Cashapampa (Peru)

I went through Cashapampa whilst on the Santa Cruz trek , which is the most common of the treks in the Cordillera. But rest assured, if you do include the Ancash region in your Peruvian itinerary, you will see that here are fewer, a lot fewer, tourists here than in the area around Cusco. Outings in the natural environment are therefore relatively quiet?

Cachapampa can be the entry point or the leaving point of the said trek. Whichever way round you choose to go, the walk is splendid. You'll find a few tiendas there to revitalise you if necessary. I had the chance to do it a number of times and I preferred to start at the village in question and finish by the view over the lakes of Llanganuco. Then again be prepared for a tough climb in stifling heat! 

Just for info, if you decide to go alone, the path is signposted. Don't forget to leave the beaten track a little and climb up to base camp on Alpamayo (on the second day). It offers a spectacular view. Again a little detail for those who prefer to hike unaccompanied; the staff at Chashapampa cause noticeably fewer problems selling park entrance tickets to people without guides than the staff at Vaqueria, the entrance on the other side. On the other hand, out of season, you will have more interest in finishing at Cashapampa instead because you will have more chance of finding a return bus.