Chacas and the Eastern Villages

Chacas is a small town on the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca, known for its carved wooden balconies, its Italian-influenced church and its tradition of woodworking. To reach it from Huaraz, the road crosses the range at Punta Olimpica, a pass at around 4,700 metres, one of the highest drivable routes in the Americas. The drive is a highlight in itself: switchbacks climb through stark puna, past glaciers and turquoise lakes, to a tunnel that pierces the divide and descends into green valleys. On the far side the landscape changes to terraces, eucalyptus and farmland. A full-day private tour includes time in Chacas, where you can walk the plaza, see the church and workshops and perhaps visit a carpenter or sample local food. Because the area sees fewer tourists than the Callejon de Huaylas, you will meet more villagers than visitors, and the pace is slower. For travellers with a day to spare who want something beyond lakes and trails, this is a rewarding way to see how highland communities live and work in the mountains.

The pass is a key part of the trip. Weather is changeable, and the road can be closed by snow or rain, so check conditions before you go. At the highest point the air is thin and cold, and you may feel the effects of altitude within minutes. Guides usually stop for photographs and a short walk to nearby lakes or viewpoints. The tunnel through the divide is long and narrow, which can feel adventurous. After the pass, the road drops toward the Chacas valley, with sweeping views of terraced fields and distant peaks.

Along the way you may pass small villages, markets and shrines. In Chacas the focus is craft and community. The town is known for woodcarving, and several local workshops train young carvers and sell their work. The town church has carved wooden details and a richly decorated interior, and the plaza is surrounded by wooden balconies. A guide can explain the town's history and its ties to the wider region, and recommend a place for lunch.

Dishes might include trout, soups and corn-based specialities. Bring cash for souvenirs, because stalls may not accept cards, and buy directly from artisans where possible.Plan for a long day. The drive each way can take several hours, and the altitude change is large, so allow time to rest. Bring warm and waterproof layers, sun protection, snacks and water, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. A private tour gives flexibility to stop when you like, and it suits couples, small groups and families with older children.

The dry season from May to September offers the safest driving and clearest views. Combine this trip with Chavin or Llanganuco on other days to see the full range of landscapes, and consider spending a night in Chacas if you want a quieter experience. It is a place where the mountains are not just a backdrop but a way of life.

Ask your driver to stop wherever something catches your eye, buy a small carved souvenir directly from a maker if you can, and enjoy the feeling of being a long way from the usual tourist trail.