<opt>
  <data>
    <trip id="106" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" creator_name="Footprint" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="If you’re planning on spending more time in the Central Highlands, one variation would be to travel overland from Cerro de Pasco via Oyón and Churín to Huacho on the coast north of Lima. You would then be close to the recently discovered and intriguing city of Caral
Another good option is to combine the Central Highlands with the Cordillera Blanca, taking a series of buses between Huaraz and Huánuco via La Unión and Huallanca. Finally, the Cordillera Huayhuash offers some rewarding long-distance, high-altitude trekking. It is most easily reached from Huaraz, via Chiquián, but should not be attempted unless you have a week or so to spare. 
" marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-12-03 12:20:05.929514" modifier_id="825984" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=-10.833306,-75.849609,reda%7C-10.833306,-75.849609,redb%7C-8.320212,-78.574219,redc%7C-11.112380,-77.594376,redd%7C-11.106796,-77.606664,rede%7C-10.887254,-77.523651,redf%7C-9.622414,-75.322266,redg%7C-9.535570,-77.530510,redh%7C-10.833306,-75.849609,redi%7C-10.833306,-75.849609,redj%7C-9.189967,-75.015152,redk%7C-9.535570,-77.530510,redl%7C-10.151682,-77.156324,redm&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|-10.833306,-75.849609|-10.833306,-75.849609|-8.320212,-78.574219|-11.112380,-77.594376|-11.106796,-77.606664|-10.887254,-77.523651|-9.622414,-75.322266|-9.535570,-77.530510|-10.833306,-75.849609|-10.833306,-75.849609|-9.189967,-75.015152|-9.535570,-77.530510|-10.151682,-77.156324" status="0" sum_locations="13" sum_votes="3" title="The Central Highlands  " triplocation_id="616" />
    <tripitems id="752" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="575046" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="1" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
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    <tripitems id="754" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="647615" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="3" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="755" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="605395" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="4" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="756" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="647611" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="5" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="757" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="605330" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="6" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="758" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="575043" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="7" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="759" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="647112" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="8" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="760" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="646429" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="9" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="761" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="646430" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="10" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="762" created="2009-09-08 09:21:26" creator_id="825984" location_id="647243" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:26" modifier_id="825984" position="11" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="763" created="2009-09-08 09:21:27" creator_id="825984" location_id="647112" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:27" modifier_id="825984" position="12" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="764" created="2009-09-08 09:21:27" creator_id="825984" location_id="647244" modified="2009-09-08 09:21:27" modifier_id="825984" position="13" trip_id="106" tripitemtype="0" />
    <triplocation name="Peru" avg_rating="3" content_source="2" created="2007-07-11 21:53:17" creator="154" hidden="0" id="616" inherited="0" latitude="-9.181352" longitude="-75.002365" ltp_level="0" merged_to="" modified="2007-07-11 21:53:17" modifier="1" style="1" type="4" votes="10" zoom="4" />
    <triplocations name="Cordilleras Blanca &amp; Huayhuash" description="Here stand the highest mountains in South America, with some 30 snow-crested peaks of over 6000 m, including Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru at 6768 m. From the region’s main centre, Huaraz, several of these giants can be seen. This area contains the largest concentration of glaciers found in the world’s tropical zone: a source of both beauty and danger. 

The turquoise-coloured lakes (cochas) that form in the terminal moraines are the jewels of the Andes and you should hike up to at least one during your stay. Laguna Churup is a day’s walk from Huaraz, Lago Parón is close to Caraz, while the beautiful twin lakes of Llanganuco are within easy reach of Yungay and are on the route of the long-distance Santa Cruz trek. The tranquility of these glacial lakes masks a frightening history. They have caused much death and destruction when dykes have broken, sending tons of water hurtling down the canyons, wiping out everything in their path. The levels of some have been artificially lowered for flood control and to feed the huge Cañón del Pato dam. Earthquakes, too, have scarred the high valleys and the mass grave that was once the old town of Yungay is a very humbling place.

