
Day 4: Cojup Valley 3900masl. - Huaraz 3100masl.
We will begin the walk down the valley by a trail that connects the lagoon Palcacocha of the same valley, we will appreciate the diversity of its flora, which houses shrubs and Queñuales own place, also will find non-native animals belonging to the community including Caws, horses, and donkeys. Finally, we will arrive at the front door of the valley, where the bus will be waiting for us to take us to the destination city.
Recommendations:
- If you want to do this type of climbing, it is necessary to acclimatize previously for several days and be in good physical/technical conditions.
It includes:
- Private transportation for the beginning and end of the Quilcayhuanca trek
- Certified bilingual trekking guide.
- Assistant guide with more than 6 clients
- Mountain Cook
- Kitchen assistant (large groups)
- Kitchen utensils
- Food according to the program (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Collective first aid kit
- Huascarán National Park Entrance Ticket
- Luggage allowance up to 8 kg per customer
- Donkeys/horses for carrying camping equipment and luggage
- Arrieros (person who drives the donkeys)
- Auxiliary staff (porter)
- Kitchen tent, dining room, bathroom, camping tables, and chairs
- Sleeping tent (2 to 3 people).
Not included:
- Bus or plane ticket reservation for transfer.
- Hotel reservation for accommodation in Huaraz
- Acclimatization before trekking
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Lunch and drinks during the stay in Huaraz
- Personal trekking equipment
- Additional tours.
- Sleeping bag
- Travel Insurance Assistance
- Mattress (waterproof fabric or plastic mattress that inflates with air and is placed on the ground)
- Laundry service
- Personal Toiletries
- Evacuation, medical and rescue costs
- Tips to staff
- Additional expenses not specified in this travel program
What to wear:
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Hiking shoes (Gore-Tex)
- Canes
- Socks
- Spats
- Short-sleeved/long-sleeved cotton shirts or t-shirts
- Lightweight trousers
- Regular and long underwear
- Light hat and wool cap.
- Water bottle
- Light gloves
- Sleeping bag (-15 ºC)
- Small trekking backpack
- Strong waterproof canvas bag
- Personal Toiletries
- Sunglasses (100% UV, dark), sunscreen, lip balm
- Mosquito repellents
- Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb.
- Trekking poles
- Camera (optional)
- Extra meals.
Prices & Dates:
- This program is designed exclusively for private groups in order to provide you a better experience. We have local certified guides and support team at your disposal. If you have any questions regarding our packages and pricing options please feel free to contact us.
Note
- Receive a special discount for groups of more than 5 participants.
- Additional information is available upon request at the time of booking.