Epic Trails

The Amazonas region of Peru; A name that conjures visions of dense rainforests, wide rivers, exotic animals, and lush green landscapes. That is exactly what we encountered as we sought out a variety of archeological sites, cloud forests and towering waterfalls on our Epic Trails episode shoot in Peru.  

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

A short flight northwards from Lima is the city of Jaen. Flying directly to the Amazonas region capital of Chachapoyas is also an option, but starting in Jaen allowed our team to see a bit more of the regional landscape during an adventurous 5 hour drive. José of Turismo Explorer, an Amazonas local and knowledgeable guide, was our driver and living History Channel, feeding us endless information about the terrain and sites as we stopped at lookouts and vistas en route to Chachapoyas. 

“Amazonas is one of Peru’s less visited regions simply because Peru is home to so many great spots. But that doesn’t mean Amazonas isn’t just as exciting as the more famous Cusco area or the absurd mountains of Ancash, both of which I was fortunate to have just explored.”  

– Eric Hanson

My goal for this trip was to explore the cloud forest of Peru’s north, trek to see the ancient cities of the region, and see the world’s third tallest waterfall, Gocta falls. This would be made possible with the planning and support of our guide José and the Turismo Explorer team. Since the pandemic began, he has been regularly visiting archeological sites popular with tourists to find them overgrown with the decline of foot traffic. Something we would soon see up close. 

After a relaxing day at José’s hostel, Chachapoyas Backpackers Hostal Boutique, we set off for the Belén Valley. Led along a rigorous trail that meandered up and over ridges and through valleys, I learned the histories of the many Inca and pre-Inca cities that were now being swallowed up by the jungle. Muddy, wet conditions did make the trail slippery and strenuous, with the myth of the Amazonas region as being flat was quickly dispelled within the first mile of the trail. 

After a challenging first day, the team descended down into a small village en route, where gracious hosts offered a room in their home with a cozy bed and shower. There was also an amazing show of true community spirit as there was a fundraising soccer game for a little girl in the village who was suffering from a cancerous tumor—a humbling experience putting the days challenges into perspective. 

The next day, José led us out of the charming village to on a true mission–climb 5,000 feet up, ascending out of the valley and back up into the cloud forest. Along the trail were more lost cities that without a worthy guide, you’d likely miss altogether.   

“Come over here.” José said as he peeled back a blanket of vines. “Look at this. It’s pre-Inca.”   

And sure enough, there was an ancient wall whose stonework was still impeccable even after all the centuries of earthquakes, pouring rain, and creeping vines and tree roots trying their best to consume the walls. 

“There were dozens, even hundreds of rooms here.” José said. “You can still see the levels of the city. The upper levels of course we’re for the most important people.”   

The Amazonas region is a haven for those who enjoy archaeology and history. Here, you’ll find many ancient cities, impressive tombs, and cities of the dead spread all throughout the region which hold sacred burial sites. They are a spooky yet beautiful reminder of the length’s humans go to honor the dead.   

Continuing the trip through the canyons of the cloud forest, we encountered a variety of beautiful waterfalls, including the towering Gocta Falls. It wasn’t until 2004 that a foreign traveler noticed the exceptionally large waterfall and came to find out that it is the third tallest waterfall in the world! 

The Epic Trails crew and I left Amazonas with an appreciation and wonder for the region. This diverse, and interesting destination is far more beautiful than you may expect. Peru does not disappoint. It only invites you deeper into our beautiful world and the next region around the corner.   

Read the full blog article here

About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

The fifth film shoot for the upcoming season of Epic Trails took place a couple of weeks ago. The team headed to the Ancash region of Peru, where they explored the region’s fantastic mountains and hiking trails.

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

“There are few places that truly stir my heart with a wild passion. Ancash, Peru is one of them. Ancash is a region north of Lima that is home to, in my mind, the most beautiful mountains in the world.“

– Eric Hanson

Huascaran, Peru’s tallest peak at over 22,000 feet is, along with this region’s gorgeous landscapes, why mountaineers and trekkers all around the world flock to this destination. The culture and feel of the town of Huaraz, where our adventure began, is a flock-worthy destination too. I was happy to be back. 

Driven by Jose to Huaraz, I was welcomed by Virgilio, the lead guide of our confidence-inspiring team from Explorandes. Explorandes is an award-winning company recognized for its commitment to responsible tourism. Over cerveza with Virgilio, we poured over our backpacking plans at a well-known climbing hangout, The Andino Café. There, we traced our fingers along the map of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the segment of trail we would tackle – a 4-day route (truncated from the classic 12-day version) in a remote pocket of rugged mountains that pierce the sky with the snow-covered needles of Siula Grande, Jirishanka, and Rondoy. 

