Expedition overview
Full day
3,140 m / 10,330 ft
Easy
Year-round
private or group service
Chavin de Huantar, This impressive cultural journey takes you to the Conchucos Valley, home to a fascinating and mysterious pre-Inca temple. This site is considered one of the most important cultures in the Andes and was brought to global attention in 1919 by Peruvian archaeologist Julio César Tello, who revealed the significance of this ancient civilization. Often referred to as the “cradle of Andean civilization,” it is among the oldest stone structures in Peru, dating back to around 200 BC. Inside the imposing temple, you will find the iconic monolithic Lanzón of Chavín. The temple complex is also adorned with the famous tenon heads embedded in its walls, as well as remarkable carved stone monuments such as the Tello Obelisk and the Raimondi Stela, both featuring intricate anthropomorphic figures that reflect the rich symbolism of this ancient culture.
- Huaraz – Transfer to Laguna Querococha (3,980 m / 13,090 ft) – Transfer to Chavín de Huántar (3,140 m / 10,330 ft) – Transfer back to Huaraz
Suggestion
This easy one-day hike is ideal as your first excursion around Huaraz and should be included in your acclimatization plan before undertaking more challenging treks with higher altitude and greater physical demand.
Is it for me?
- This beautiful day hike is ideal for anyone looking to experience a light adventure in nature and enjoy a unique outdoor experience.
- It is suitable for all adventure lovers and is especially recommended for beginners.
Restrictions
- Not suitable for pregnant women.
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions.
Detailed itinerary
Detailed day-by-day route with altitude, distances and campsite information.
Breakfast
Snak
Lunch
Tea time
Dinner
Huaraz – transfer to Laguna Querococha 3,980 m / 13,090 – transfer to Chavin de Huantar 3,140 m / 10,330 ft – transfer back to Huaraz
The tour begins with pick you up from your hotel in our private or group transportation and drive south of Huaraz to the town of Recuay. From there, we continue eastward into the mountains toward Querococha Lake. At the lake, we will make a short stop to take photos of its stunning deep green waters, framed by impressive mountain peaks in the background. Along the way, we will also observe the famous “Peruvian map,” a natural formation on the hillside created by erosion, which resembles the shape of Peru.
Then we continue driving until we reach the Cahuish Tunnel, located at over 4,550 meters above sea level, which allows us to cross the Cordillera Blanca from west to east. As soon as we pass through the tunnel, we begin descending along a series of switchbacks, enjoying tremendous views of the landscape below. From machac view point, we can observe extensive arable lands spread across the hillsides in the distance, many of them cultivated with Andean crops such as barley, wheat, beans, peas, corn, and quinoa. Other fields are still being prepared for planting. From afar, these agricultural terraces create a beautiful mosaic-like pattern across the mountainside.
Finally, we arrive in Chavín to enjoy a short visit to the ancient pre-Inca temple ruins of Chavín de Huántar. This impressive and mysterious archaeological site is built with enormous stone blocks and features several subterranean galleries, as well as finely carved sculptures depicting felines, birds, and serpents—characteristic elements of Chavín iconography. The complex also includes stone-lined passageways, where Chavín high priests are believed to have consulted their gods, including the Great Idol or Lanzón, performed ceremonial rituals, and stored sacred objects used in religious practices. After the visit, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Huaraz
After that, we return to the parking area and begin our journey back to Huaraz, arriving at approximately 19:00– 19:30 pm.
Services of the itinerary
What is included in the cost?
Private Service
- Pre-departure briefing: One of our team members will come to the hotel to provide detailed information about the tour of Chavín de Huántar. During this meeting, any questions or special requests regarding the tour can be addressed. The briefing will take place strictly at the scheduled time, 24 hours before the trip begins.
- Excursions included: Scenic tours to Chavín de Huántar (available in group or private service).
- Private transportation for Chavín de Huántar: Round-trip private transportation between Huaraz – Chavín de Huántar – Huaraz. For groups of up to 3 participants, a 4×4 vehicle is used. Larger groups travel in a comfortable, modern van, depending on group size.
- Private service includes – Hotel pick-up and drop-off: We provide pick-up and drop-off at your hotel according to the trip program. Pick-ups and drop-offs are included only for hotels located in the downtown area. For hotels outside the downtown area, additional charges may apply depending on the location.
- Bilingual tour guide: An official bilingual tour guide will accompany you on the tour to Chavín de Huántar. Your guide will ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the tour without worry.
- Private service concludes at your hotel entrance in Huaraz.
