QUNCHUKUS ZONE

QUNCHUKUS zone is a wonderful inter Andean valley which is located at the east side of the White Mountain Range. In fact, this is a narrow valley where one can find more than outdoor activities, Andean original culture, agricultural life, spectacular area to visit and the well conserved sections of “QAPAQ ÑAN” (Inka´s Highway) which linked TUMIPAMPA (Ecuador), WANUKUPAMPA and QUSQU (Peru). The most known archaeological site is Chavin de Huantar (pre-inka).

There are spectacular places for interesting visits like:

·   Chavin de Huantar: archaeological site, located 109 Km from WARAS at the Southeast of the White Mountain Range. This mysterious temple was built before Inca’s culture. It is discovered by Julio C. Tello Rojas, Peruvian archaeologist, in 1919.the structure built using enormous blocks of stone, ordered according the levels and positions. The architectures was combined with carved sculptures. The walls were covered with finest design, characteristic of Chavin iconography. The Chavin Culture spread around 1000 – 200 BC., building a peaceful society.

· The adventurous hiking valleys, are considered: WATSAN, KARWASKANCHA, RURIQ, RURICHINCHAY, HAKAPAMPA.

·        INKA NANI (QAPAQ ÑAN): the great Inca´s High way is the best legacy of the communication via. At the Inca´s time, this sacred road connected the whole “TAWANTINSUYU”, starting in QUSQU (Cusco - capital) until getting Ecuador or Bolivia. This well-known Inca´s way were paved with stone, enough wide as four meters, impressive staircases and store or rest houses (TAMPU). The best preserved sections in the QUNCHUKUs zone run from near Huari to the Mosna River until reaches the WANUKUPAMPA (Inca site with spectacular view).

·        PURWAY Lake and María HIRAY Waterfall.

BAMA: Beach – Archeology – Mountain – Adventure

This six day program is the best recommended bus tours in Ancash Region (at the north of Lima). During our trip, we visit beaches, archaeological monuments, mountains and some adventure in the White Mountain Range (Cordillera Blanca). Here we have the most popular as spectacular hiking to 69 lake. Going there, the travelers see the most beautiful views, snow-covered mountains, glacial lakes and typical life (flora and fauna).

1 Day: Lima – Casma – Tortugas (beach)

The first day starts in Lima (hotel or airport) full day tour. On touristic transport, we go to the north of Lima to Casma (small city in the coast), where we visit Tortugas beach (at the afternoon).

2 Day: Sechin – Qallanpunta (pass) – Huaraz

At morning we go to Sechin archaeological monument (2000 BC.). The site is interesting because the buildings are made of different material (curved stone and adobe). This place was a politic, religious and administrative center of the same culture.

At the afternoon, we go up to the pass (Qallan Punta - 4220 m.). This nice point is located on Black Mountain Range (Cordillera Negra). From this area is possible to have a good view of the White Mountain Range (Cordillera Blanca). Going down to Huaraz (3050 m.), also we have a nice landscape of Waylas Valley (Callejón de Huaylas) with Santa River.

3 Day: Huaraz – Chavin de Huantar – Chacas

Leaving Huaraz, we go up to the south until Catac (town at 3640 m.). After that, we turn to the east, to the White Mountain Range (Cordillera Blanca). Before to get the pass (Kawish 4450 m.), we see the Qiruqucha (lake at 3950 m.). Passing the tunnel, we look the south area of Qunchuku´s zone. Here is Chavin de Huantar. This is a so well-known archeological site as a first main culture in Peru and its importance as a big powerful peace place in the Andean human history. After that we continue to the north until Chacas.

4 Day: Chacas – Punta Olimpica – Carhuas – Warka (camping)

The trip continues to the North West. Before to reach the pass (Punta Olimpica – 4950 m.), we look at the nice mountains and two nice two lakes. Going down to Ulta valley, we see Chawpikallki (6354 m.) and Waskaran (6769 m.). And finally we get down until Carhuas (3650 m.), being in Waylas Valley, we continue to the north until Yungay (town at 25500 m.) where we turn again to east. Warka is the place where we sleep inside tens.

5 Day: Llanganuco – Portachuelo – Laguna 69 – Caraz

Very early we wake up and have our breakfast to go adventure day. First on bus, we go up to Llanganuco valley, where are two beautiful lakes (Chinanqucha at 3850 m. and Urqunqucha at 3950 m.) between to Waskaran (north peak 6650 m.). When we get the km. 42.5 km at Portachuelo (4650 m.) we get out ready to walk to 69 lake. This is the most beautiful lake in White Mountain Range. Finally we return by another flat trail and take our bus to Caraz (last town in Waylas valley).

6 Day: Caraz – Paron lake – Tunshukayku – Huaraz.

Leaving the town we climb on bus to the lake (Paron at 4200 m.). this is the biggest lake in White Mountain Range. After small waking we go back to Caraz. If we have enough time we visit the Tunshukayku archaeological monument. At the night we are in Huaraz. If you have one day more you can take a tour to Pastoruri glacier.