Southeast ofHuaraz, the Cordillera Huayhuash is an area that more than equals the Cordillera Blanca in beauty and majesty. It is rapidly gaining a reputation among long-distance trekkers and climbers. Even the archaeologist is catered for here in the shape of the ruins of Chavín de Huantar. This fortress-temple belonged to one of the earliest and most influential cultures in pre-Inca Peru and it has some fine carvings and stonework." favorite="" full_name="Cordilleras Blanca &amp; Huayhuash, Peru" googled_path="Peru/Cordilleras-Blanca-Huayhuash" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/575043/Peru/Cordilleras-Blanca-Huayhuash" id="575043" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Cordilleras Blanca &amp; Huayhuash, Peru" language="ENG" latitude="-9.62241414292481" longitude="-75.322265625" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="The Cordillera Blanca is a region of jewelled lakes and sparkling white mountain peaks that attracts mountaineers, hikers, cyclists and rafters in their thousands." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;The Cordillera Blanca is a region of jewelled lakes and sparkling white mountain peaks that attracts mountaineers, hikers, cyclists and rafters in their thousands.&lt;/b&gt; Here stand the highest mountains in S..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;The Cordillera Blanca is a region of jewelled lakes and sparkling white mountain peaks that attracts mountaineers, hiker...&lt;/b&gt;" type="6" type_id="6" type_name="region" votes="1" zoom="5">
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    <triplocations name="Central Highlands Peru" description="The main highlights include the cities of Huancayo, Ayacucho and the surrounding villages, which are the main production centres for handicrafts. The Central Railway from Lima to Huancayo has restarted passenger services, so one of the most outstanding train rides in South America can be experienced once more. But the service is intermittent and Huancayo is still a little off the tourist compass. Meanwhile, Ayacucho hosts one of the largest and most impressive Holy Week celebrations in Latin America and at that time becomes a real focus of attention. 

If you are seeking refuge from the Andean chill, the road through Tarma to the Selva Central is one of the most beautiful in Peru, leading to a relatively unexplored region of the country. More than just fabulous landscapes, this area also hides important pre-Inca sites, such as Kótosh (near Huánuco) and Huari (outside Ayacucho), two early examples of Andean urban civilizations. Stretches of the Royal Inca Road run from the temple fortress of Huánuco Viejo and up the Yanahuanca Valley, serving as reminders of this great imperial causeway. The Spaniards, too, have left their mark, with fine churches and mansions in Ayacucho." favorite="" full_name="Central Highlands Peru, Peru" googled_path="Peru/Central-Highlands-Peru" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/575046/Peru/Central-Highlands-Peru" id="575046" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Central Highlands Peru, Peru" language="ENG" latitude="-10.8333059836425" longitude="-75.849609375" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="Stretching from the southern end of the Cordillera Blanca right up to Cuzco department, this area of stunning mountain scenery and timeless Andean towns and villages is a must for those who appreciate traditional, good-quality textiles and ceramics." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;Stretching from the southern end of the Cordillera Blanca right up to Cuzco department, this area of stunning mountain scenery and timeless Andean towns and villages is a must for those who appreciate...&lt;/b&gt;" teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;Stretching from the southern end of the Cordillera Blanca right up to Cuzco department, this area of stunning mountain s...&lt;/b&gt;" type="6" type_id="6" type_name="region" votes="2" zoom="5">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Caral" description="Visitors must report to the tourist post in the car park. US$4, US$1.30 with student card, plus US$6 per group for a guide (Spanish only) if required. For details contact Proyecto Especial Caral, Av Las Lomas de la Molina 327, Urb Las Lomas, Lima 12, T01-495 1515 ext 26, www.caralperu.gob.pe. 
Camping is permitted (small fee) at the house of archaeologists working on the site; bring all food.  