Group Service
- Pre-departure briefing: One of our team members will come to the hotel to provide detailed information about the tour of Chavín de Huántar. During this meeting, any questions or special requests regarding the tour can be addressed. The briefing will take place strictly at the scheduled time, 24 hours before the trip begins.
- Transportation: Group transportation provided for the Chavín de Huántar tour, including round-trip service between Huaraz and Chavín de Huántar.
- Group size: Typically 15–18 participants, often combined from different tour operators.
- Group service includes – Hotel pick-up: We provide pick-up from your hotel according to the trip program. Pick-ups are included only for hotels located in the downtown area. For hotels outside the downtown area, additional charges may apply depending on the location.
- Guides: An official tour guide in Spanish will accompany you on the tour to Chavín de Huántar. Your guide will ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the tour without worry.
- Group service: The tour ends near the Plaza de Armas in Huaraz.
What doesn't included
- Booking Bus or flight tickets for travel between Lima & Huaraz (Lima – Huaraz – Lima)
- Hotel accommodation in Huaraz
- Entrance fee: Chavin de Huantar: 25 soles per person (valid for one day)
- Breakfast is included in most hotels in Huaraz.
- Lunches during the tour: Chavin de Huantar: approx. 20–25 soles per person
- Miscellaneous expenses: Breakfast, lunch, dinner during your stay in Huaraz
- Extra Snacks during the trip
- Personal equipment (see the link of what to take)
- Additional expenses:
- Optional excursions
- Phone calls, internet access, laundry service and other personal expenses
- Personal first aid kit: Recommended for your safety and comfort during the trip.
What to bring
- Walking shoes: Good-quality walking shoes or hiking boots are essential for all trek activities.
- Socks: We recommend bringing at least two pairs of warm, technical socks suitable for hiking shoes
- Underwear
- Quick-drying base layers: A synthetic base layer is recommended over cotton or wool for better moisture management. Long sleeves are preferable for added protection and warmth.
- Lightweight pants: Cotton or synthetic hiking pants are suitable for mountain trekking and provide comfort and flexibility
- Mid-layer: A medium-weight fleece or synthetic insulated jacket for warmth and layering.
- Down or micro-down jacket: Suitable for cold conditions and high-altitude temperatures (optional but highly recommended).
- Waterproof jacket: A lightweight, water-resistant jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) is recommended for protection in cooler conditions. (optional). can be rented in Huaraz, if needed.
- Waterproof over-trousers (optional) / can be rented in Huaraz, if needed.
- Sun hat or baseball hat
- Warm wool or synthetic hat: A lightweight, packable hat made from wool or synthetic materials is essential. It should be easy to fold and store in your backpack when not in use.
- Neck gaiter: A medium-weight wool or synthetic neck gaiter is highly versatile. It provides protection from the cold and wind and can also be used as an ear warmer or face covering when needed.
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Lightweight thermal gloves (polar tec)
- Warmer gloves or mittens
- Daypack: 20–30 liter backpack: Ideal for day hikes. It should comfortably carry your essentials items such as snacks, a change of clothes, water, and other necessary equipment.
- Sun protection, including high SPF sunscreen and total block for lips, nose, and exposed skin
- Water bottles (1 liter)
- Antibacterial hand gel or hand wash
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit: We recommend carrying a small, well-prepared personal first aid kit including sterile dressings, antiseptic cream, gauze, bandages, rehydration sachets, zinc oxide tape, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin. It is also advisable to bring paracetamol and acetazolamide (Diamox) for the prevention and treatment of mild acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms. For digestive issues, include loperamide for diarrhea, and antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or Bactrim for bacterial stomach infections (only if prescribed by your doctor). Additionally, we suggest carrying a small roll of adhesive tape and cough drops for basic relief during the trek.
Extra service available upon Request
- Bus or flight ticket reservations to travel (Lima – Huaraz – Lima)
- Hotel accommodation booking in Huaraz
- Additional tours, hikes, multi-day treks, and climbing expeditions
Prices & Booking
Season:
January – DecemberWe organize this full day tour to Chavin de Huantar, either on a private basis or group version. This day tour is suitable for individual travelers, groups of friends, families, adventure companies, and tour leaders who wish to experience high-altitude touring in the Cordillera Blanca with professional local support. All trips are operated with fully qualified local guides, ensuring safety, quality logistics, and authentic Andean Mountain experiences. Please feel free to contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred travel dates. We will be happy to prepare a personalized quotation, with no obligation.
Cost on private service with version of camping support:
These prices are not valid during Holy Week or the Peruvian Independence Day holidays (July 25–31). Please check availability and updated rates for these dates via WhatsApp or email. Prices are generally higher during these peak periods due to increased demand and domestic tourism.
