The ruins of Chavín de Huántar are some of the most historically important in Peru, as this was the main ceremonial center for the Chavín culture, the first major culture in South America. The site was completely buried in mud from landslides from the Cordillera Blanca, the last of which occurred in 1945. The Chavín culture emerged around 2,000BC, and the temple at Chavín de Huántar was built around 1,000BC.

The site has of a number of stone temples, some of which are still covered in mud. The facade of the finest temples is in finely cut granite that was brought from a quarry 30km away. The three finest carvings found there are the Raymondi Stela, the Tello Obelisk and the Lanzón, all of which represent the gods of the culture. The incredible carvings on all three stones represent figures, including crosses between feline and human images.

In addition to the carvings, Chavín is famous for its Cabezas Clavas, or carved heads. These once adorned the walls of many of the temples, although only one is still in its original place. However, there are many heads on display throughout the complex, each of which is slightly different. Some are clearly human, others also have distinct animal features, but there are also some which represent mythological figures

One of the most visited areas in the entire Cordillera Blanca is the Lagunas Llanganuco. These are two very beautiful, turquoise lakes set at the foot of Huascarán, with superb views of many glaciers and sheer cliffs plunging into the waters. Creating a wonderful contrast to the color of the waters are the amazing quenual trees that surround the lakes. These trees have red and orange bark that peels off like paper, and are particularly beautiful when the sun glistens through the branches.

The most popular trek in the Huaraz area is the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek, which takes around three to four days. This can be carried out in either direction, although it is more common to start in Llanganuco.

Located north of Lima and 42 km south of Cordillera Blanca lies a short but the most striking mountain range that contains some of the best hiking and mountain climbing in Peru.

The Cordillera Huayhuash stretches some 30 km from north to south, with its distinguishing steep, rough peaks reaching up of 6,617 meters (21,709 ft). Yerupaja Mt, the second highest in the country. Though it lacks the popularity of its northern neighbour, and its most popular hikes in Cordillera Blanca, very few other ranges in this rich snow-covered mountain offer such immense and inspiring splendour.

Because of its remoteness, most trekking excursions here last between 8 to 14 days, starting either in Llamac or Cajatambo. Winding between Andean villages, rich valleys, looming peaks, glacial lakes and cultural ruins, and most important, the human contact is very warm and welcoming. The highlights of a complete circuit trek usually take you hiking by Jahuacocha Lake, Mitucocha Lake, the beautiful Punta Cuyoc Pass. And its views of Cordillera Raura, Trapecio Punta above 5010 meters, (16,533 ft), Paso San Antonio and its astonishing views of Siula Grande, here is where the dramatic story of "Touching the Void" about the treacherous Joe Simpson and Simon Yates climbing expedition up Siula Grande took place many years ago