Nevado Pariacaca

The Nevado Pariacaca is located in the central Andes of Peru, between the departments of Lima and Junín. This mountain has 2 peaks, one is the north peak at 5730 meters and the south, the highest one, at 5750 meters. It was considered a deity during the Tahuantinsuyo era, which is why some refer to it as the “Great Apu”, as demonstrated by the pagapus performed before ascending the Nevado.

Photo: Mapio.net

The first visits to the area date back to the 1920s by American and Austro-German geographical expeditions. The first ascent of Nevado Pariacaca was in 1936 for the north summit and in 1938 for the south summit (the main one), both accomplished by the American geologist T. Dodge. Regarding national expeditions, these date back to the 1970s, by members of the Andino Peruano and Américo Tordoya clubs.

Today, hikers venture to the Nevado to follow the route known as “The path to Pariacaca”, an interesting journey, especially for trekking enthusiasts. Near the Nevado, there are many lagoons characterized by their crystal-clear waters where trout fish thrive.

The surroundings of Pariacaca are also attractive to visitors, as they encounter 25,000 kilometers of forest, allowing national and foreign tourists to feel at peace and tranquility, far from city chaos.

At the Nevado, there are archaeological remains, such as the ruins of the Sacred Sanctuary of Pariacaca, a religious construction that was destroyed during the colonial era. Camping areas around Pariacaca are mainly located around the Mullococha lagoon at the foot of the mountain.

Location

Most of Nevado Pariacaca is located in the district of Matucana, in the province of Huarochirí, in the department of Lima.

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Climate and Temperature

The climate at the Nevado is freezing at night and becomes temperate during the day with some sun.

• November to March: Rainy seasons, cool nights reaching temperatures of up to 10°C.
• July to October: Very cold with frost.
• April to June: Highly recommended season with temperate climate and sunny days, but very cold nights.

Altitude

The Nevado has 2 peaks, the highest being the southern peak at 5750 meters above sea level.

How to Get to Nevado Pariacaca

The best route to Nevado Pariacaca is to take the Central Highway towards Huancayo. After passing through La Oroya, take a detour towards Pachacayo, then continue on an 80-kilometer gravel road that leads to the town of Tanta. This is the starting point for the trekking route to the mountain, a 15-kilometer journey.

Adventure Sports

• Trekking

Escalerayoc Archaeological Center

It is a staircase built during the Inca era, with about 2000 steps and over 335 meters in height. The 1609 and 1611 Annua Carta provided valuable information, allowing the identification of sites where worship to the apu Pariacaca took place. The 1609 document mentions a large cave (Cuchimachay), a place of sacrifices, three stones, and a marked location. The 1611 document names a ravine located at the end of a stone staircase, where sacrifices and offerings were made.

Video: TVPerú Televisión Peruana