Tour Full Day Cordillera La Viuda, Canta y Obrajillo

Embark on a journey that will take you from the city to the Andean highlands north of Lima, where deep blue skies, fresh mountain air, and turquoise glacial lagoons create an unforgettable setting. This tour invites you to leave behind the noise and fast pace of the capital and venture into a land where life moves to the rhythm of nature and the mountains seem to speak in silence. Our route follows the Chillón River Valley, winding through its crystal-clear waters until reaching the La Viuda Mountain Range, one of the most surprising high-altitude landscapes in the region, still relatively unexplored and far from traditional mass-tourism routes.

Along the way, we will pass through rural villages where Andean farmers preserve their traditions: tiled roofs, peaceful plazas, colorful murals, and markets where potatoes, corn, and fresh cheese remain at the heart of everyday life. Canta, known as the “Land of Eternal Ice,” welcomes you with a warm combination of history and tranquility, while Obrajillo, with its meadows, waterfalls, and clear rivers, invites you to walk, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Here, the sound of the wind and water seems to move at a different pace—slower and deeper.

Then, the ascent continues toward the La Viuda Mountain Range

Where the mountains rise majestically and the high-altitude lagoons shine like natural mirrors beneath the sunlight. Shades of turquoise, emerald green, and deep blue blend together depending on the time of day, the weather, and the angle from which you view them. This is the perfect setting for photography, contemplation, and reconnecting with what truly matters. You can experience the silence of the highlands, the vastness of the landscape, and the power of nature in its purest form.

Ideal for those looking to disconnect from the urban pace, breathe fresh mountain air, experience the Andean landscape up close, and discover places that seem to have been taken from a painting. Every stop along the way offers a different postcard-like view: rivers winding between rocks, vicuñas grazing freely, snow-capped mountains reflected in crystal-clear lagoons, and rolling highland meadows where sunlight and clouds play throughout the day.

Whether you are amazed by snow-capped peaks reflected in emerald-colored waters, walk along traditional trails, or simply sit quietly and take in the scenery, you will return to Lima with a different feeling: a lighter body and a clearer mind. This is one of those journeys that is not only remembered—it is felt.

Itinerary

Departure from Lima

We begin our adventure in the early morning with pickup from previously coordinated meeting points in Lima. We will travel through the Chillón Valley toward the high-altitude landscapes of Canta.

Breakfast in Yangas (optional)

We will stop in Yangas so you can have breakfast at your own expense, take a break, and prepare for the ascent into the highlands.

La Viuda Mountain Range and High-Altitude Lagoons

We will continue toward the La Viuda Mountain Range, reaching elevations of more than 4,500 m above sea level. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes, highland meadows, and glacial-origin lagoons.

Visit to Chuchún and Siete Colores Lagoons

We will visit some of the most beautiful natural attractions along the route, including Chuchún Lagoon, Siete Colores Lagoon, and other bodies of water surrounded by mountains. You will have time for photographs, a short walk, and enjoying the scenery.

Huancaraylla Waterfall (optional)

Depending on the available time and weather conditions, we may make a brief visit to Huancaraylla Waterfall.

Free Time for Lunch in Canta

We will descend to the town of Canta, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at local restaurants. You may try traditional dishes such as fried trout, chicken soup, or pachamanca, depending on availability.

Visit to Canta and Obrajillo

After lunch, we will take a short tour of Canta and Obrajillo, enjoying their traditional streets, rural landscapes, historic watermills, and the waters of the Chillón River.

Return to Lima

Finally, we will begin our return journey to Lima along the same scenic route. Arrival is expected between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions.

Includes

Professional Tour Guide
A professional guide will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing information about the history, nature, and culture of Canta, Obrajillo, and the La Viuda Mountain Range. The guide will also provide recommendations to help you better enjoy the high altitude and each stop along the tour.

Round-Trip Tourist Transportation from Lima
Transportation in a comfortable and safe tourist vehicle, with assigned seats and a professional driver. Includes the complete route: Lima – La Viuda Mountain Range – Canta – Obrajillo – Lima.

Visit to the Lagoons of the La Viuda Mountain Range
Panoramic tour of the main high-altitude lagoons along the route, including Chuchún Lagoon, Siete Colores Lagoon, and other glacial-origin bodies of water located more than 4,500 m above sea level.

