WAYLAS (Callejón de Huaylas)

WAYLAS Valley (Callejón de Huaylas) is a marvelous long inter Andean valley, which is surrounded by White Mountain Range (YURAQ HANKA) and Black Mountain Range (YANA HANKA). It is located in the North western Peruvian Andes, between 8° 40´ and  10° 10´ (latitudes) and 77° 15´and 77° 55´ West (longitude). This spreads from the Southeast to Northwest, crossing the provinces of Ancash Region: Recuay, Huaraz (WARAS), Carhuaz, Yungay and Huaylas. The complete valley is run by Santa River (WILLKA AWKIS MAYU), at a length of approximately 160 Km. this starts at QUÑUQQUCHA (4080 m) and goes until Duck Canyon (Cañon del Pato).

Waylas valley, as the one most authentic natural paradise in the world, is located in the heart of the Andes. This beautiful Andean valley has blue sky as well a large river, known as “Santa” or WILLKA AWKIS MAYU in native language. At the same time is surrounded by Black and White mountain ranges. Where, WARAS (Huaraz - 3100 M.), is the second highest mountain starting point in the world for mountain expeditions. Trekkers and climbers have a meet every year to discover the kindness of the nature and culture in this area.

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.