Huaraz is the perfect departure point for excursions into both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. It's in the heights of the Sierra that you will truly discover all the fantastic features that the Ancash region has to offer.

Huarez: a jewel nestled between snow-covered peaks

It's at Lima that the great numbers of Peruvians found themselves in the 50s, when the rural exodus was at its peak. The capital has seen a tenfold increase in its population and it's this mixture of people and cultures from all over the country that gives it all its variety today.

Visiting Lima's various neighbourhoods

A visit to the heart of the various pre-Incan civilisations in the land of the Lambayeque. The region is brimming with important archaeological remains, so let's follow the tracks of this impressive historical heritage...

Lambayeque: follow in the footsteps of ancient civilisations

Located between the Selva and the Cordillera of the Andes, the Huancavélica and Cerro Pasco region will put you under its spell, with its incredible landscapes, the welcoming nature of the local inhabitants and the old traditions that are still very much alive

Pasco and Huancavélica: a voyage combining nature and tradition

The huge capital of Peru sprung up out the desert. Lima is a noisy town, an easy going place where clouds cover the sky for 8 months of the year.

South America

On these pages you will find ideas for a trip to Peru to help you prepare for your trip. All these ideas are there just to get your imagination going; you can alter, mix and match them as you please. Your local agent will help you create a unique and unforgettable trip, just for you! Peru has three distinct parts, each with its own character: the Pacific coast, which is the most densely populated; the Andes range, with the highest mountain being the towering Huascarán at 6,768 metres; and the Amazon, which covers the largest part of the country. If you’re going, start with the must-see: Machu Picchu – fortunately not found by the Conquistadors – rediscovered in 1911. You should visit it at dawn to see the ruins shrouded in mist. This extraordinary site still clasps a few secrets to its bosom. Not far away, the Andes range draw ramblers and trekkers to magnificent landscapes. The ultimate rambling experience is the Inca Trail through exceptional archaeological sites. During your stay in Peru, you must stop in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish erected their buildings, especially religious ones, over Inca constructions which they systematically destroyed, only sparing their characteristic foundations, which are still visible today with their large, perfectly cut and fitted stones. A voyage out of time awaits you in Cusco.

Peru

Lima

 Pisac: a wonderful site that remains still very well preserved today and where you can see and appreciate the ingenious system of terraces developed during the pre-Inca era in all its splendour.

Pisac

 The town of Ollantaytambo and it's archaeological site are situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Take the time to visit this charming, little Inca town.

Ollantaytambo

Andahuaylillas, a small village in the Andes mountains is still protected from the many tourist buses roaming all around Cusco.

Andahuayillas

Campsite on the Huayhuash trek in the mountain range that shares its name, a few hours from Huaraz.

Hatun Cuyoc

Uruguay

The Galapagos Islands

Patagonia

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

We are already halfway through our trek in the Huayhuash Mountains when we reach the Hatun Cuyoc base camp. The day was really tiring - we climbed the Cuyoc Mountain up to an altitude of over 5,000 metres before coming back down a slope with many sharp drops.
 Fortunately, the magnificent glacial landscapes are helping us to forget our pain.
 
We reach Hatun Cuyoc before sunset. The setting is stunning, and by chance we are one of just two groups of trekkers there. After a good (cold) shower, it's time to have dinner. Tonight we're having spaghetti bolognese. We go to bed early to get our strength back. We have a long day ahead, climbing the San Antonio Mountain the next day.

Hatun Cuyoc is a base camp in the Huayhuash Mountains.

If you end up visiting Hatun Cuyoc, it means you're doing one of the most spectacular treks (if not the most spectacular) Peru has to offer. It also means you'll be spending quite a few days walking. I suspect, however, you won't want it to end, despite the chilly nights, cold showers and getting up at dawn each day! As with just about every other moment of the hike, arriving at the Hatun Cayoc campsite will be a memorable experience. Firstly, because you will have reached your first mountain pass, 5000 metres up (I'll let you imagine the astounding beauty of the views for yourself), and you'll be happy to be able to finally set your rucksacks down. And because secondly, if you're following the same route as I did, it means you'll be facing another, equally high mountain pass (paso San Antonio) the following day, before then tackling the most difficult descent of the entire route. Luckily, however, the wonderful environment in which the campsite is located is conducive to rest and relaxation, thus guaranteeing you the chance you to recharge your batteries. There are little streams where you can wash your legs and feet, onsite toilets, and, most importantly of all, plenty of space available, which means you don't have to site your tent right next to your neighbour's (phew!!!), and all this against a backdrop offering a variety of yellow and green tones: paradise on earth!

Hatun Cuyoc Vacations

Hatun Cuyoc: How to get there?

Hatun Cuyoc: See when to go ?

Hatun Cuyoc: For how long?

Hatun Cuyoc: What to see nearby?

Peru: our articles for your vacations