Trek to Contrahierbas Refuge

Trek Refugio Contrahierbas vista panoramica

Trek Refugio Contrahierbas grupo de turistas

Contrahierbas Refuge is a mountain lodge located on the slopes of Mount Cajavilca, part of the Contrahierbas massif at 4,100 meters above sea level, on the border of Huascarán National Park, in the Áncash region of Peru. It has a capacity of 70 beds and serves as a starting point for climbing Cajavilca peak and visiting pre-Columbian ruins. It is one of five refuges built by Peruvian and Italian volunteers of the Operación Mato Grosso, as part of the Don Bosco in the Andes program led by Italian priest Ugo de Censi. Its construction combined architectural techniques from Alpine refuges with the pre-Columbian Huanca Pachilla method, which consists of inserting small stones into the cracks of walls.

2 Days

Andean Refuges Trek

Easy

Bus

12 People

Travel plan

Day 1 - Carhuaz 2650 m (Huaraz) – Chacas 3400 m – Pupash 4000 m – Trek to Contrahierbas Refuge 4100 m.

We depart at 5:00 a.m. toward the Ulta Valley in private transport. We ascend to Punta Olímpica Pass at 4,767 m, with impressive views of Huascarán (6,768 m East) and Chopicalqui (6,350 m). This is the highest point of the journey, where we begin descending along the Marañón watershed. Arrival in Chacas (3,400 m). Continental breakfast included and a visit to the colonial altarpiece.

We continue the trip to Acochaca and begin the ascent to Tapush Pass (4,000 m), where we’re rewarded with a spectacular view of Chacraraju and, weather permitting, Alpamayo.

From this point, we leave the vehicle and begin a hike of approximately 2 hours. A welcome tea awaits us at the refuge, followed by time to settle in. After a rest, we visit the replica of the Quisuar archaeological site, part of the ancient Conchucos culture. Dinner at the refuge.

Approx. 2-hour trek

Day 2 - Contrahierbas Refuge (4,100 m) – Chalhua (3,400 m) – Carhuaz

From Contrahierbas Refuge, after a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent toward the Molinopampa Valley (3,500 m) along a well-marked trail. We follow a pre-Inca path, passing by the ancient archaeological site of Quisuar, and then through pine forests and native alder trees, leading us to the valley floor that connects to the village of Chalhua. We stop for lunch in front of the church, with a stunning view of Mount Contrahierbas (6,000 m).

After lunch, we board our private transport to cross the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4,767 m), where we stop for photos of the impressive mountain amphitheater, including Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. We then descend past the turquoise lagoons, through Yungay, and finally arrive in Carhuaz.

Approx. 3-hour trek