Callejon de Conchucos

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Callejon de
Conchucos

A visit to the Callejon de Conchucos is highly recommended if you want to discover more about traditional life around Huaraz and appreciate traditional architecture.
On this page you will find a 4 day tour which will you give a good impression of the beauty of this relatively unknown valley east of the Callejon de Huaylas which was almost unharmed by the earthquake so destructive around Huaraz.

day 1

Buscompany 'Transvir' (recom.) leaves at 6:30 am from Huaraz directly to Pomabamba (8 hours). The road takes you up north to Yungay where it curves east straight through the Cordillera Blanca.
The above pictures give you an idea of the spectacular view from the bus.

Pomabamba

You will have sufficient time to explore the authentical and peaceful streets of Pomabamba. The view from the cross just a few minutes walk up the northern hills is impressive.
Take a look at the castle like adobe structure built by a Japanese lady that used to live in Pomabamba.
Pomabamba speaks a unique quechua into which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is translated.

The Plaza de Armas is a beauty of simplicity with an old tree in it's center. Women wear a black cloth around one shoulder and colorful dresses.The local music style 'Chimaychi' is interesting and sounds a bit chinese.
There a couple of hostals around. If there wouldn't be hot water in your hotel, visit the hotsprings just out of town for a healing bath.

Piscobamba

day 2

In the afternoon of the second day take a bus or 'combi' to Piscobamba (1 hour).
This town is smaller than Pomabamba but has an absolutely superb view over the eat side of the Cordillera Blanca which gets beautifully illuminated during sunrise.

An impressive australian eucalyptus is placed in the center of the spacious and pleasant Plaza de Armas. This is also where you will find a rustic church with convent school run by Italian priests of the Catholic Don Bosco movement.

Piscobamba is constructed on hills and has so far only a few basic hostals and restaurants.

day 3

The road continues from Piscobamba to San Luis (2 hours). There is a great view of the eastern Cordillera Blanca while getting there. At the entrance of the town is an impressive large catholic convent.
From San Luis it takes one more hour to the town Chacas famous for it's lovely plaza and woodcarvings (see pictures above).

Chacas is breathtakingly located at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca and has a famous church which features the same wonderful woodcarvings that can be found on most of the balconies in town.
One balcony displays a painting of a bullfighter. This refers to the local festival in august when bulls run around in the Plaza de Armas not rarely seriously injuring the drunk villagers brave enough to face the animals while the music plays.

Road from Chacas
to Carhuaz

day 4

After you are finished walking around the traditional streets of Chacas take the 14:00 bus back to Huaraz (4 hours).
This road is one of the most spectacular in Peru taking you up to well above the snow border. During the rainy period the road may be closed.
You will pass the south face of Peru's highest mountain, the Huascaran (6,768 meters). The road curves endlessly down into a quiet valley and continues to Carhuaz, close to Huaraz in the Callejon de Huaylas.

If you have a few more days you may want to consider to continue traveling in the Callejon de Conchucos from Chacas to off-the beaten track Huari. From this town you can take a nice walk up to a mysterious lake which can be crossed by boat. Take your picknick basket as the small valley behind the lake is delightful.

The road continues from Huari to famous Chavin de Huantar where you can explore the 3000 year old ruins of the >Chavin culture.

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