Overview
Experience the majesty of the high Andes as you hike a traditional pilgrimage route to the monumental pre-Inca ruins of Chavín de Huantar! Our spectacular seven-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca with archaeologist Trip Leader Kevin Floerke crosses the Continental Divide to bring us to Chavín de Huantar, once one of the world's largest religious centers and the epicenter of Chavín civilization, considered the “mother culture” of the Andes. With colorful llamas as our pack animals (a great feature of the trek), we ’ll hike past long-forgotten shrines built to honor mountain spirits and camp among pristine alpine lakes and the fairytale polylepis forests of the high Andes. The fluted ice peaks, surreal turquoise tarns, and flower-filled meadows of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca are a world-class destination for trekking. More than 70 summits here top 18,000 feet, including Huascarán (22,204'), Peru’s highest peak. Our trek is a dramatic one (our highest pass is 15,721 feet), and we are well rewarded with exhilarating days on the trail, spectacular lakeside campsites, and views of ice-draped summits and glaciers at every turn. Our grand finale is exploring the World Heritage site of Chavín de Huantar with one of the world’s leading experts on Chavín, Stanford professor John Rick, PhD. He will be our personal guide, giving us unparalleled access to some of the subterranean galleries of Chavín. We’ll be the first outside group to have access to the water channels that wind underneath the monument, a glimpse into a millennia-old feat of engineering. Join us for a unique experience of the Andes, WT style!
Days 1-4
Lima / Huaraz / Churup Mountain Lodge
In Lima, we’ll visit the Larco Herrera Museum and dine in one of Lima’s celebrated restaurants. We drive to Huaraz on Day 3 and head out from Churup Mountain Lodge on the edge of Huascarán National Park for acclimatization hikes and sweeping views of the Cordillera Blanca.
Lima / Huaraz / Churup Mountain Lodge - Days 1-4
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Lima, PeruThe Casa Andina Premium Miraflores has spacious rooms and an excellent location with easy access to the lively Miraflores district. From the hotel, it's a nice walk along Avenida Larco to Larcomar, a multi-story outdoor complex of shops and restaurants set on cliffs along the Pacific. The lobby bar makes a terrific pisco sour, and the hotel facilities include a lovely sauna, massage room, and small swimming pool.
Churup Mountain Lodge
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Huascarán National Park, PeruSet on the edge of Huascarán National Park, this boutique lodge has panoramic views, hikes available right out the front door, and a kitchen that serves fresh and delicious food, with much of the produce coming directly from the lodge’s own organic gardens. Wood-burning stoves heat the guest rooms.
Days 5-11
Trek to Chavín de Huantar
With tasseled llamas carrying our gear, we hike the spectacular pilgrim trail to Chavín on a route used since pre-Inca times. Our paths leads us past scattered archaeological sites, shrines, and ceremonial platforms, some still unexplored. We’ll cross magnificent Yanashallah Pass, which marks the Continental Divide, amid snow-capped summits of the Cordillera Blanca.
Trek to Chavín de Huantar - Days 5-11
Cordillera Blanca Trek Camps
Days 5 to 12 (8 nights), Cordillera Blanca, PeruOn the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc.). Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail. Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents. Most trip members bring their own sleeping bag, but we can arrange for you to rent one if you prefer.
Days 12-14
Chavín de Huantar / Huaraz
We explore Chavín’s monumental ruins with archaeologist John Rick, PhD, of Stanford, an expert on Chavín culture. Dr. Rick will lead us on a special insider’s exploration of the labyrinth of waterways under the spectacular temples. Return to Huaraz and depart on Day 14.
Chavín de Huantar / Huaraz - Days 12-14
Cordillera Blanca Trek Camps
Days 5 to 12 (8 nights), Cordillera Blanca, PeruOn the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc.). Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail. Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents. Most trip members bring their own sleeping bag, but we can arrange for you to rent one if you prefer.
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Day 13 (1 night), Lima, PeruVery conveniently located right across the Lima international airport, this hotel is just a two- minute walk across the street from the terminal, and you can wheel your bags across (no need to take a taxi). Rooms are well appointed and comfortable.
Mysteries of Chavin
Highlights
Highlights
Details
7-day trek on steep trails, 4-8 hours a day, camping between 13,000-14,000 feet, highest altitude 15,721 feet