A few kilometres before Barranca, a turning to the right (east) leads to Caral, a city 20km from the coast whose date (3200-3000 BC) and monumental construction are overturning many of the accepted theories of Peruvian archaeology. It appears to be easily the oldest city-state in South America. Tours operate from Lima. 
The dry, desert site lies on the southern fringes of the Supe Valley, along whose flanks there are many more unexcavated ruins. On the coast the fishing port of Bandurria is believed to be the place from where the people of Caral traded. Caral itself covers 66 ha and contains eight significant pyramidal structures. To date seven have been excavated by archaeologists from the University of San Marcos, Lima. One remains unexcavated, a rounded mound of stone and sand showing no discernible sign of its likely inner contents. The seven pyramids investigated reveal a stone and mortar construction with a yellow and white wash being the most common finish, small areas of which remain visible. Archaeologists are undertaking careful renovation upon the existing foundations to re-establish the pyramidal tiers. It is possible to walk around and, in some cases, up on to the pyramids. 
A viewpoint provides a panorama across the whole site. Pirámide de Anfiteatro (11 m high), on the north side of the small pyramid, is a large amphitheatre from which a series of ceremonial rooms rise. Pirámide de la Huanca (12 m high)is constructed in three tiers with a 23-step staircase leading up to the ceremonial platform. It takes its name from the large stone obelisk (huanca) in the centre of the plaza, which it overlooks. The residence of the elite, a complex of well-built adobe rooms, abuts the pyramid. Pirámide de la Galería (the gallery pyramid, 17 m high) has a nearly 7-m-wide stairway leading up to a room sunk into the ceremonial platform lined with huarango wood and containing eight huge whalebone vertebrate seats. Pirámide Menor (7.5 m high) is the smallest of the pyramids. Pirámide Mayor (the great pyramid, 153.5 by 110 by 28 m) is the largest pyramid with a sunken circular plaza on its south side. Two lanzones (obelisk-sized stones) frame the two entrances to the plaza and a further lanzón sits atop the pyramid which is reached by an impressive 9-m-wide stairway from the plaza. Pirámide de la Cantera (the quarry pyramid, 13.5 m high) is the only pyramid partly straddling a rock outcrop, much of which was used in its construction. A 4.2-m-wide stairway with 32 steps ascends to the summit, on which is a round, walk-in altar with an outer wall 8 m in diameter and an inner wall 3.7 m in diameter, inside which there was a central fireplace. In addition, there is a long building containing 18 internal niches along each facing wall. El Templo de Altar Circular (4 m high) consists of at least 13 rooms in at least two groupings. Inside one square room there is a 2.7-m-diameter walk-in altar with a central fireplace. Some later adobe ruins of the Chancay era fringe the site. Detailed, illustrated Spanish/English information panels are located around the site, which is well organized, criss-crossed by paths that must be adhered to. Allow at least two hours to visit the site." favorite="" full_name="Caral, Peru" googled_path="Peru/Caral" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/605330/Peru/Caral" id="605330" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Caral, Peru" language="ENG" latitude="-10.8872537726346" longitude="-77.5236511230469" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Visitors must report to the tourist post in the car park. US$4, US$1.30 with student card, plus US$6 per group for a guide (Spanish only) if required. For details contact Proyecto Especial Caral, Av L..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Visitors must report to the tourist post in the car park. US$4, US$1.30 with student card, plus US$6 per group for a gui..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="9" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Huacho to Churín" description="The journey inland from Huacho, up the Huaura Valley, is spectacular. Sayán, 30 km inland, is an attractive agricultural town at the base of the Andean foothills. It would be a nicer place to stay en route to Churín than the coastal towns, if there were more choice in the way of hotels. Combis go every half hour to Huacho from Avenida Balta. Buses from Lima for Churín stop at the bridge." favorite="" full_name="Huacho to Churín, Peru" googled_path="Peru/Huacho-to-Churin" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/605395/Peru/Huacho-to-Churin" id="605395" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Huacho to Churín, Peru" language="ENG" latitude="-11.1123797420434" longitude="-77.5943756103516" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The journey inland from Huacho, up the Huaura Valley, is spectacular. Sayán, 30 km inland, is an attractive agricultural town at the base of the Andean foothills. It would be a nicer place to stay en ..