3-Day Tour of Tantamayo

Historic sites, ancient cultures, majestic fortifications... Embark on this 3-day journey to Tantamayo departing from Huanuco to uncover these marvels and so much more in central Peru!

3-Day Itinerary to Tantamayo

Day 1: Departure from Huanuco - Kotosh - Arrival in Tantamayo

The adventure begins at 9 am with your pick-up from your hotel in Huanuco. Our journey will lead us toward the town of Tantamayo, with a six-hour drive that includes a stop at the archaeological site of Kotosh, home to the enigmatic temple of the Crossed Hands.

As we drive through the stunning Marañon River valley, we'll eventually arrive at the quaint village of Tantamayo, nestled along the riverbank. Once we check into our lodge, you'll enjoy free time to discover the local area, including a visit to the remarkable 16th-century church.

Day 2: Exploring Tantamayo

After a revitalizing breakfast, we will make our way to the archaeological center of Tantamayo. The hike will take around 35 minutes, leading us to the initial part of the site known as Piruro. Here, you will find yarowilca structures reaching heights of up to 12 meters (40 feet), often referred to as the skyscrapers of the Andes.

Next, we will continue to the Selmin Granero sector, which historically served as a storage facility for grains and other provisions. After returning to the lodge for lunch via bus, we’ll set off once more for the archaeological site. This time, we will hike for 40 minutes at elevations ranging from 3400 to 3900 meters (11,150 - 12,800 feet) until we arrive at the Susopillo sector, the peak of our exploration in Tantamayo.

At Susopillo, you can marvel at the ancient fortress and various structures, including temples and colcas. During our visit to these historical ruins, we’ll dive into the stories of the civilizations that flourished in Peru long before the Incan Empire. Our day concludes with dinner at the lodge, where you can relax in preparation for the adventures ahead.

Day 3: Journey from Tantamayo - Corona del Inca - Return to Huanuco

We’ll rise early at 6 am for breakfast, before bidding farewell to Tantamayo and commencing our journey back to Huanuco. As we travel, we will pass charming villages within the Huanuco highlands, including Chavin de Pariarca, Quivilla, Tingo Chico, and Ayapiteg. We will also see the hill known as Corona del Inca (Crown of the Inca)—the reasoning behind its name will be revealed to you!

Upon arriving in Huanuco, we will ensure you’re dropped off at your hotel by 1 pm.

Accommodations and Dining

This journey includes two nights of lodging in a double room with shared bathroom facilities at a rural hostel in Tantamayo.

Furthermore, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners are part of the package. Breakfast typically includes coffee with milk, tea, mate or herbal infusion, accompanied by bread with cheese, butter, or egg, as well as rice and broccoli. Lunch consists of soup followed by a choice of a main dish (trout, steak, milanesa, breaded fillet, fried chicken, stew, or a vegetarian option), along with a hot drink. For dinner, enjoy a main course selected from the lunch menu alongside a warm beverage.