LLAMA TREKKING ON THE NORTH GREAT INCA TRAIL

We leave Huaraz in the morning by vehicle and head for Chavín de Huántar, an ancient and mysterious temple located in the Peruvian Andes. On the way, we will pass typical Andean villages such as Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac, accompanied by a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. We will take a short break at Lake Querococha (3980m.) where we can take photos and enjoy a cup of coca tea. Passing through the Tunel de Cahuish (4,555m), we reach the site of Chavín, located just outside town at the confluence of two rivers: the Mosna and the Huanchecsa, at 3140m. Some of the earliest Andean cultures can be traced to the ceremonial complex of Chavín de Huántar. This fascinating temple was probably built between 1200-400 years B.C. and was the religious center of the Chavín population. Impressive stone sculptures and artistic reliefs characterize this mysterious place, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. We will visit the Chavín Museum, which holds many artifacts found at the site, some dating as early as 1200 B.C. While some of these artifacts emerged from the Chavín culture, others were brought from afar, demonstrating that people made long pilgrimages to this ceremonial center. Chavín is an important location for learning about the origins of Andean culture, which is counted among the world’s six “cradles of civilization.”   

We will drive toward the village of Castillo, where we’ll begin a short hike towards Soledad de Tambo, our first campsite at 3661m.

Huaraz – Chavín - Castillo Village – Soledad de Tambo

Upon departing from Soledad de Tambo, we will explore the Inca site located in Peru’s northern highlands. The principal feature of this site is an ushnu, a ceremonial platform with a stone-lined basin. Typically found in conquered or non-Inca territories, ushnus had sociopolitical significance, providing a place for an Inca administrator to receive conquered people, distribute libations, and perform sacrifices. Here, we will also partake in a traditional pago a la tierra (offering to the Earth) ceremony, a sacred ritual of gratitude to Pachamama. 

We will then continue our trek on the Great Inca Trail, a well-preserved stone-paved road stretching across the vast, open Andean puna grasslands. After some time, we will reach a crossroads, where we will take a short detour to visit the qolqas at Waqanku. These ancient stone storehouses were used by the Incas to amass food, clothing, and other essentials in anticipation of times of scarcity. 

Resuming our journey, we will begin a gradual ascent toward the Waqankupunta Pass at 4,385 meters above sea level (14,386 feet), a significant yet rewarding climb. At the summit, we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape. 

After lunch, we will begin our descent toward the village of Taulli, where we will set up camp at 3,975 meters (13,041 feet) and enjoy an evening of rest and camaraderie.

Soledad de Tambo - Waqankupunta pass - Taullipampa Camp

We begin our day early, departing from our campsite after breakfast and heading towards the first challenge of the day, a small mountain pass called Taulli. After a brief rest, we start to descent reaching Queñuajirca at 4,090 meters above sea level (13,420 feet), a stunning lookout point perched atop a hill. Here, we will explore the ancient tambo (Inca resting place) and visit the artisan textile workshop of Sr. Juan, where we will learn about traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. 

From Queñuajirca, we will continue our journey towards the town of Ayash, a rapidly developing settlement due to the presence of Antamina, one of the world’s largest copper mines. The mine’s expansion poses a threat to this historic segment of the Great Inca Trail, highlighting the importance of preserving this ancient route. 

After a brief rest and an opportunity to purchase local goods in Ayash, we will continue our trek, stopping at an ancient set of Inca steps to enjoy our lunch while taking in the historic surroundings. 

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ayash behind, we’ll ascend towards Pampa Huamani, a remote and peaceful highland plateau. Here, at an elevation of 4,330 meters (14,206 feet), we will set up camp and spend the night, surrounded by the vast beauty of the Andean landscape.

Taullipampa - Ayash Village - Pampa Huamani Camp

We will climb a set of seemingly endless stone steps on a wide trail, ascending past the reach of modern civilization toward the pass at Huamanipunta (4,448 masl /14,593 fasl). This pass traverses the continental divide between the Pacific   and Amazon sides, and is located at the border of two provinces, Ancash and Huánuco.         We will descend until reaching the Taparaco River Valley, where we will observe herds of roaming sheep and alpacas. We will arrive at Tambo Grande Archaeological Center.  The tambos (circular shelters) were built and adapted to accommodate individual travelers, groups, or caravans of llamas. Here, travelers and soldiers could rest from their journeys. After exploring for a bit, we will enjoy lunch, and then hike down to Tambo Chico, where we will spend the night at 4050 masl.

Pampa Huamani Camp - Huamani Punta Pass – Tambo Chico Camp

We will continue our trek along the Great Inca Trail down the Taparaco River Valley, a unique cultural landscape where we will appreciate the marvels of Inca engineering as evidenced by bridges, terraces, and culverts that allow water to pass under sections of the road. We’ll hike through marshlands on our way down a narrow river valley bordered on both sides by rocky outcroppings. We may observe herds of alpacas and sheep grazing in the distance.  Before arriving at our next campsite we’ll stop by a small village school. Then we’ll visit the Taparaco Archaeological Center, built by the ancient Cajamarca people.  Here, we’ll observe irrigation systems, canals, and stone engravings and petroglyphs carved into the rocks. After exploring the site, we will continue our trek, arriving at San Lorenzo de Isco (3,721 masl / 12,208 fasl), where we’ll camp for the night.

Tambo Chico Camp - Taparaco – San Lorenzo de Isco

A short hike up the valley toward Estanque and then down toward Colpa (3330m) in the Vizcarra River Valley brings our glorious trek to an end. We will hop in our vehicles for a short drive toward Huánuco Pampa, an important administrative center that boasts fantastic Imperial-style Inca masonry throughout its carefully planned urban sectors.  Beautifully carved pumas, monkeys, and reptiles adorn the stone walls and doorways of the site. After lunch and a tour around the site, we will climb aboard our vehicle to start the drive back to Huaraz.

San Lorenzo de Isco – Collpa – Huánuco Pampa – Huaraz

Embark on a journey through time as you explore one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Inca trail that connected Cusco, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Inca Empire, with Tomebamba, her northern sister city that is modern-day Cuenca, Ecuador. Explore over 70 km. of the main artery of the greatest road network in Pre-Columbian Latin America, speckled with archaeological sites in the remote landscapes of Northern Peru’s Central Andes. We’ll begin with a visit to Chavín de Huantar, a mysterious temple where ancient religious ceremonies took place over 3,000 years ago. We will immerse in diverse natural landscapes, crossing the Continental Divide and trek across two departments: Ancash and Huánuco, experiencing amazing vistas along the journey. On our last day we’ll arrive at Huánuco Pampa, the largest Inca administrative center outside the department of Cusco where we’ll marvel at feats of engineering achieved by a civilization whose abilities with stonecutting and placement remain unmatched to this day. This amazing trek will challenge, delight, and inspire you.

the great inca trail - North

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travel itinerary

Hike over 70 km of the Great Inca Trail, exploring archaeological sites, diverse landscapes, and engineering marvels, including Chavín de Huantar and Huánuco Pampa.

the great inca trail - north

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On each trip we carry a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. Knee and ankle braces are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.