Altitude in the Huayhuash must be taken seriously. To aid in our acclimatization, with only one day before our Huayhuash trek, we visited Huascarán National Park and Llanganuco Valley for a hike among the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Visiting lakes Chinancocha, Orconcocha and the stunning Llanganuco, that I describe as an azure lake that practically glows in a glacier carved valley of granite. Although only a ‘starter’ for the grand adventure ahead, this acclimatization hike was a worthy adventure of its own.  

After a breathtaking drive towards the Cordillera Huayhuash trailhead, Virgilio introduced us to two more local characters from our support team, our chef Gregorio (a.k.a. Chileno), and Rosalino, our muleteer. With the team assembled and camp set, it was our first moment to sit back and admire the peaks that make up the core of the Cordillera Hauyhuash.

“These mountains are more impressive and awe-inspiring than any I’ve ever seen. The verticality of them seems impossible.”

– Eric Hanson

We embarked on an early morning departure for Sambunya mountain pass. Starting as a flat walk and leading to a steep incline to the pass, our supports, Chilano and Rosolino, both surpassed us. This was something that one might feel slighted at, but in reality, was welcomed as it gave them a head start on preparing an amazing meal for our arrival. Before setting camp, we continued down towards the glacier lake, Solteracocha, hearing and witnessing heart-thumping avalanches nearby. 

Waking at camp near Jahuacocha Lake, we learned that Chilano and Rosalino would be making “pachamanca” that day, a meal cooked underground using hot rocks. The pachamanca tradition honors and celebrates our relationship with the earth. Celebrating our relationship as a team too, we enjoyed the pachamanca and honored the trail with a hike up to one of our guides’ favorite outlooks.

The morning’s frost covered tents didn’t freeze out our goal to hike over another mountain pass (Mancanpunta) to a nearby Pocpa village. Almost as a farewell, Rosalino passed us with the donkeys as we took in the views at the final pass of our adventure before leaving the trails for the city of Chiquan.

Read the full blog article here

About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

The fourth film shoot for the upcoming season of Epic Trails took place a couple of weeks ago. The team headed to the Cusco region of Peru, where they experienced an amazing Peruvian adventure.

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

Anyone who has considered a Peruvian adventure will be familiar with the city of Cusco–the former centre of the Incan Empire and starting point to so many tours to Machu Picchu. What they may not realize is that Cusco is also the name of a sprawling Andean region full of snowy peaks, extensive rivers, canyons and varied ecological zones. On a mission to seek adventures less traveled, the Epic Trails team began a month-long Peruvian adventure with a week exploring the central area of the Cusco Region. This trip was three years in the making, as our tickets were originally for early April 2020, right when borders began to close at the beginning of the pandemic. It had been a long wait, and we were ready.

Over lunch at Calle del Medio with guides Porfirio and Alberto of Apumayo Expediciones, the Epic Trails crew and I quickly learned we were in great hands with this team of enthusiastic explorers as we ran through our plans for the week. Our goal, to follow the route of the escaping Incans when the Spaniards had taken Cusco: a unique and lesser known portion of the Inca Trail.

After a brief stint exploring the main square and heart of Cusco right out the door of our accommodations at Andina Hotel, we ventured North by van along mountain roads flanking ravines carved by glacier-fed rivers. Happy to explore the rivers up close, we met with Pepe Lopez, owner of Apumayo Expediciones, for a rafting adventure on the Urbamba River. We put in just below the town of Ollantaytambo and paddled some adrenaline pumping Class III+ rapids. We were able to spy Incan ruins along the banks right from our raft–a very cool perspective that not all get to experience. We ended our day at El Mangal Lodge, a remote hostel, restaurant and agrotourism (cocoa plantation) getaway all in one. There we got to participate in all phases of cocoa production (AND TASTING!) and rested well before the multi-day hike from Yanama to Vitcos to come.

A broken-down truck caused a delay (a reality of travel in remote mountain areas) but once rolling, we enjoyed the views of peaks and passes covered in stunning lupin flowers. We watched dusk slip away as we were welcomed to the trailhead by a local family with a cuy (guinnea pig) dinner prepared for our arrival. 

Embarking on the hike, it was clear from the numbers of porters and pack animals that we were going to be well supported on this trip. After a scenic river crossing, the uphill began. As we pushed our trekking limits, the team of porters, cooks and arrieros (horse and donkey masters or muleteers) always amazed as they hastily sped ahead to set up elaborate meals. We thoroughly enjoyed the catered break after a tiring day of hiking the elevated areas in the region. The Apumayo team spared no expense or effort.

