Olleros–Chavín

Day 01: Canrey Chico (3510 m a.s.l.) – Sacracancha (4015 m a.s.l.)

Passing Centro Experimental de Crianza de Llamas de Canrey Chico, the route continues through a broad, peaceful high-Andean valley surrounded by grassland and without major elevation changes, with constant views of the Cordillera Blanca's peaks, including Shaqsha, Uruashraju, Rurec and Tuctupunta.

Throughout the hike, including near the end of this first day (‘Azulwanka’), there are several huancas (elongated Andean monoliths present since pre-Inca times). They are now thought to have had various meanings, such as marking routes or important landscape features, including passes, but they also served symbolic and ritual purposes. They were generally associated with protection and fertility of their surroundings—crops, water, livestock or communities. They were also considered representations of ancestors, making them places for offerings and connections between the different levels of the Andean world.

Note: distances and other figures are measured from Canrey Chico. If starting from Olleros, add 1.5km, 30min and 50 metres of elevation gain.

Day 02: Sacracancha (4015 m a.s.l.) – Shongo (4088 m a.s.l.)

The second day is the most demanding, with the climb to paso Yanashallash (4700m), the route's highest point, whose Quechua name refers to black, polished stones. This day crosses the best-preserved sections of Qapaq Ñan (the Inca road), used by pilgrims travelling to Chavín to worship and present offerings, and an important economic link between the Huaylas and Conchucos regions.

The final climb to the pass offers broad views of the Shongo valley and Uruashraju and Rurec, followed by a descent to the Shongopampa campsite.