- Departure: 8 a.m.
- Return: 6 p.m.
- Minimum: 4 persons
- Maximum: 12 persons
At 8 a.m. we’ll meet at La Cabaña & Incas. Once we sort out
equipment, distribute maps and review some basic instructions, we’re
off! We’ll head east out of Huancayo, taking back streets to avoid the
traffic. Before leaving town we’ll stop to explore Parque de la
Identidad, an artistic and architectural phenomenon.After a tour and
explanation of the park we’ll follow hidden trails via Cullpa to the
town of Cochas Chico, renowned for its expert gourd carving. The route
to Cochas is a gradual climb uphill. Once we reach the summit a
panoramic view of Huancayo and the Mantaro Valley will be before us.
Upon entering Cochas we’ll pay a visit to some artisans for an
impressive demonstration of the gourd carving process. Visitors will be
amazed by how the simplest of tools in the hands of a skilled
craftsperson produces the most intricate design work. We’ll come away
with a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the skill and
dedication required for this artistic pursuit.From Cochas we’ll wind
our way through Paccha and Hualahoyo, ultimately reaching the town of
Hualhuas. In Hualhuas are some of the finest textile weavers in all of
Peru. Here we will observe first-hand the traditional weaving
techniques of the Andean region. To complete our cultural tour we’ll
head to San Jerónimo, the center of silver filigree production. After a
visit with some of the local artisans we’ll take lunch in a spot
overlooking the Mantaro Valley. Following lunch it’s a 2-hour ride back
to Huancayo, crossing the Mantaro River along the way, to complete our
45 km tour.
 
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