“With three, four, and five course meals prepared regularly, it felt like I was on a luxury cruise liner hiking through the mountains rather than a rough and tumble expedition, something I’m not quite used to.“

– Eric Hanson

The next day was the biggest day for altitude, crossing a mountain pass to get to another valley. Along this pristine section of the Inca Trail, rather than seeing masses of tourists, we encountered a shepherd on our way up to a 15,000ft pass in the mountains. It was at this pass that our guide Porfilio sang a song to honour his father and family. The last time he had walked that trail was with his brother 20 years previous. 

On our descent, there were signs of local inhabitants as we crossed farmers fields where the Inca trail disappeared under the thick soil and grass and where we spent the night. 

After wrapping up camp, we started on our way again, crossing fields and pig farms, and encountered a local farmer wielding an old tool for turning soil. Porfilio, a former farmer, enthusiastically encouraged me to try the tool—making me appreciate my trips to the supermarket all the more. 

During the last leg, we encountered archeological sites, largely former trade route meeting places, some with circular structures designed to honor Mother Earth. I learned about and admired the precise Incan stonework that reminded me that this trail was initially an escape route. Continuing down a terraced hill we came to the end of our trek and the last stand of the Manco Incan empire; the stunning ruins of Vitcos. 

The Cusco Region’s beautiful landscapes, mountains, ravines, and sacred sites have been welcoming travelers for decades, yet on this section of the trail, with the terrain seemingly untouched and local experience so authentic, it felt as if we had discovered it all over again.

Read Eric’s full blog article here

About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

Filming for episode 2 of Epic Trails, Season 5 is underway, and recently host Eric Hanson and crew returned from a packrafting trip in Lake Powell, Utah.

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

The Grand Staircase Escalante region is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. It’s so rugged and remote that was the last area in the lower 48 to be mapped. It also happens to be a stone’s throw from my home.

Lake Powell, a man-made lake, is a strange place. It is undeniably beautiful and is amazing for recreation. But it also submerged one of the nation’s most beautiful canyon networks, not to mention a vast amount of cultural history (cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, kivas, and more). Many people in the Southwest have a strained relationship with the place.

Newsworthy for more than just conservationists, Lake Powell is now at its lowest point since the dam that flooded the cherished Glen Canyon was constructed in the 60’s. Severe drought, along with some poor planning in the first place, has left Lake Powell’s future in limbo, as water seeps into the sandstone bed, and its massive surface area combined with the hot environment make it a poor water retention area.

With lake levels dropping massively over the last year, it has meant there is a new opportunity for exploring the canyons as they emerge out of the muddy bottom of the lake. In January, I organized an expedition with three of my friends to explore two canyons that lead in and out of Lake Powell. What we experienced was truly incredible! I was so enthralled, I decided to return a month later with Epic Trails in order to film an episode.

Joined by my friend Jesse Weber and Max Stussi, the Director of Photography for this episode of Epic Trails, we set off for the Escalante area of Utah to film these canyons that, up until a year ago, were under water.

We planned our trip with packrafts in mind, in order to fully explore these canyons. Packrafts are small boats that pack down into a backpack and weigh just a few pounds. They’re incredible tools for adventurers to explore some of the most challenging and inaccessible areas.

The three of us loaded up with four days’ worth of gear, food, and packrafting kit. It doesn’t make for a small pack, and our entry point was a notoriously narrow canyon. These two factors do not play well together.

On day one, we slogged and scraped and crawled our way through a long slot canyon. It was painfully slow, and a delightful adventure. At many points the canyon was far too narrow to walk through with our packs on our backs. Sometimes we’d hoist them over our heads, or carry them sideways. Once, we even had to break down our packs entirely to get them to fit through the narrowest of spaces.

It was slow and arduous work. But we were happy. It was a proper adventure.

After a full day in the canyon, we had managed to hike only two miles! As night was descending, we finally emerged from the narrowness of the canyon and into the wider box canyon that allowed us to hike, more naturally, through the deep sand.

Quickly into day two, we learned the canyon would throw another challenge our way; a network of overgrown tamarisk and willow that were nearly impossible to hike through. The canyon was choked out and, yet again, we made impossibly slow progress. We hiked all day, encountering massive canyon walls with the biggest alcoves I’ve ever seen. At no point did the canyon allow for easy passage.

That night we camped under the roof of one of these alcoves, where a bend in the canyon gave us a stunning view. – Eric Hanson

Click here to read the full article!

About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.