Portachuelo (Andes View Point) / Full Day

Leaving Huaraz (3,100 m) we travel towards the north of the Callejon de Huaylas along the Santa river, which separates the Cordillera Blanca from the Cordillera Negra. We continue to the buried town of Yungay (it was totally covered by an avalanche from Huascarán) ¾h (2,500m); from where we begin to ascend toward the Cordillera Blanca by a zig zag road leading to the Llanganuco valley, visiting the Orkoncocha and Chinancocha lakes (3,850m) 1½h.

We continue to climb towards the highest point of our journey “Portachuelo de LLanganuco” (4,765m) 1h, with truly splendid views of the Cordillera Blanca mountains: Huascarán Norte (6,650m), Huascarán Sur (6,768m), Huandoy (6,395m), Chopicalqui (6,345m), Pisco (5,752m), and Yanapaccha (5,460 m). From the Portachuelo the walk begins, descending toward the Demanda valley.

We arrive at a look out point from where the view of the mountains is even more impressive, an excellent 360° panoramic vista, and toward the east the wide Llanganuco valley with its two lakes: Orkoncocha and Chinanacocha. We continue descending toward a beautiful and hidden turquoise lake where the snow peaks of the Huandoy peaks are reflected. Continuing, we appreciate a splendid waterfall, arriving at our camp to eat lunch and then continuing down the Demanda valley, with excellent Huascarán views. From Cebollapampa we take a vehicle back to Huaraz.

This route is 4 hours of simple walking downhill (650 m height difference) and promises to be an unforgettable adventure in the Cordillera Blanca.