Chacas & Punta Olímpica Tour
On this tour, we’ll pass through Punta Olímpica—the highest tunnel in the world—located in the Cordillera Blanca. Then we’ll visit the town of Chacas, known for its iconic Mama Ashu Church, its central Plaza de Armas, and its renowned artisan workshops specializing in woodworking and stone carving.This excursion is often used for acclimatization, as the vehicle drops you off at the same elevation as the lagoon, requiring minimal walking. The route through the Callejón de Huaylas is a classic and one of the most important circuits in Huaraz and Huascarán National Park.
During the tour, we’ll visit the town of Carhuaz, the Yungay memorial site (Campo Santo), and the artisan village of Taricá.
Full day
---
--
Moderate
---
After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:00 AM, we head north toward the city of Carhuaz, then take the detour along the road to Chacas.
The ascent into the Cordillera Blanca follows the Ulta ravine. Our second stop is at the Punta Olímpica Pass viewpoint, just before the tunnel, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the Cordillera Blanca.
We then cross the spectacular Punta Olímpica Tunnel—the highest tunnel in the world at 4,736 meters (15,535 ft)—which connects the Callejón de Huaylas Valley with the Conchucos region. On the descent to Chacas, we’ll pass two stunning turquoise-colored lagoons.
Upon arrival in Chacas, we’ll visit the city viewpoint and stroll through its charming cobblestone streets. We’ll also explore its renowned artisan workshops specializing in wood and stone carving, the colonial-style Mama Ashu Church (the town’s patron saint), and its traditional Andean Plaza de Armas.
Lunch will be served in Chacas. Afterward, we return to Huaraz via the same route.
Included
- Tourist transportation (hotel pickup)
- Official tour guide
- First aid kit
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Huascarán National Park (S/.12 for Peruvians, S/.30 for foreigners)
- Meals, beverages, personal expenses, and tips
Recommendations
- This tour is ideal for travelers seeking nature and cultural experiences in the Cordillera Blanca.
- We recommend taking an overnight bus from Lima, Trujillo, or Chimbote to arrive in Huaraz the following morning.
- Clothing should be appropriate for the season and planned activities. During the sunny Andean summer (mid-April to October), daytime temperatures can reach up to 68°F (20°C), but drop sharply at night to around 41°F (5°C). It’s recommended to bring lightweight or long-sleeved clothing for the day and warm layers for the evening.
- During the rainy season (November to April), waterproof clothing and shoes that can withstand water and cold are highly recommended.
- If you plan to engage in other outdoor activities around Huaraz—such as camping, hiking, ice climbing, or biking—be sure to wear appropriate clothing and gear.
- The program shown here is a one-day tour, but if you’d like to extend your stay, please ask about our Huaraz packages that include hotel and tours ranging from 2 to 5 days.
Important
- Enter Huascarán National Park only with the required authorization (entrance ticket).
- Respect and follow the instructions of park rangers and authorized guides.
- Stay safe—walk only on marked and authorized trails.
- Do not collect wild plants or animals.
- Camp only in designated shelters and authorized camping areas.
- Avoid littering. Dispose of waste only in designated areas or take it with you outside the park.
- Do not leave marked trail boundaries; respect and do not damage signage.
- Respect local customs—ask for permission before taking photos of local residents.
- Do not bring domestic or exotic animals, as they may harm the native wildlife of Huascarán National Park.
- Get informed before traveling to Huascarán National Park—know what you can do and where you can go.
- Let us take care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the experience.
- For your safety and that of your group, we strongly recommend visiting National Parks and Protected Areas with a professional guide.
Card Payments
We accept all VISA and MASTERCARD credit or debit cards via a secure link. A 5% surcharge applies for this payment method (SSL secure system).
Bank Transfer
Payment can also be made via bank transfer to our company account:
BCP. Banco de Crédito del Perú
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 375-18360690-0-08 | CCI: 00237511836069000845
Ahorro DOLARES: 375-28861110-1-93 | CCI: 00237512886111019342
BBVA Banco Continental
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 0011-0814-13-0239338238 | CCI: 011 814 000239338238 13