Qhapaq Ñan TREKKIng Itinerary

• Chance to experience spectacular section of immense Inca road network. 

• Qhapaq Ñan declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. 

• Trek with llamas; camp under star-laden skies; explore little-visited ruins; meet locals. 

• Begins and ends in Huaraz, hiking through Cordillera Blanca for five or six days. 

The Qhapaq Ñan - meaning simply 'Beautiful Road' - was a vast system of roads and footpaths, stretching some 39,000 km (24,800 miles) and linking all parts of the Inca Empire.

This trekking itinerary covers just over 70 km (44 miles) on the Huanuco Pampa – Huamachuco section. But in the process, intrepid hikers move from the Department of Ancash to Huanuco, over the Continental Divide, and through truly remote and spectacular mountain scenery, getting a heightened sense of what life was like in pre-Hispanic times:

• Comfortable camping near Inca archaeological sites, such as ushnus and tambos.

• Trekking on well-preserved routes with Inca walls that are more than 500-years-old.

• Using llamas as cargo-bearing animals – an Andean custom that is in danger of disappearing.

• Connect with the present-day Andean community, whose language, dress, cuisine and customs are directly descended from the Incas:

  • Participation in traditional ceremonies, such as the tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

  • Weaving demonstrations.

  • Typical regional dishes, prepared with traditional ingredients, to delight the palate.

By continuing to enjoy and celebrate the architecture and lifestyle of the Qhapaq Ñan, we hope to breathe fresh life into this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, that spans six nations. 

Qhapaq Ñan 6-Day Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Drive to Castillo, via Chavin; Hike to Soledad de Tambo. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Hike to Taullipampa. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Hike to Pampa Huamani. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Hike to Tambo Chico. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Hike to San Lorenzo de Isco. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Hike/drive to Huanuco Pampa; drive to Huaraz.

NB. The 7-day itinerary actually covers the ground a little bit faster, doing the hike in 5 days, with a night in Huaraz at the beginning and end.

Qhapaq Ñan 7-Day Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Arrive Huaraz; Transfer to hotel. Overnight at El Patio de Monterrey.
Day 2: Drive to Castillo, via Chavin; Hike to Soledad de Tambo. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Hike to Quenhuajirca, via Wagapunta Pass. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Hike to Tambo Grande. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Hike to San Lorenzo de Isco, via Taparaco Valley. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Hike/drive to Huanuco Pampa; drive to Huaraz. Overnight at El Patio de Monterrey.
Day 7: Transfer to Huaraz bus station.

Below prices are per person, based on a private trek, sharing two-person tents.
The price decreases for larger groups: ask us for more details. 

Included in the above prices:

• Trek briefing

• Transfers as stated in itinerary, in a private vehicle

• Professional, English-speaking mountain guide

• Cook & trek crew

• All meals stated in itinerary

• High-quality camping equipment:

  • Tents: 3-person capacity tents for two passengers; and tents with 2-person capacity for single passengers

  • Dining tent

  • Toilet tent with chemical toilet

  • Thermarest mattress

  • Duffle bags

  • Headlamp

• Llamas & mules as pack animals: 8 kg / 17.6 lbs of luggage for each passenger

• Emergency horse

• Entrance tickets to Chavin de Huantar & Huanuco Pampa

• First aid kit, oxygen tank & 24-hour assistance

Not Included:

• Transportation Lima – Huaraz / Huaraz - Lima

• Tips & gratuities

• Personal expenses & personal gear

• Sleeping bag (available for rent for US$ 35 extra p/p)

• Walking poles (available for rent)

• Alcoholic beverages

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Meals not mentioned in the program

Day-by-day Qhapaq Ñan 6-DAY Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Huaraz - Chavin - Castillo - Soledad de Tambo (All meals)

We depart Huaraz in the morning to drive to Chavin de Huantar, an ancient and mysterious temple located in the Peruvian Andes. On the way, we pass typical Andean villages, such as Recuay, Ticapampa and Catac, with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

We take a short break at Lake Querococha (3,980m / 13,058ft) where we can take photos and enjoy a cup of coca tea.

Having passed through Cahuish Tunnel (4,555m / 14,944 ft), we reach the site of Chavin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at 3,140m (10,302ft) above sea level, at the confluence of two rivers: the Mosna and the Huanchecsa.

We visit the site, and then the museum, which holds many artefacts - some dating from as early as 1200 B.C. - from both the Chavin culture and from other cultures that brought offerings to this important ceremonial centre.