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The journey inland from Huacho, up the Huaura Valley, is spectacular. Sayán, 30 km inland, is an attractive agricultural..." type="39" type_id="39" type_name="tour / activity" votes="1" zoom="12">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Cerro de Pasco and around" description="This long-established mining centre, 130 km from La Oroya by road, lies 8 km off the Carretera Central between Lago Patarcocha and the huge abyss of the mine above which its buildings and streets cling precariously. Not surprisingly for a place that claims to be the highest city in the world, nights are bitterly cold. Cerro de Pasco is famous as the site of a battle in the War of Independence. On 6 December 1820, local hero, Antonio Alvarez de Arenales, defeated Diego de O’Reilly’s royalist troops at Cerro Uliachin (1 km from town). Although Cerro de Pasco is not an attractive place, the old corrugated iron buildings have a certain charm and it is very friendly" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Cerro-de-Pasco-and-around" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/646410/Peru/Cerro-de-Pasco-and-around" id="646410" inherited="1" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-10.8333059836425" longitude="-75.849609375" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This long-established mining centre, 130 km from La Oroya by road, lies 8 km off the Carretera Central between Lago Patarcocha and the huge abyss of the mine above which its buildings and streets clin..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This long-established mining centre, 130 km from La Oroya by road, lies 8 km off the Carretera Central between Lago Pata..." type="5" type_id="5" type_name="subregion" votes="1" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Huánuco and the route to Huaraz" description="Huánuco is an attractive Andean town on the Upper Huallaga at 1894 m. The city was founded in 1539, by Gómez de Alvarado, and is one of the oldest in Peru. It was originally known as ‘Los Caballeros de León de Huánuco’. Its most famous son is Leoncio Prado, who refused to surrender to the Chileans at the Battle of Huamachuco in 1882 and is commemorated all over the city. There is a large main plaza fringed by enormous ficus trees, which are much more attractive than the modern cathedral. The natural history museum, Museo de Ciencias (Gen Prado 495, Mon-Fri 0900-1200, 1500-1800, Sat-Sun 1000-1200, US$0.50) claims to have 10,000 exhibits of fauna from Peru’s three regions, plus a good collection of shells and minerals. Many of the displays have multiple language signs. The town also holds an interesting market.

From Huánuco, a spectacular but very poor dirt road, impassable at times in the wet season, leads all the way to La Unión, capital of Dos de Mayo district (137 km). From Huánuco it climbs out of the Higueras Valley to La Corona del Inca (the ‘Crown of the Inca’), also known as Lacsahuarina, meaning ‘Two Princesses’ in Quechua. This distinctive rock formation is at the pass before the descent into the upper canyon of the Río Marañón. The route then follows the Marañón to its confluence with the Río Vizcarra" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Huanuco-and-the-route-to-Huaraz" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/646429/Peru/Huanuco-and-the-route-to-Huaraz" id="646429" inherited="1" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-10.8333059836425" longitude="-75.849609375" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Huánuco is an attractive Andean town on the Upper Huallaga at 1894 m. The city was founded in 1539, by Gómez de Alvarado, and is one of the oldest in Peru. It was originally known as ‘Los Caballeros d..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Huánuco is an attractive Andean town on the Upper Huallaga at 1894 m. The city was founded in 1539, by Gómez de Alvarado..." type="5" type_id="5" type_name="subregion" votes="1" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="La Unión" description="La Unión is a regional supply town, with a large prison on the outskirts. The Plaza de Armas has a church with an interesting bell-tower but is not the centre of activity. Most shops are along two parallel streets: Jirón Dos de Mayo and Jirón Comercio. Although many people are friendly and helpful, tourists may nonetheless find themselves the object of much unwanted attention. The town straddles the Río Vizcarra. Electricity can be a problem and it gets very cold at night but there are good hot baths at Tauripampa, 5 km up the Vizcarra valley, US$0.50 per person. The Royal Inca Road runs north, just upriver from the baths on the north side of the valley, to Huari and south to Huánuco Pampa (Huánuco Viejo) and beyond. There is an INC office , which may have information about the road and associated archaeological sites.

