Climate: Heavy rains from December to March and a markedly dry season from May to October, where sunny days post temperatures of 25°C and freezing nights.
Access: The community of Olleros lies 30 km from the city of Huaraz.
Services: The towns of Chavin and Huari feature rustic hotels and restaurants. Travelers are advised to take plenty of warm clothing. The afternoons are cold and windy.
Located in the department of Ancash, this interesting and novel form of trekking is aimed at promoting eco-tourism in the region by reviving its traditional customs. The llama and alpaca, key pack animals in the Peruvian Andes, will captivate hikers on a llama trek tour of some of the most spectacular trails of the Cordillera Blanca and the Huascarán National Park.
The route sets out from the picturesque village of Olleros (30 km south of Huaraz), where the llamas are loaded up with the necessary gear for the trek. During the four-day hike, in addition to walking through breath-taking mountain scenery and taking in Mount Shaqsha (5,703 meters), Cashan (5,686 meters) and Tuctupunta (5,343 meters), hikers can take part in the customs and traditions of peasant farming communities such as Shongo (home to the imposing Huancas complex of sacred stone monoliths and Nunupata.
The trail comes to an end at the vast Chavín de Huántar temple, an important administrative and ceremonial center of the first Pan-Andean pre-Colombian civilization.
If willing to practice trekking in Peru you should consider these recommendations:
- Climbers and hikers should get information on the state of trails and the degree of difficulty of the climbing route.
- Bear in mind that local inhabitants have different notions of time and distance. The classic response "aquicito nomás" (just around the corner) can mean long hours of trekking up steep slopes.
- Do not pull up or cut live plants or light fires within highland forests.
- Do not move trail signposts.
- Do not hunt or fish during the dry season (trout fishing ban).
- Always inform local authorities, trekking or mountain climbing associations in the area of your entry into mountainous areas.
- Never go on climbs or treks unaccompanied.
- Always bring back litter. Leaving it on the mountainside can harm the fragile environment.
- Sunscreen is recommended, plus warm clothing. High altitude sickness known locally as soroche can set in at over 2,500 m.a.s.l. Take precautions by resting the first day, drink plenty of liquids and avoid heavy food and alcohol.
| Trekking and Hiking in Peru Articles |
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Inca trail to Machu Picchu Trek - Cusco
Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca - Huaraz
Trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash - Huaraz
Llama Trek Chavín to Olleros - Huaraz
Trekking in the Colca Valley - Arequipa
The Salkantay Loop - Cusco
Trekking beyond the mountains
