A short flight northwards from Lima is the city of Jaen. Flying directly to the Amazonas region capital, Chachapoyas is also an option. Starting in Jaen allowed our team to see a bit more of the regional landscape during an adventurous 5 hour drive. José of Turismo Explorer is an Amazonas local and knowledgeable guide. He was our driver and living History Channel. José was feeding us endless information about the terrain and sites as we stopped at lookouts and vistas en route to Chachapoyas. 

Amazonas is one of Peru’s less visited regions simply because Peru is home to so many great spots. But that doesn’t mean Amazonas isn’t as exciting as the more famous Cusco area or the absurd mountains of Ancash. I was fortunate to have just explored both those regions.

Top places to visit in Peru

My goal for this trip was to explore the cloud forest of Peru’s north. Then trek to see the ancient cities of the region, and see the world's third tallest waterfall, Gocta falls. This would be made possible with the planning and support of our guide José and the Turismo Explorer team. Since the pandemic began, he has been regularly visiting archeological sites popular with tourists to find them overgrown with the decline of foot traffic. Something we would soon see up close. 

After a relaxing day at José’s hostel, Chachapoyas Backpackers Hostal Boutique, we set off for the Belén Valley. Led along a rigorous trail that meandered up and over ridges and through valleys, I learned the histories of the many Inca and pre-Inca cities that were now being swallowed up by the jungle. Muddy, wet conditions did make the trail slippery and strenuous, with the myth of the Amazonas region as being flat was quickly dispelled within the first mile of the trail. 

Amazing backpacking route in Peru

After a challenging first day, the team descended down into a small village en route. This is where gracious hosts offered a room in their home with a cozy bed and shower. There was also an amazing show of true community spirit at a fundraising soccer game for a little girl in the village who was suffering from a cancerous tumor—a humbling experience putting the days challenges into perspective. 

The next day, José led us out of the charming village to on a true mission. Climb 5,000 feet up, ascending out of the valley and back up into the cloud forest. Along the trail were more lost cities that without a worthy guide, you’d likely miss altogether.   

“Come over here.” José said as he peeled back a blanket of vines. “Look at this. It’s pre-Inca.”   

And sure enough, there was an ancient wall whose stonework was still impeccable. Even after all the centuries of earthquakes, pouring rain, and creeping vines and tree roots trying their best to consume the walls. 

“There were dozens, even hundreds of rooms here.” José said. “You can still see the levels of the city. The upper levels of course we’re for the most important people.”   

The Amazonas region is a haven for those who enjoy archaeology and history. Here, you’ll find many ancient cities, impressive tombs, and cities of the dead spread all throughout the region which hold sacred burial sites. They are a spooky yet beautiful reminder of the length’s humans go to honor the dead.   

Third Tallest Waterfall in the World

Continuing the trip through the canyons of the cloud forest, we encountered a variety of beautiful waterfalls. This included the towering Gocta Falls. It wasn’t until 2004 that a foreign traveler noticed the exceptionally large waterfall and came to find out that it is the third tallest waterfall in the world! 

The Epic Trails crew and I left Amazonas with an appreciation and wonder for the region. This diverse, and interesting destination is far more beautiful than you may expect. Peru does not disappoint. It only invites you deeper into our beautiful world and the next region around the corner. 

The post Backpacking the Amazonas Region in Peru appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Backpacking the tallest peak in Peru

Huascaran, Peru’s tallest peak at over 22,000 feet and, along with this region’s gorgeous landscapes, is why mountaineers and trekkers all around the world flock to this destination. The culture and feel of the town of Huaraz, where our adventure begins, is a flock-worthy destination too. I was happy to be back. 

I was welcomed by Virgilio, the lead guide of our confidence inspiring team from Explorandes in Huaraz. Explorandes is an award-winning company recognized for its commitment to responsible tourism.

Route planning

Over cerveza with Virgilio, we poured over our backpacking plans at a well-known climbing hangout, The Andino Café. There we traced our fingers along the map of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the segment of trail we would tackle. A 4-day route (truncated from the classic 12-day version) in a remote pocket of rugged mountains that pierce the sky with the snow-covered needles of Siula Grande, Jirishanka, and Rondoy. 

High altitude hiking in Peru

The high altitude in the Huayhuash must be taken seriously. To aid in our acclimatization, we visited Huascarán National Park and Llanganuco Valley for a hike among the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Visiting lakes Chinancocha, Orconcocha and the stunning, Llanganuco was inspirational. I described it as an “azure lake that practically glows in a glacier carved valley of granite.” This acclimatization hike was a worthy adventure of its own.  

Support crew for the international trekking

After a breathtaking drive towards the Cordillera Huayhuash trailhead, Virgilio introduced us to two more local characters from our support team. Our chef Gregorio (a.k.a. Chileno) and Rosalino, our muleteer. With the team assembled and camp set, it was our first moment to sit back and admire the peaks. The peaks that make up the core of the Cordillera Hauyhuash.

“The verticality of them seems impossible.” – Eric Hanson

Sambunya mountain pass

We embarked on an early morning departure for Sambunya mountain pass. Our supports, Chilano and Rosolino, both surpassed us. This gave them a head start on preparing an amazing meal for our arrival. We continued down towards the glacier lake, Solteracocha. We could hear and witness heart-thumping avalanches nearby. 

Camp meals in the Ancash Region

Waking at camp near Jahuacocha Lake we learned that Chilano and Rosalino would be making “Pachamanca” that day. Pachamanca is a meal cooked underground using hot rocks. The Pachamanca tradition honors and celebrates our relationship with the earth. Celebrating our relationship as a team too, we enjoyed the pachamanca and honored the trail with a hike up to a favorite outlook of one of our guides.

Cold mornings in the Ancash Region

The morning's frost covered tents didn’t stop our goal to hike over another mountain pass (Mancanpunta) to a nearby Pocpa village. Rosalino passed us with the donkeys just as we took in the views at the final pass of our adventure. We were about to leave the trails for the city of Chiquan.

If you are interested in more about my time in Peru, check out these videos.

The post Backpacking the Ancash Region of Peru appeared first on Hazeadventure.