You can hike to the Cordillera Raura from Laguna Lauricocha. To reach the lake from La Unión take a camioneta to Baños, then take another camioneta from there to Antacolpa. It’s half a day’s walk to the lake from here. In 1959, caves were discovered by the lake, containing 9500-year-old human remains and some paintings. This is where the Río Marañón rises, eventually becoming the Ucayali and then Amazon rivers, before spilling into the Atlantic Ocean, 5800 km away to the east" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Central-Highlands-Peru/La-Union" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/646430/Peru/Central-Highlands-Peru/La-Union" id="646430" inherited="1" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-10.8333059836425" longitude="-75.849609375" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Central Highlands Peru, Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; La Unión is a regional supply town, with a large prison on the outskirts. The Plaza de Armas has a church with an interesting bell-tower but is not the centre of activity. Most shops are along two par..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; La Unión is a regional supply town, with a large prison on the outskirts. The Plaza de Armas has a church with an intere..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="1" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Huaraz and around" description="The main town in the valley, with a population of 80,000, Huaraz is expanding rapidly as a major tourist centre but it is also a busy commercial hub, especially on market days (Monday and Thursday). The region is both a prime destination for hikers and international climbers, as well as a vacation haven for Peruvian urbanites seeking clean mountain air and a glimpse of the glaciers. School groups flock to the city from mid-September to mid-December (the ‘época de promociones colegiales’). The city was half destroyed in the earthquake of May 1970 so don’t expect red-tiled roofs or overhanging eaves. What the reconstructed city lacks in colonial charm, it makes up for with its spectacular setting at 3091 m between the mountains of the cordilleras Blanca and Negra. The peaks of Huamashraju, Churup, Rima Rima and Vallunaraju loom so close as to seem almost a part of the architecture while, in the distance, the giants Huascarán and Huandoy can also be seen" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Huaraz-and-around" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/647112/Peru/Huaraz-and-around" id="647112" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-9.53557" longitude="-77.53051" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The main town in the valley, with a population of 80,000, Huaraz is expanding rapidly as a major tourist centre but it is also a busy commercial hub, especially on market days (Monday and Thursday). T..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The main town in the valley, with a population of 80,000, Huaraz is expanding rapidly as a major tourist centre but it i..." type="5" type_id="5" type_name="subregion" votes="3" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Cordilleras Huayhuash and Raura" description="Lying south of the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash has been dubbed the ‘Himalayas of America’ and is perhaps the most spectacular in Peru for its massive ice faces that seem to rise sheer out of the contrasting green of the puna. Azure trout-filled lakes are interwoven with deep quebradas and high pastures around the hem of the range. You may see tropical parakeets in the bottom of the gorges and condors circling the peaks.

Although the area may well have been inhabited for thousands of years, the Huayhuash only became known to the outside world following a plane crash on the southeast face of Jirishanca in 1954. Since then, the number of visitors has grown steadily, with a hiatus during the era of insurgency in the 1980s. The mountain range’s renown increased following Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ near-tragic climbing expedition in 1985, as recounted in Simpson’s book and the subsequent hit film, Touching the Void. Although less touristy than some popular routes in the Cordillera Blanca, it nonetheless receives significant numbers of trekkers and climbers every year.