We then continue driving to the village of Castillo (3,315m / 10,876ft), where we leave the vehicle and begin the uphill hike to Soledad de Tambo, our first campsite at 3,661m (12,011ft).

Driving Distance: 142 km (88 miles) - Driving time: 4.5 hours
Trekking distance: 3.3 km (2 miles) - Trekking time: 1.5 hours

Day 2: Soledad de Tambo - Waqankupuntu - Taulli (All meals)

Our first visit today is to the Inca site at Soledad de Tambo, with its ushnu, a ceremonial platform with a stone-lined basin. Typically found in conquered or non-Inca territories, ushnus had sociopolitical significance, providing a place for an Inca administrator to receive conquered people, make offerings and perform sacrifices.

This is a good place for us to partake in a traditional ceremony of gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

We then continue our trek on the Qhapaq Ñan across the vast, open Andean puna grasslands, stopping at places of interest such as the qolqas at Waqanku. These ancient stone storehouses were used by the Incas to store food, clothing and other essentials in anticipation of times of scarcity.

We begin a gradual ascent toward Waqankupunta, a mountain pass at 4,385m (14,386 feet) above sea level. This is a significant climb, but once at the summit we are rewarded with a well-deserved lunch and panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape.

After lunch, we descend to the village of Taulli, where we set up camp at 3,975m (13,041ft) and enjoy an evening of rest and camaraderie.

Trekking distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Trekking time: 4 - 5 hours

Day 3: Taullipampa - Queñuajirca - Ayash - Pampa Huamani (All meals)

Today’s first challenge is to reach Taullipampa mountain pass which is located at 4,150m (13,615ft).

From here we descend to Queñuajirca (4,090m / 13,420ft), a stunning lookout point that was the location of a tambo - a shelter built by the Incas along highways to accommodate travellers, soldiers, or caravans of llamas needing rest on their journeys.

We visit the artisan textile workshop of Sr. Juan, to learn about traditional weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations.

From here we walk to the town of Ayash, a rapidly developing settlement owing to the nearby presence of Antamina, one of the world’s largest copper mines. The mine’s expansion poses a threat to this section of the Qhapaq Ñan, highlighting the importance of preserving this ancient route.

We have lunch after leaving the hustle and bustle of Ayash, sitting on an ancient set of Inca steps. Our goal for the afternoon is to reach Pampa Huamani, a remote and peaceful highland plateau at an elevation of 4,330m (14,206ft). We set up camp here and spend the night, surrounded by the vast beauty of the Andean landscape.

Trekking distance: 12.1 km (7.5 mi)
Trekking time: 7-8 hours

Day 4: Pampa Huamani - Huamani Pass - Taparaco - Tambo Chico (All meals)

After breakfast, we set off to climb up to Huamanipunta, a mountain pass at 4,448m (14,593ft) that traverses the Continental Divide between the Pacific and Amazon sides of South America. Moreover, it marks the border between two provinces, Ancash and Huánuco.

We then descend to the Taparaco River valley, which is home to herds of sheep and alpaca.

After exploring Tambo Grande Archaeological Site, we have lunch and then hike down to Tambo Chico, where we will spend the night at 4,050m (12,287ft).

Trekking distance: 16.1 km (10 miles)
Trekking time: 7 - 8 hours

Day 5: Tambo Chico - Taparaku - Isco (All meals)

Today we continue trekking down the Taparaco River Valley, a beautiful landscape with plenty of Inca engineering to admire - bridges, terraces, canals and culverts that allow water to pass under sections of the road.

Stops along the way include a small village school, and Taparaco (also spelt Taparaku) Archaeological Site at 3,960m (12,992 ft) which as well as serving as a tambo, was a small town in Inca times, with military and residential areas.

After exploring the site, we continue trekking, past Callapunku (3,920m / 12,861ft) and arriving at San Lorenzo de Isco (3,721m / 12,208ft), where we camp for the night.

Trekking distance: 15.8 km (9.8 miles)
Trekking time: 6 - 7 hours

Day 6: Isco - Colpa - Huanuco Pampa - Huaraz (Breakfast & Lunch)

A short hike up the valley to Estanque (3,785m / 12,418ft) and then down toward Colpa (3,330m / 10,925ft) in the Vizcarra River valley brings our trek to an end.

