Distance: 79kms. Asphalted road. Estimated Duration; 1 to 1.5 hrs.
Easy downhill drive until Huaraz (3,050 m.a.s.l). Conococha (at 120 kms from the deviation of Pativilca), The highest point is at 4,100 m.a.s.l at the entrance of the El Callejon de Huaylas, with a spectacular view of the northern white Cordillera and briefly of the Huayhuash Cordillera to the east. From Conococha to Huaraz the descent has beautiful landscapes passing the valley of Catac (Km 532 Route 3N; turn-off point to Chavin de Huantar and the Callejon de Conchucos) there are petrol stations and all the basics things one requires. But Recuay is near (Km 543 Route 3N) and has a resting place which has more adecuate services known as “La Gatuna”. From Recuay to Huaraz there are only 25 kms of easy descent. From Conococha begins a new asphalted road newly built, which avoids you from going to Chiquian and Aquia in order to pass Pacha Paqui. From this point onwards the road is non-asphalted which leads you to Huallanca (To the east) and on a asphalted road to Antamina (To the north). The access to the mine is restricted (Please check the paragraph dedicated to Antamina in the principal information text). In case getting permission to cross the mine, you may take afterwards the non-asphalted road which leads you to San Marcos and Chavin de Huantar. Antamina the mining company has programmed the construction of a road which will avoid crossing the mine company and should descent down to the town of San Marcos. The travellers travelling to Huaraz who only for brief moments wish to have a spectacular view of the Huayhuash Cordillera, may turn-off to Aquia heading east. To go and observe the Huayhuash Cordillera and come back to Conococha will take you one hour aprox.