The area is rugged and traditional, with local villagers generally surviving as herdsmen, tending flocks of cattle, sheep and alpacas. Having said that, tourism, large-scale mining interests and the relentless advance of paved roads has significantly affected the area, its people and environment, not always for the better. For listings" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Cordilleras-Huayhuash-and-Raura" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/647243/Peru/Cordilleras-Huayhuash-and-Raura" id="647243" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-10.39171973" longitude="-76.87351228" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Lying south of the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash has been dubbed the ‘Himalayas of America’ and is perhaps the most spectacular in Peru for its massive ice faces that seem to rise sheer ..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Lying south of the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash has been dubbed the ‘Himalayas of America’ and is perhaps..." type="5" type_id="5" type_name="subregion" votes="1" zoom="5">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Chiquián" description="Chiquián is a little town of narrow streets and overhanging eaves. An interesting feature is a public television mounted in a box on a pedestal that sits proudly in the Plaza de Armas, around which folks gather every evening. There is a Semana Turística during the first week of July and the local fiesta is celebrated on 30 August in honour of Santa Rosa" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Cordilleras-Blanca-Huayhuash/Chiquian" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/647244/Peru/Cordilleras-Blanca-Huayhuash/Chiquian" id="647244" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-10.15168163" longitude="-77.15632439" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Cordilleras Blanca &amp; Huayhuash, Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Chiquián is a little town of narrow streets and overhanging eaves. An interesting feature is a public television mounted in a box on a pedestal that sits proudly in the Plaza de Armas, around which fo..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Chiquián is a little town of narrow streets and overhanging eaves. An interesting feature is a public television mounted..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="1" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Huacho" description="At Km 101 is Huacho, where you can turn off the Pan-American and head west to Puerto Huacho, which is the outlet for cotton and sugar grown in the rich Huaura Valley. There are cotton-seed oil and other factories. The port and sea are sometimes alive with huge jellyfish. There are several basic hotels at Huacho (none at the port). A turn-off at Km 135 leads to El Paraíso, where endless, empty beaches and calm, clear waters attract campers in summer. There is good fishing and windsurfing. Birdwatchers should go to the nearby lagoon, formed by run-off from an irrigation project, where over 100 species have been recorded" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Huacho" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/647611/Peru/Huacho" id="647611" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-11.10679581" longitude="-77.60666371" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; At Km 101 is Huacho, where you can turn off the Pan-American and head west to Puerto Huacho, which is the outlet for cotton and sugar grown in the rich Huaura Valley. There are cotton-seed oil and oth..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; At Km 101 is Huacho, where you can turn off the Pan-American and head west to Puerto Huacho, which is the outlet for cot..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="1" zoom="12">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Churín" description="Beyond Sayán the road follows the Huaura Valley which narrows almost to a gorge before climbing steeply to Churín, one of Peru’s best-known spas, with hot, sulphurous springs used to cure a number of ailments. The climate is dry, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 32°C. The area is famous for cheese, yoghurt and other natural products. Churín is popular with Limeños. Accommodation and buses are fully booked at holiday times.

A highly recommended excursion can be made up a side valley, 5 km below Churín, to Huancahuasi. The new Huancahuasi baths include a pool that ex-President Fujimori swam in (hot, US$1 per person), while on the opposite side of the river the new Picoy baths include excellent private pools carved out of the rock (hot, US$0.50 per person). Snacks such as pachamanca are available at riverside stalls. The trip includes a stop-off at Picoy, which has a remarkable colonial church with a highly carved façade, and at Chiuchin. Chiuchin baths (US$0.50 per person for pool; US$0.75 per person for) private baths, are now rather neglected and run down. Combis leave from beside the church in Churín for the two-hour trip 0800-0900, returning 1500-1700. A round trip costs US$3.50" favorite="" full_name="" googled_path="Peru/Churin" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/647615/Peru/Churin" id="647615" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="" language="ENG" latitude="-10.78434" longitude="-76.875938" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Peru" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Beyond Sayán the road follows the Huaura Valley which narrows almost to a gorge before climbing steeply to Churín, one of Peru’s best-known spas, with hot, sulphurous springs used to cure a number of ..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Beyond Sayán the road follows the Huaura Valley which narrows almost to a gorge before climbing steeply to Churín, one o..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="1" zoom="12">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
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