BELÉN VALLEY AND GRAN VILAYA

For those who have the time, this is without doubt the most extraordinary trek and landscape in the region.

Take a Zeta Bus, a kind of 4x4 combi that leaves around 2-3 am. They pass in front of the Huaylla Belen and can leave you there.

First walk of 5 hours. We start from the sublime valley of Belén, where the river flows like a silver snake. From Belén, we join La Pirquilla to the top of La Escalera. Then we go back down towards Congon. Here you can buy food, find local guides and horses.

We advise you to reach Kuélap in 2 days-1 night. From Congon, we follow the Vilaya river for 2 hours, then there are 2 more hours of climbing to Lanche. Finally, from Lanche, 3 hours and a half in the middle of the orchid forest to Punta Yumal (3,800 meters) before descending to Choctomal and the access to Kuélap. All along, we oscillate between 2 000 and 3 000 meters of altitude.

Note that most of the sites are covered with vegetation and you might miss them and therefore not see much if you go without a guide. The trek is not well marked and it is dangerous to attempt it alone. Peru Nativo is a good agency to accompany you. Count 5 days and 4 nights to do it quietly with the visit of the archaeological site. All along the way, you will cross mystical ruins and zigzag among the misty forest with twisted trees covered with moss.