We board the vehicles for a short drive toward Huanuco Pampa, an important administrative centre with Imperial-style Inca masonry throughout its carefully-planned urban sectors. Pumas, monkeys and reptiles were painstakingly carved into the stone walls and doorways.

After a tour of the site and lunch, we start the drive back to Huaraz.

Trekking distance: 12.9 km (8.0 miles) – Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 170 km (105 miles) – Driving time: 5:30 hours

Day-by-day Qhapaq Ñan 7-DAY Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Lima - Huaraz 

Upon arrival at Huaraz airport or bus station, you will be welcomed by a guide, who will take you to your hotel. 

You can immediately delight in the spectacular view of the snow-capped Cordillera Blanca mountains. 

You can make the most of the afternoon with a city tour, seeing the main attractions of the city; or you may like to stretch your legs in preparation for the trek ahead, with a hike to one of the many natural attractions in the area, such as Lake Churup (optional).

Overnight at your Huaraz hotel.
NB. We can arrange extra nights in Huaraz for longer acclimatization to the altitude and exploration of the region, if desired. 

Day 2 : Huaraz - Chavin - Castillo - Soledad de Tambo (All meals)

A driver will pick us up this morning, to make the drive across Callejon de Conchucos to the small town of Castillo.

Along the way, we pass the beautiful Querococha Lagoon and go through Kahuish Tunnel, one of the highest road tunnels in the world. 

We stop to visit Chavin de Huantar, one of Peru's best-known pre-Columbian ruins, with a small but excellent site museum. 

We have lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing our drive. 

In Castillo, we begin our trek with a three-hour ascent to Soledad de Tambo, where our camp is set up. 

We have lunch here and then visit the ushnu (ceremonial platform), with an archaeologist who will explain the importance of this place. 

Distance walked: 2.6 km / 1.6 miles.

Day 3: Soledad de Tambo - Quenhuajirca (All meals)

Today, we walk through one of the Qhapaq Ñan's best-preserved sections.

We climb Inca-made steps up to Wagapunta Pass (4,572 m / 15,000 ft), for an astonishing, panoramic view of Andean peaks ... that will leave us as breathless as the ascent!

Here we are surrounded by apachetas - small towers of stone, with religious significance to the Incas. 

We will arrive at the camp in Quenhuajirca by the afternoon, in time to visit the workshop of master weaver, Juan Araujo, and learn about his traditional work. 

Distance walked: 17 km / 10.5 miles.

Day 4: Quenuajirca - Ayash - Huamanin - Tambo Grande (All meals)

We begin our day descending to the village of Ayash, located in a picturesque valley. From here we climb again, along the Qhapaq Ñan, to the village of Huamanin.

The road goes down, along the Taparaco River basin, to Tambo Grande where we spend the night - close to stone walls steeped in history and under stars that defined Inca cosmology.

Tambos were structures built by the Inca along the length of their road system, to serve administrative and military purposes, as well as provide storage of supplies and lodging.

Tambo Grande is now home to a large number of rabbits! 

Distance walked: 17 km / 10.5 miles.

Day 5: Tambo Grande - Isco (All meals)

Today we walk through the beautiful Taparaco Valley, along a road lined with Inca walls that are almost fully intact.

The relaxing sound of the Taparaco River flowing next to us, between groups of queñua trees (Polylepis rugulosa) accompanies our journey ... a journey reserved for few adventurers. 

The campsite is located at a lovely spot, by the river, at San Lorenzo de Isco. 

Distance walked: 18 km / 11 miles.

Day 6: Isco - Colpa - Huanuco Pampa - Huaraz (Breakfast & Lunch)

Our last day of walking involves descending to the town of Colpa.

From here, we are taken by vehicle to Huanuco Pampa (also known as Huanuco Viejo or Wanuco Marka), one of the most important administrative centres of the Chinchaysuyo, the northern region of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo).

A two-hour guided tour of the impressive architecture will include the ushnu, the Inca water source and the incawasi (Inca house). 

As a final treat, lunch today is a pachamanca: a traditional, hearty Andean meal of various meats and vegetables cooked underground. 

A private vehicle will take us back to our hotel in Huaraz.

Distance walked: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles.

Day 7: Huaraz - Lima (Breakfast)

At the appropriate time, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Huaraz bus station for your journey back to Lima.

6-day Qhapaq Ñan treks - in a group service - depart on the last Sunday of every month during trekking season (April - August). The group minimum is two people; the maximum is 12.

Private treks - and/or you have a group of more than 12 - can start on any day.