Scenic Stops for Photography
Free time at natural viewpoints and mountain landscapes to take photographs, admire the Chillón River Valley, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Visit to Huancaraylla Waterfall
Optional visit to this beautiful waterfall, provided that weather conditions, access, and the available time during the tour allow it.

City Tour of Canta and Obrajillo
Guided walk through the main attractions of Canta and Obrajillo, where you will discover their traditional streets, rural landscapes, watermills, and the peaceful atmosphere characteristic of these Andean towns.

Not Included

Food (Breakfast and Lunch): Meals are not included, so each passenger is responsible for their own food expenses. However, we make scheduled stops in Yangas and Canta, where the guide will recommend good options for enjoying local cuisine.

Drinks and Snacks: Bottled drinks and snacks are not included. We recommend bringing your own water or purchasing local products at stores along the route.

Entrance Fees and Minor Services: Some public restrooms or specific private areas may charge a small fee (approximately S/ 1.00 to S/ 3.00), which must be paid directly at the location.

Accommodation and Overnight Stay: Since this is a full-day tour, accommodation expenses are not included. If you wish to stay longer, we can provide information about rural accommodations.

Optional Tips: Tips for service staff, including the guide and driver, are not included. They are entirely optional and may be given as a gesture of appreciation if you consider that you received exceptional service.

 Recommendations

Wear warm clothing and appropriate footwear
The route reaches areas above 4,500 m above sea level, where temperatures can drop quickly. We recommend bringing a thermal jacket or windbreaker, sweater, hat, gloves, and an additional warm layer. We also recommend trekking shoes or comfortable footwear with good traction for walking near the lagoons and on uneven terrain.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
At high altitude, solar radiation can be intense even on cloudy days. Therefore, remember to apply sunscreen, wear UV-protection sunglasses, and use a hat or cap. Lip balm is also recommended.

Be prepared for the altitude
If you are not accustomed to high-altitude destinations, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional beforehand and bringing anything they may have recommended to help prevent altitude-related discomfort. You may also bring coca candies or coca tea, according to your preference.

Stay hydrated and bring snacks
Although there are scheduled stops for breakfast and lunch, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. Nuts, cookies, or energy bars can also help you maintain your energy throughout the journey.

    Charge your camera or phone
The La Viuda Mountain Range, its colorful lagoons, mountain landscapes, and the towns of Canta and Obrajillo offer incredible photography opportunities. Make sure to bring your camera or phone fully charged and, if possible, a portable power bank.

Bring cash in Peruvian soles

In mountain villages and rural stops, some establishments may not accept cards or digital payments. It is recommended to bring cash in local currency and small bills for food, local products, restrooms, or additional expenses.

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Lima, with pickup from central areas in districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro, Jesús María, or the Historic Center. When you make your reservation, you will be informed of the most convenient meeting point according to your location.

What time does the tour start and finish?

Departure takes place approximately between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Return to Lima is scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions. Overall, this is a full-day experience.

Do I need to be physically fit?

No previous experience or demanding level of physical fitness is required, as the walks are short, easy, and optional. However, because the route reaches high elevations, it is important to be prepared and follow the guide’s recommendations. If you have respiratory or heart problems or any pre-existing medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before booking.

Does the tour include meals?

No. Breakfast and lunch are not included in the tour package. However, there are scheduled stops in Yangas and Canta where you can purchase food at your own expense. You will find a variety of affordable options featuring local cuisine.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates throughout the year. However, if heavy rain, dense fog, or conditions that compromise safety in the mountain range occur, the itinerary may be adjusted. For example, if Huancaraylla Waterfall is inaccessible, additional time may be allocated to visiting the lagoons or towns along the route.

Is the tour suitable for children and senior citizens?

Yes. The tour can be enjoyed by families, children, and senior citizens, provided they are comfortable with long journeys by vehicle and have no health restrictions related to high altitude. Senior citizens who are not acclimatized are advised to consult a healthcare professional beforehand.

Are there bathrooms available during the tour?

Yes. Stops are made at restaurants, towns, and designated locations where restrooms are available. However, some restrooms may charge a small fee, so we recommend carrying cash in Peruvian soles.