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

The pass at Cordillera Huayhuash, at 16,500ft in altitude and a stage on the trek of the same name.

Col San Antonio

Uruguay

The Galapagos Islands

Patagonia

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

Not far from the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash is a great place for trekking. Little known to the average traveller, this splendid mountain range is surrounded by spectacular landscapes. The multicoloured lagoons and Andean glaciers are waiting just for you.
Less well-known than the region of Cusco—the land of Machu Picchu and the Incan civilisation—, the region of Ancash is also a pleasant place to explore during your <a href="/peru/">trip to Peru</a>. However, you will need to have some time to spare and a keen interest in trekking as it is one of the main activities in this mountainous region.  
The Huayhuash trek is not an easy one, but it will delight trekking fanatics. Allow 7 to 10 days to explore almost all of the mountain range. It is possible to attempt the climb to San Antonio Pass at the end of the trek. Note that it is a steep slope but your efforts will be greatly rewarded once you have reached the summit. At the top of the pass, the view is spectacular. You can see Siula Glacier and Rasac Glacier, as well as Saracopocha Lagoon and Jurau Lagoon from another angle. It is difficult to come back down after this dazzling natural spectacle!

Situated in the Cordillera Huayhuash, the San Antonio Pass sits at an altitude of 5,050 metres.

Huayhuash…a name that all mountain lovers dream about. I think by the way that it's the most beautiful hike I've ever done until now. If you want my opinion, if Ancash is part of <a href="/peru/">of your Peruvian odyssey and you would like to do one long walk</a> <a href="/peru/">, this Cordillera is absolutely definitely the one you should choose!</a> Numerous routes are possible and of course the climb up Col de San Antonio to the spectacular viewpoint is optional. But definitely recommended! The view, with the lakes and snow-covered peaks, makes you want to stay and find a picnic spot. I stayed at least an hour (I was dead lucky - no rain and now clouds during the during the entire trek) It's a steep climb, but what a proud achievement to reach 5000m, about 16,500ft in altitude.. Then again the descent towards the base camp is extra steep. There isn't really at a path at all and it's slippery: walking poles are more than welcome here. My mantra, to help me forget the pain in my knees caused by the rough slope was "om namah chocolate", a ritual reward after a rather intense effort.. well, we all motivate ourselves as best as we can!

Col San Antonio Vacations

Col San Antonio: How to get there?

Col San Antonio: See when to go ?

Col San Antonio: For how long?

Col San Antonio: What to see nearby?

Peru: our articles for your vacations