Cost on Group service:
These prices are not valid during Holy Week or the Peruvian Independence Day holidays (July 25–31). Please check availability and updated rates for these dates via WhatsApp or email. Prices are generally higher during these peak periods due to increased demand and domestic tourism.
Loooking for a personalized experience?
We can tailor the itinerary and services to your specific needs. Contact us for a custom quote and dedicated logistics planning.
Enhance your climbing expedition with the following optional services and upgrades. These can be arranged and added to your program upon request.
Booking & payment policy:
To confirm your reservation about your Huayhuash trek, a deposit of 25% of the total program price is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid in cash upon arrival in Huaraz, no later than 48 hours before the expedition begins. We offer a flexible cancellation policy. If your plans change, please contact us as early as possible so we can discuss available options and rescheduling possibilities.
Payment Methods:
Cash in Huaraz
RecomendedNot additional fees.
Bank transfer
Accepted, a USD $60 bank fee applies.
Credit/Debit card
Accepted; a 6% processing fee applies.
Western union
Transactions incur a commission of 3% to 5%.
A 5% discount is offered for reservations made 5 months in advance of the expedition start date. The discount is applied to the total program price.
Students & groups of 6+ — Eligible for special group discounts.
Private service:
We offer 100% guaranteed private multi-day treks for any group size. Enjoy a comfortable, highly personalized experience with flexible itineraries tailored for your safety, acclimatization, and overall enjoyment. All departures are 100% guaranteed, once the reservation has been confirmed
Group service:
We offer shared group tours and want to be transparent about how this type of service operates. Group departures are coordinated with different companies and hotels in Huaraz, bringing together participants of various nationalities. Groups typically consist of 15– 18 people, with the aim of sharing transportation and operational costs. Participants are required to adapt to the group’s pace. Each group is led by one professional guide in Spanish. The guide usually leads the hike, while participants walk at their own rhythm; however, the group must remain together and follow the established schedule. Breaks and stops are made at designated points and apply to the entire group.
The Premium Difference:
From the very beginning, ANDES ADVENTURE HOLOIDAYS E.I.R.L, has focused on delivering premium, personalized trekking experiences — rather than low-cost, high-volume tours.
Professional Operations
Careful logistics and responsible operations designed for high standards of service and uncompromised safety.
Premium Gear & Transport
Top-quality camping and safety equipment, along with reliable modern private transportation.
Small Group Sizes
Maximum 8 participants to guarantee a personalized, comfortable, and highly attentive experience.
Expert Local Staff
Highly experienced bilingual mountain guides, mountain cooks, and dedicated local staff.
Our pricing reflects the true cost of operating professionally and responsibly, ensuring a high standard of service, safety, comfort, and authentic life time experiences.
Adicional notes:
Some Considerations
- The Peruvian general sales tax (I.G.V) 18% is not included in the rate shown
- The cost shown does not include the cost of the pre-payment transaction for early booking.
- How to book this tour, you can make a reservation by sending us an email or using the reservation form provided on our website or via WhatsApp.
- Booking Confirmation: To confirm your booking with us, you must make a deposit of 25% of the total price. The remaining balance must be paid in cash upon arrival in Huaraz, strictly 48 hours before the tour begins
- Once you have made the deposit, please send the payment voucher via email or WhatsApp. If you booked online, kindly message us on WhatsApp so we can stay in contact, coordinate your pick-up, and provide useful recommendations for your tour
- Fast and Easy Communication: All emails are answered as soon as possible to ensure fast and easy communication.
- Communication Options: We offer several ways to stay in touch with us. You can contact us through online chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, or via the email on our website. Simply fill out the reservation form or send us an email to ensure easy and personalized communication with our team.
- For more information, please contact us via WhatsApp at +51 931 888 334 or by email at in@andesadventureholidays.com
Best Time
- Begin of May – begin of September. Considered the best time, suitable for taking scenic pictures of landscape with blue sky. Besides are ideal months for adventure lovers, who want to practice, mountaineering & other outdoor pursuits.
- October – November (intermediate season) months in which sometimes after 2:00 pm you can have rain in the afternoon.
- December – March (rainy season) mixed weather, sunny & cloudy, which means sometimes sunny during the day and rain in the afternoon. Take your precautions (wear rain clothes & poncho).
Weather
The weather in the mountains is highly variable. Even during the dry season (May–September), rain can occur due to the effects of global warming and climate change. Daytime temperatures can range from warm to very cold, and above 4,000 meters, conditions may include rain, strong winds, or snow. For detailed forecasts, you can check: Mountain-Forecast: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/
