Begin at the Santo Domingo Convent, home of Saint Martín de Porres, the first Afro-American saint. Explore his cell and learn about his life. This experience invites us to reflect on Lima’s complex and unequal colonial social structure, marked by rigid racial hierarchies and deep social stratification. It sheds light on the diverse groups who inhabited the city, and how race, origin, and status shaped life in a deeply hierarchical society. Next, visit the National Afro-Peruvian Museum, which tells the story and contributions of Afro-Peruvians through its exhibits. 

The National Afro-Peruvian Museum is dedicated to acquiring, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts related to the history of Afro-descendants in Peru. It is housed in the Casa de las Trece Monedas, located on Jirón Ancash in the historic center of Lima. The museum features nine permanent exhibition rooms that explore key topics such as the beginnings of the African slave trade in Latin America and the enslavement of Africans in Peru. 

Walk through colonial streets as your guide shares insights into the African influence on Peru’s music, dance, and cuisine.

This unique experience offers a deep perspective on the vibrant Afro-Peruvian culture at the heart of Lima.

In the afternoon transfer to the bus station. Bus to Paracas

Overnight in Paracas or Chincha

Transfer from Paracas to Chincha. Your experience begins in El Carmen, the epicenter of Afro-Peruvian culture. Visit Hacienda San José, a former sugar plantation turned museum. Explore its eerie underground tunnels, once used for smuggling enslaved people—offering a powerful, tangible connection to the past.

In the town center, the rhythm of the Peruvian cajón leads you to the Afro-Peruvian Cultural Center, where local dancers perform the festejo and landó, traditional dances blending African and Peruvian influences. Optionally, you may join a percussion workshop and feel the heartbeat of this vibrant culture (supplement applies).

At the home of Amador Ballumbrosio—legendary violinist and guardian of Afro-Peruvian traditions—you’ll participate in a hands-on zapateo and cajón workshop and demonstration. His family continues to preserve and share the music, rhythms, and stories passed down through generations.

Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (meal not included, payable on-site). We recommend Mamainé’s, and we’ll gladly arrange the reservation. Savor Afro-Peruvian specialties such as cau cau, carapulcra chinchana, and refresh yourself with a glass of chicha morada.

Chincha pulses with the energy and pride of its African heritage. This visit offers not only a unique cultural experience but also a tribute to the resilience and lasting contributions of the Afro-Peruvian community—whose legacy enriches Peru’s cultural tapestry far beyond Chincha.

Transfer to Paracas or Ica to take the bus back to Lima.

Duration: 6 hours + 2 hours round-trip transfer from Paracas

Depart from Huaraz and travel north through the Callejón de Huaylas, descending to Caraz (2,300 m) before heading toward the small town of Cashapampa (2,900 m). Here, you will meet your mountain team—guides, cooks, and muleteers—and begin your trek.
The route follows the Santa Cruz valley, gradually ascending to Llamacorral (3,650 m), where you set up your first camp.

Duration: 3 h drive, 4 h trek

Continue along the wide Santa Cruz valley, passing the lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha before reaching Quisuar. Here, you can take a detour toward Alpamayo base camp in the Arhuaycocha valley for views of Quitaraju (6,040 m), Alpamayo (5,947 m), Artezonraju (6,025 m), and other peaks. Camp overnight at Taullipampa (4,000 m), directly beneath the dramatic Taulliraju (5,830 m).

Duration: 5 h trek

Today’s ascent takes you up a steep zigzag path at the foot of Taulliraju, overlooking the turquoise waters of Taullicocha lake. Reach Punta Unión pass (4,750 m) after about 3 hours, where spectacular views open up to peaks including Chacraraju, Artezonraju, Pyramid, Huandoy, Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, Rinrihirca, and Taulliraju.
From here, descend past Morococha lake into the wide Huaripampa valley, walking through quenual forests and open grasslands before reaching camp in Huaripampa (3,600 m).

Duration: 7 h trek

Descend to the small village of Colcabamba (3,350 m), then ascend to Vaquería (3,700 m) to meet your transport. Drive up to Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4,765 m) for panoramic views of Huascarán Norte, Huascarán Sur, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, and Pisco.
Descend through the Llanganuco valley, visiting the lakes of Orkoncocha and Chinancocha, before returning to Huaraz.

Duration: 3 h trek, 4 h drive