Nor yauyos Trek

• Hike a truly off-the-beaten-path Inca trail into heart of beautiful Nor Yauyos - Cochas Reserve.

• Beginning & ending in Huancayo in Central Andes.

• Accommodation in tents & family guesthouses. Equipment carried by llama.

• Exploring the holy Andean mountains of Pariacaca & Ticlla.

• Inca & pre-Inca archaeological sites to investigate.

Mountain-dwelling societies have traditionally attributed divine properties to the vast summits that surround them and influence their lives … from the Himalayas to Mount Olympus to Kilimanjaro.

The Andean peoples of Peru are no exception, with the Quechua word ‘apu’ specifically being attributed to the largest mountains … that are seen as gods.

These treks in the little-visited Nor Yauyos - Cochas Reserve explore the world of the apus, admiring their stunning beauty, meeting the living cultures shaped by the landscape, and learning some of the mythology they have spawned.

Following trails constructed by the Incas as part of their enormous Qhapaq Ñan communication network, and with llamas to do the heavy lifting, we explore the flanks of Mount Pariacaca, a beautiful, snow-capped mountain rising 5,750 m (18,865 ft) above sea level. It has been worshipped as an apu since pre-Inca times and is still a site of pilgrimage today.

Along the way, there are picture-perfect canyons, lakes and waterfalls, other-worldly caves, ever-changing flora and fauna, and the fascinating evidence of human occupation, both ancient and modern.

The five-day trek ends at the picturesque village of Tanta, before driving back to Huancayo.

The seven-day trek continues around another apu, Mount Ticlla. This involves a challenging climb to a 5,000 m (16,404 ft) high pass, with jaw-dropping views, before descending to the village of Miraflores and the Cañete River valley. 

Nor Yauyos 5-Day Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Huancayo - Pachacayo - Canchayllo - Convinvchos - Shutjo. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Corivinchos - Shacshamarca - Laguna Escalera - Cuchimachay. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Cuchimachay - Mullucocha Lake - Atarhuay Lake. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Atarhuay Lake - Ocsha - Pirca Pirca - Tambo Real. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Pirca Pirca - Paucarcocha Lake – Tanta - Huancayo.

Distance trekked: 37 km (23 miles) approx.
Altitude: 3,800m (12,467 ft) – 4,720m (15,486 ft).

Nor Yauyos 7-Day Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Huancayo - Pachacayo - Canchayllo - Convinvchos - Shutjo. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Corivinchos - Shacshamarca - Laguna Escalera - Cuchimachay. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Cuchimachay - Mullucocha Lake - Atarhuay Lake. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Atarhuay Lake – Mullucocha Lake - Pirca Pirca - Tanta. Overnight in basic hotel.
Day 5: Tanta - Paccha Waterfall - Piscococha - Llica. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Llica - Ticlla Pass - Miraflores. Overnight in basic hotel.
Day 7: Miraflores - Huaquis - Huancaya - Huancayo

Distance trekked : 65 km (40 miles) approx.
Altitude: 3,300 m (10,827 ft) – 5,050 m (16,568 ft).

Below prices are per person, based on two people sharing.

Included in Nor Yauyos Trek price:

* English-speaking mountain guide.
* 3 meals a day. NB. Vegetarian food available on request.
* 2-person tents, mattress.
* Basic homestay accommodation in Tanta & Miraflores (on 7D trek)
* Pack animals (llamas or horses) for camping equipment & food.
* Emergency horse.
* Transport.
* Cook & kitchen equipment. NB. In smaller groups, the guide cooks.
* Transfer from/to Huancayo accommodation. 
* Entrance fees.

Not included in Nor Yauyos Trek price:

* Flights.
* Accommodation in Huancayo.
* Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
* Sleeping bag. NB. These are available for hire.
* Personal travel insurance.
* Emergency evacuation.
* Tips & gratuities. 

5-Day NOR YauYOS Trek: Day-by-Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Huancayo - Pachacayo - Canchayllo - Corivinchos - Shutjo 

We depart from Huancayo (3,300 m / 10,827 ft) this morning in a private vehicle to make the two-hour drive to Pachacayo, the gateway to the east side of the Nor Yauyos - Cochas Reserve.

A further 15-minute drive takes us to Canchayllo, which is the last population centre we see before entering the mountains of the Central Western range, and home to the remarkable Puya raimondii cacti, which can grow to over 7 m / 23 ft high.

We then go to Corivinchos Archaeological Centre (3,900 m / 12,795 ft ), a place that was inhabited by the Yauyos ethnic group.  

Here we set up camp and use it as a base camp. This day is acclimatisation, before trekking through the mountains of the Cordillera de Pariacaca.  

Day 2: Corivinchos - Shacshamarca - Laguna Escalera - Cuchimachay

From Corivinchos we take a private vehicle towards the Cordillera de Pariacaca.

After approximately two hours, we arrive at Shacshamarca (4,450 m / 14,600 ft), where we start our walk along an Inka trail to Apu Pariacaca.  

Our high point today is 4,670 m (15,322 ft), after which we descend through Escalerayoc to Escalera Lagoon, where there are impressive views of the Inka trail and Apu Pariacaca.

Our campsite tonight is in Cuchimachay Cave (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), a traditional place of ceremony, adorned with cave paintings thought to be more than 9,000 years old.  

