Trekking from town to mountain
The trek from Huaraz to LLaca, in the Cordillera Blanca, has the particularity of starting on foot from your hotel in Huaraz.
Indeed, the idea of this "0 emissions" trek is to leave your hotel on foot to cross the countryside above Huaraz, then climb towards the National Park and the Llaca valley, still little known but nonetheless sublime.
Overnight stays are at the Domos Cordillera Blanca site and at the Llaca refuge. An all-year-round trek, ideal for those who don't want to sleep in tents. It's also ideal for carbon-conscious people.
What's more, in the 4-day version, you'll have the pleasure of enjoying a local raclette on a convivial final evening at the dome sites.
During this trek, you'll move from an urban to a high-mountain environment, skirting the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, while taking the time to pass through typical local villages. You'll be able to admire peasants growing potatoes, corn or quinoa.
This trek is also available without a guide, by yourself. In that case, you'll have all the important informations to know in a short document.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Huaraz - Domos Cordillera Blanca
Day 2 : Domos Cordillera Blanca - Llaca Refugee
Day 3 : Llaca Refugee - back to domos (or to Huaraz for the 3 days version)
Day 4 : Domos - back to Huaraz
Detailled program
Day 1 : Huaraz - Domos Cordillera Blanca
Departure from the Soledad district of Huaraz. You'll take Calle José Olaya, the only street in Huaraz to retain its pre-earthquake 1970 architetcure.
Then you'll gradually leave the city for the countryside and cultivated areas. You'll reach the site of the domes, which lies at the edge of the cultivated area, shortly before passing into a mountainous environment.
Free afternoon at the Domes (3600 m altitude)
Distance: approx. 10km
Walking time: 3-4 h
Difference in altitude: D+ 550m, D- 50m
English speaking guide
Box lunch
Dinner at the Domos
Day 2 : Domos Cordillera Blanca - Llaca Refugee
Depart from the domes to climb up towards the Llaca valley.
You'll follow a ridge offering magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Then you enter the valley, following a river winding through a buccolic valley with impressive views of the Ocshapalca and Ranrapalca peaks.
You'll arrive at Llaca lake and enjoy the magnificent panorama for the first time. Then on to the refuge below.
Evening meal and overnight stay at the Llaca refuge (4400 m altitude).
Distance: approx. 9km
Walking time: 4-5 h
Difference in altitude: D+ 870m, D- 50m
English speaking guide
Box lunch
Dinner included in Llaca Refugee
Day 3 : Llaca Refugee - back to domos (or to Huaraz for the 3 days version)
Depart from the refuge and explore the surroundings of Llaca Lake. Your guide will take you to observe vizcachas in a valley not far from the lake.
Then descend to the domes,
Afternoon at leisure.
Raclette for dinner.
Distance: approx. 10km
Walking time: 4-5 h
Elevation gain: D+ 150m, D- 900m
(3-day version: return on foot directly to Huaraz)
English speaking guide
Box lunch
Dinner at the Domos
Day 4 : Domos - back to Huaraz
After a hearty breakfast, walk back down to Huaraz, arriving late morning.
Distance: approx. 9km
Walking time: 2 h
Elevation gain: D+ 0m, D- 500m
English speaking guide
Included / Not included
Economy group service (open groups of up to 8 people)
Includes: hiking guide (English or French), food as described in the detailed program. Self-service purified water and herbal teas at the domes.
Not included: Carrying your own bag with your belongings and a change of clothes. National park fee (60 soles), tips, cancellation, accident, rescue, illness and repatriation insurance.
Note: a sleeping bag is not necessary for this trek.