Trek to the source of the Amazon
Trek to the source of the largest river in the world
One of the most interesting, though not the most beautiful treks in Peru is the one leading to the source of the Amazon River. Just coming to the source of the longest, largest river in the world is worth it. In addition, you can climb the Nevado Mismi volcano (5,625 m above sea level) and walk along the watershed of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, you must not forget that this approximately four-day trek is very deserted and you must be completely self-sufficient. In addition, you will move at great heights, so you must be adequately acclimatized.
Day 1 - Beginning of the trek from Tuti
The trek to the source of the Amazon begins in the small town of Tuti (3,805 m above sea level), where you can get a shared taxi from Chivaye (3,640 m above sea level) (20 km drive). Chivay is not only a good starting point for a trek to the source of the Amazon, but also to Colca Canyon, so if you have enough strength you can put both treks in a row. On the first day, you will have time to climb the ancient Indian ruins and camp in the valley below the Mismi volcano or on the plateau if you go by a more difficult option across the Atlantic and Pacific watershed.
Hike from Tuti to the plateau
Ascent from the Colca valley
Trek to the source of the Amazon I .: The first day of the march to the source of the Amazon awaits you from the town of Tuti (3,805 m above sea level), lying in the valley of the river Colca, to the plateau Altipláno. The only major attraction along the way is the abandoned Inca village of Ran Ran. Accommodation at an altitude of over 4,700 m above sea level will test the right of your acclimatization. continue reading
Day 2 - Ascent to Nevado Mismi
The second day of the trek is extremely challenging not only due to the high altitude, but also due to the dangerous terrain. The highlight is the ascent to the Mismi volcano with a view of the „volcanic“ part of Peru. You will spend the night in the Amazon Valley just a short distance from its source.
Ascent to Mismi volcano
At the confluence of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Trek to the source of the Amazon II .: The second day of the march to the source of the Amazon is the most difficult of the whole trek. For most of the day you will move at altitudes over 5,200m above sea level. In addition, much of the way in uncomfortable rocky terrain with a heavy backpack on his back as a bonus. This stage will really test you. On the other hand, you will ascend to the volcano Nevado Mismi (5,625 m above sea level) – the highest point of this trek with quite interesting views and you will sleep in a magical place – just a few meters from the source of the world's largest river Amazon. continue reading
Day 3 - From the source of the Amazon to Parihuana
On the third day of the trek, you will ascend to the Amazon's own spring in the morning and then travel along the picturesque Carhuasanta Valley to Lake Carhuacocha. From here, a long stretch of plateau awaits you to the village of Parihuana. In addition, you will see hundreds or rather thousands of llamas along the way.
Ascent to the source of the Amazon
Ascent to the spring lagoon
Trek to the source of the Amazon III .: The first part of the third day of the trek will finally take you to the source of the longest river in the world – the Amazon. It is a lagoon at an altitude of 5,150 meters above sea level. After that, a relatively comfortable march through the Carhuasanta valley (as the Amazon is called here) awaits you to the first signs of civilization in the form of llama fences. continue reading
Tour Carhuasanta - Parihuana
March through the Amazon valley
Trek to the source of the Amazon IV: The second part of the third day of the trek is marked by a march from the confluence of Carhuasanta with Apacheta to the small village of Parihuana. You will walk through a relatively wide valley full of picturesque bofedals and llamas. Along the way is a kilometer long lake Carhuacocha. Within the trek, it is easier, although a long stage (more than 20 km at an altitude of 4,500–5,000 m above sea level) continue reading
Day 4 - Return to civilization
On the fourth day you should reach the mining town of Caylloma, from where there is already a bus service back to Chivay and Arequipa, respectively. If you're lucky, it's possible to shorten this day by stopping a truck that occasionally travels the Altiplano. Basically, the only attraction is wandering along Lake Huarhuarco, where flamingos live.
Hike Parihuana - Caylloma
Return to civilization
Trek to the source of the Amazon V: the fourth day of the trek is also the last day. A long march along the Altiplan still awaits you at altitudes around 4,500 m above sea level. The biggest attraction is Lake Huarhuarco with lots of flamingos. continue reading
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