Day 3: Cuchimachay - Mullucocha Lake - Atarhuay Lake

This morning, we explore the area around Cuchimachay Cave, before continuing along the Inca-built road to Lake Mullucocha, which has sacred properties according to Andean mythology.

We pass waterfalls descending from Apu Pariacaca, and have a chance to meet local families in their homes

Tonight we camp on the banks of Lake Atarhuay, again with impressive views of Apu Pariacaca. It is a special Andean environment.  

Day 4: Atarhuay Lake – Mullucocha Lake - Pirca Pirca - Tanta

From Lake Atarhuay (4,520 m / 14,829 ft) we continue along the Inka trail, around Lake Mullucocha.

We visit Andean families in Ocsha and then Pirca Pirca ruins.

Upon reaching our campsite at Tambo Real, we can appreciate beautiful High Andean views, dotted with evidence of the region’s farming - alpacas, llamas and sheep.

 Day 5: Pirca Pirca - Paucarcocha lake – Tanta - Huancayo

This morning we walk to Tanta (4,210 m / 13,812 ft), which is a very interesting and attractive town, where traditional and modern Andean life combine.

We visit nearby Paucarcocha Lagoon, before spending time at the home of a local family, enjoying their food and customs. 

Finally, we meet our private transport for the journey back to Huancayo.
NB. If wishing to head towards the coast or to Lima, this can be arranged. Just ask us how.

7-Day nor yauyos Trek: Day-by-Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Huancayo - Pachacayo - Canchayllo - Corivinchos - Shutjo 

We depart from Huancayo (3,300 m / 10,827 ft) this morning in a private vehicle to make the two-hour drive to Pachacayo, the gateway to the east side of the Nor Yauyos - Cochas Reserve.

A further 15-minute drive takes us to Canchayllo, which is the last population centre we see before entering the mountains of the Central Western range, and home to the remarkable Puya raimondii cacti, which can grow to over 7 m / 23 ft high.

We then go to Corivinchos Archaeological Centre (3,900 m / 12,795 ft ), a place that was inhabited by the Yauyos ethnic group.  

Here we set up camp and use it as a base camp. This day is acclimatisation, before trekking through the mountains of the Cordillera de Pariacaca.  

Day 2: Corivinchos - Shacshamarca - Laguna Escalera - Cuchimachay

From Corivinchos we take a private vehicle towards the Cordillera de Pariacaca.

After approximately two hours, we arrive at Shacshamarca (4,450 m / 14,600 ft), where we start our walk along an Inka trail to Apu Pariacaca.  

Our high point today is 4,670 m (15,322 ft), after which we descend through Escalerayoc to Escalera Lagoon, where there are impressive views of the Inka trail and Apu Pariacaca.

Our campsite tonight is in Cuchimachay Cave (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), a traditional place of ceremony, adorned with cave paintings thought to be more than 9,000 years old.  

Day 3: Cuchimachay - Mullucocha Lake - Atarhuay Lake

This morning, we explore the area around Cuchimachay Cave, before continuing along the Inca-built road to Lake Mullucocha, which has sacred properties according to Andean mythology.

We pass waterfalls descending from Apu Pariacaca, and have a chance to meet local families in their homes

Tonight we camp on the banks of Lake Atarhuay, again with impressive views of Apu Pariacaca. It is a special Andean environment.  

Day 4: Atarhuay Lake – Mullucocha Lake - Pirca Pirca - Tanta

From Lake Atarhuay (4,520 m / 14,829 ft) we continue along the Inka trail, around Lake Mullucocha.

We visit Andean families in Ocsha and then Pirca Pirca ruins.

Upon reaching Tambo Real, we can appreciate beautiful High Andean views, dotted with evidence of the region’s farming - alpacas, llamas and sheep.

We arrive at Tanta (4,210 m / 13,812 ft), which is a very interesting and attractive town, where traditional and modern Andean life combine.

We visit nearby Paucarcocha Lagoon, before spending the evening at the home of a local family, enjoying their food and customs.  

Day 5: Tanta - Paccha Waterfall - Piscococha - Llica Lagoon 

Today, we leave the beautiful town of Tanta to walk to Paccha Waterfall.

From here we carry on along a pre-Inka trail to Ticlla Mountain. We pass by Piscococha Lagoon and visit the home of a High Andean family along the way.

Finally, we reach our campsite at Llica Lagoon (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), which is at the foot of tomorrow’s challenge - Ticlla Pass.  

We spend the evening surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes. 

Day 6: Llica - Ticlla Pass - Miraflores

This day will be the most challenging of our expedition, as we climb up to Ticlla Pass at 5,050 m (16,568 ft).

Once here, we can appreciate stunning views of glaciers and almost the entire Yauyos mountain range.

We then go down the slopes of Apu Ticlla, a sacred mountain also called Mount Cotoni.  

Following the course of the Ticlla River, we descend through the green valley towards the village of Miraflores (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), enjoying delicious food and ancient traditions on arrival. 

Day 7: Miraflores - Huaquis - Huancaya - Huancayo

Today is the last day of the trek, but there is still lots to enjoy.

In the morning, we walk to the village of Huaquis, which combines attractive, traditional architecture in a stunning, natural setting.

On return to Miraflores, we take a vehicle to the town of Huancaya. It is located beside the Cañete River, which has created beautiful rapids and waterfalls nearby.

We have lunch here, before making the return journey to the city of Huancayo, where the tour ends.
NB. If wishing to head towards the coast or to Lima, this can be arranged. Just ask us how.

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