Llama Trek in Cordillera Blanca

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

The Olleros-Chavin Trek, also known as the "Llama Trek", is a captivating route that once served as the natural trade passage between the Huaylas and Conchucos valleys. This beautiful trek crosses the Cordillera Blanca from West to East, following an ancient Pre-Inca trail and culminating at the iconic Chavin Temple, where you'll experience the incredible architecture and astronomical knowledge of this ancient civilization.

In recent years, the Olleros community has embraced the llama as the primary form of transport, replacing donkeys throughout the trek. This unique feature draws the attention of travelers, offering an authentic, sustainable experience.

Along the trek, you'll encounter stunning peaks such as Shaqsha (5,703m), Uruashraju (5,735m), and Huantsan (6,395m). Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to witness the daily life of the Andean people who reside in the surrounding areas.

Hiking and Trekking

Pablo B. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Hi, I'm Pablo. I was born in Huaraz at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. I studied systems engineering and at the same time I practiced trekking on my own, after finishing my engineering career I decided to study for Official Tourist Guide and later I took a specialization course in mountaineering authorized by the Peruvian Government. During my beginnings in mountaineering I climbed important mountains such as: Huascaran, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Chopicalqui, Ranrapalca, Tocllaraju and the classic 5 thousand mountains. I traveled to Ecuador where I climbed all the volcanoes such as: Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, Cayambe, as well as Obispo Peak, the most challenging and technical mountain in Ecuador. In 2019 I climbed Aconcagua and now I lead expeditions annually. Mountaineering is my passion and work in this beautiful world.

Tour highlights

Follow an Ancient Pre-Inca Trail

Hike along the same paths once used for trade between the Huaylas and Conchucos valleys, leading to the legendary Chavín de Huántar temple.

Breathtaking Andean Landscapes

Experience stunning views of the Huantsán, Uruashraju, and Cashan snow-capped peaks, cross high mountain passes, and walk through vast valleys.

Authentic Cultural Experience

Trek alongside llamas, the traditional Andean pack animals and witness the daily life of Andean communities, immersing yourself in their rich history.

Route details

This adventure kicks off in Huaraz, where we'll pick you up from your hotel with private transportation. From there, we'll drive south through the picturesque Huaylas Valley towards Olleros Village. At this point, we’ll veer off to the Canrey Chico village, the starting point of our trek, where the llama driver and llamas will be waiting to carry the logistics and camping gear.

Our journey follows the path along the Negro River for most of the day, offering breathtaking views of the Cashan and Rurec peaks. After several hours of hiking, we’ll enter the Quebrada Uquián, where the trail becomes easier due to the flat terrain of the vast valley.

After approximately 5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our destination, the Sacracancha camp.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Transfer by car: 2 hours
Estimated hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: +900 m (from 3,100 masl to 4,000 masl)

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

Physical Training

Participants must be in good physical condition to join this trek. We recommend previous and constant preparation as a crucial factor to take on this challenge, then, the physical stress caused by the trekking days will be minimized.

We strongly advise all participants to have an adequate outdoor training plan and short hikes with gradual demands.

If you would like our advice, we can provide you a training plan after evaluation of your experience in hiking and sporting activity.

Acclimatization

Participants should have experience in altitude the last 2 to 3 days prior to the start of this trek, which ensures adequate acclimatization and conditioning of the body to the altitude. It is recommended to stay above 3,000 meters above sea level.

We suggest acclimatizing in Wilcacocha or Churup lakes before starting the trek.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

2 nights

4 seasons tent with double occupancy.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Áncash, Provincia de Huaraz, Huaraz

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Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

certified Trekking Guide (english, spanish);
certified chef;
private transportation: Huaraz - Canrey Chico // Chavín - Huaraz;
donkey drivers and donkeys for the transfer of the logistic camping equipment (10 Kg per participant);
5 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, box lunch, tea time and dinner);
4 seasons tent with double occupancy;
tent kitchen, dining room and bathroom;
kitchen sets and fully-equipped dining room;
first aid kit;
boiled water to fill up your bottle every day;
warm water for your personal higiene;
emergency horse for the group of participants;
tips to get to Huaraz;
advice before the Expedition;
last day: dinner and typical Andean drink in Jahuacocha camp.

Extras

airline ticket to Lima and back to the country of origin;
bus transportation Lima / Huaraz / Lima;
entrance ticket to Huascaran National Park: S/. 60.00 nuevos soles;
personal tent (if you want a personal tent, the rent is S/. 30 soles per day);
extra costs for premature abandonment of the expedition;
International Medical Insurance;
accident and rescue insurance (you can ask us about the agreement we have with Global Rescue for a preferential price);
travel luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
transfer to Huaraz out of schedule, in case of premature abandonment of the expedition;
first breakfast at the beginning of the itinerary is not included;
sleeping bag -25° / -30º;
personal expenses;
hotel during your stay in Huaraz;
tips for guide / staff.

Group size

From 4 to 9 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights