Exploring Peru’s finest mountain range and an optional climb of Nevado Pisco

Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca

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Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is one of the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world, a stunning glacial wilderness beyond compare. Its enormous ice-fluted peaks, surreal turquoise tarns, and flowering alpine meadows are a phenomenal arena for trekking. Here, more than 70 summits top 18,000 feet, including mighty Huascarán (22,204'), Peru’s highest peak, and Alpamayo (19,506'), a classic pyramid that has been called the most beautiful mountain in the world. Our 11-day trek is a challenging one, but well rewarded with spectacular campsites, exhilarating days on the trail, and views of ice-draped summits at every turn. A climb of Nevado Pisco (18,871’), set right in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, is an exciting optional extension.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Lima / Huaraz

We meet in Lima and head north along Peru’s unusual desert coast, then turn inland to the mountain city of Huaraz (10,000'), the center for trekking and mountaineering expeditions into the Cordillera Blanca.

Days 3-4
Huaraz

A visit to the pre-Inca temple complex at Chavin de Huantar and a hike in the nearby Cordillera Negra help us acclimatize to the heady altitude.

Days 5-15
Cordillera Blanca Trek

We meet out trekking crew and pack animals at Hualcayan (10,500'). Our first goal is Laguna Cullicocha (15,100'), an incredible glacial lake with outstanding views of the peaks of the Santa Cruz massif. Crossing two more passes, we continue through Quebrada (canyon) de los Cedros to a camp near Laguna Jancacurish, from where we can take an optional hike to the base camp of Alpamayo, a pyramid-shaped peak of astonishing beauty. Crossing the Caracara Pass (15,846'), we descend into a lush grassy valley leading to a high pass with great views of the multiple peaks of Pucahirca. Continuing through the village of Huilca into Quebrada Jancapampa, we hike cross-country via the side valley of Quebrada Tingopampa, right below knife-edged Taulliraju (19,127'). Steady panoramas of awesome peaks abound, especially from Alto del Pucaraju (15,256'), where Taulliraju seems to tower over the pass. Our trek ends with a hike past valley settlements with breathtaking views of Chacraraju (20,052') to a campsite at Vaqueria.

Days 16-17
Huaraz / Lima

We meet our vehicles and return to Huaraz, enjoying views of Huascarán along the way. The next day we drive back to Lima, visit the Gold Museum to see its Inca artifacts, then board evening flights home (or join our Nevado Pisco Climb Extension).

Limited Offer!

This is one of our special “repertoire” trips, offered only every three to five years. Sign up now to experience this wonderful Andean trek—we won’t offer it again until 2012!

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs $3795 (12-15 members) $3995 (9-11 members) $4295 (6-8 members) Single supplement: $395 **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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