THE BLACK AND WHITE MOUNTAIN RANGES

The Black Mountain and White Mountain Range (Cordillera Blanca) offer us an important alternative for adventure tourism in Peru. They have a big advantage to get by easy access to the mountains. Some previous acclimatization is recommended before to reach over 4000 meters. In this way, trekking is a good option with its incredible routes and landscape. The walking trails can reach 5000 meters high easily providing the best scenery.

White Mountain Range (YURAQ HANKA or Cordillera Blanca) is the most impressive snow covered range which is located at the East side (flank) of WAYLAS Valley. Its name derives from the snow and ice peaks which are widespread approximately 200 Km. YURAQ HANKA is the longest tropical mountain range in the world (71 %). Its elevation goes from 2 500 m to 6 700 m, getting the snowline at 5 000 m. This range has more than 30 mountains over 6 000 m and an area of 527 km^2, about 1 200 lakes (830 registered) and 41 glacial rivers. Its different ecosystem gives the biodiversity: more than 900 species of high Andean flora, 210 species of birds and 10 species of mammals. The White Mountain Range is lying on solid igneous rock which consists of granite – granodioritic presence. It is about from 100 Km from the Pacific Ocean.

Black Mountain Range (YURAQ HANKA or Cordillera Negra) is lying at the West side of WAYLAS Valley. It is not glacial covered range (snowless). Despite its lower altitude and lesser precipitation it protects to the White Mountain Range of the hot ocean wind. The highest peak is the Rocarre (5 182 m), in the north part. This range has about 180 Km, which is lying parallel to the Pacific Ocean littoral. Its formation is made up mainly of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. There are best views of the whole White Mountain Range from the Black Mountain Range.it is worth exploring range and it is used just for acclimatizing hike.

MABA: Mountain – Adventure – Beach – Archaeology

This seven day program is the best recommended bus tours in Ancash Region (at the north of Lima) in mountain, adventure, archaeology and beach modality. During our trip, we visit the White Mountain Range (Cordillera Blanca), Waylas valley, Qunchuku´s zone and the pacific coast. Here include the most popular one day 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 – Quñuqqucha – Huaraz (museo)

The first day starts in Lima (hotel or airport) full day tour. On touristic transport, we go to the north of Lima until Pativilca (small city in the coast), where we turn to the east.  Our first pass is Quñuq qucha (4100 m.). Here we have a little stop to appreciate the Waywash and White Mountain ranges. When we get the most important town in Waylas valley (Huaraz at 3050 m.) we can go to the museum at the afternoon (if you have enough time).

2 Day: Huaraz – Qiruqucha – 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.

3 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.

4 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 Wascaran (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).

5 Day: Caraz – Cañon del Pato – Trujillo (Huaca del Sol y la Luna)

Leaving Caraz we go down at the end of Waylas valley or Black and White Mountain Ranges join forming the Duck Canyon (Cañon del pato). At the afternoon, we get Trujillo. If we have enough time we can visit the Huaca del Sol y la Luna archaeological monument (Moche culture).

6 Day: Chanchan – Huanchaco

The next day in Trujillo, first we visit Chan Chan (archaeological monument of Chimu culture). After we go to Huanchaco beach, where we look at the Caballito de totora (the ancient typical Moche canoa).at the afternoon we go until Casma.

7 Day: Casma (Sechin) – Lima

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. After that, we continue our trip to Lima, which we arrive at night.