Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca
Exploring Peru’s Finest Mountain Range
Repertory Trip: Next Offered August 6-22, 2012
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $3995 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 17 days |
| Arrive: | Lima, Peru |
| Depart: | Lima, Peru |
| Lodging: | 5 nights hotels, 11 nights full-service camping describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner |
| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking |
| Trip Level: |
11-day trek on steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 11,000-16,000 feet, optional climb of 18,871-foot peak
|
Highlights
- Enjoy a classic trek in the world’s highest tropical mountain range
- Optional hike to the Alpamayo Base Camp
- Spectacular campsites by turquoise lakes, incredible views of fantastic glacier-clad peaks
We can depend on Wilderness Travel to offer exceptional trips and great attention to detail, and the quality of the Trip Leaders is unsurpassed.Jocelyn S.—Arvada, CO
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Repertory Trip
This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered every two to five years. It will be several years before this journey is offered again. Now is the time to go!
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 Huascaran (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 for extremely fit hikers.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-4
Lima / Huaraz
We meet in Lima and head north along Peru’s desert coast, then turn inland to the mountain city of Huaraz (10,000'), the center for trekking and mountaineering expeditions into the Cordillera Blanca. A visit to the pre-Inca temple complex at Chavin de Huantar and a day hike help us acclimatize to the heady altitude.
Days 5-15
Cordillera Blanca Trek
We meet our trekking crew and pack animals at Hualcayan (10,500'), then head to 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, 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 into Quebrada Jancapampa, we pass villages and cultivated areas where rural life hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years. Steady panoramas of awesome peaks abound, especially from Alto del Pucaraju (15,256'), where knife-edged Taulliraju (19,127') 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 Huascaran along the way. The next day we drive back to Lima and board evening flights home (or join our Nevado Pisco Climb Extension).
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Nevado Pisco Climbing Extension
Nevado Pisco (18,871’) is a beautiful pyramidal peak in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca. At the end of our trek, we offer a challenging, non-technical 3-day climb on mixed snow and ice. The climb is suitable for very fit trekkers—and summit views are out of this world!
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:
- Cusco and Machu Picchu Extension (6 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is level 6, very strenuous, according to our trip grading system. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, but there are several passes over 15,000 feet to cross and significant elevation gains and losses each day. Trails can be rough, not the well-maintained switchbacks you may be accustomed to in the United States. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed. The optional climb of Nevado Pisco is non-technical but requires basic knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons (we’ll have some training on one of our acclimatization hikes) and a lot of stamina. It is expected that each participant be in excellent health and physical condition.
Departures & Leaders
This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered only every two to five years. This journey will not be offered again for several years. Now is the Time to Go!
Aug 6-22, 2012 Peter Boehm
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2012
$3995 (9-12 members)
$4395 (6-8 members)
Single supplement: $350
Forced single supplement: $350
Pisco Climb extension: from $1995
more on pricing
Extension Costs
Cusco and Machu Picchu Extension
from: $2450
Tour Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- One hotel overnight in Lima, four hotel overnights in Huaráz, and accommodations in top quality tents on trek
- All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Services of camp staff and all group camping and cooking equipment
- All land transportation and airport transfers as noted in Full Trip Brochure
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare; transfers for independent arrival or departure; any meals not specified after each itinerary day; airport departure taxes; optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff; additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Casa Andina Private Collection—Miraflores
Day 1 (1 night), Lima, Peru
The Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores has spacious rooms and an excellent location with easy access to the lively Miraflores district. From ...
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Hotel Club Andino
Days 2 to 4 (3 nights),
Day 16 (1 night),
Huaraz, Peru
A 10-minute uphill walk from the main plaza, the Swiss-owned Hotel Club Andino is the best available in the remote mountain town of Huaraz. It ...
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Cordillera Blanca Trek Camps
Days 5 to 15 (11 nights), Cordillera Blanca, Peru
We make hiking and camping in the Andes as comfortable as it can get! On the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and ...
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Ramada Costa Del Sol Lima Airport (Nevado Pisco Climbing Extension)
Day 21 (1 night), Lima, Peru
Very conveniently located right across the Lima international airport, this hotel is just a two- minute walk across the street from the terminal, ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions option:
- Cusco and Machu Picchu Extension (6 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Peter Boehm
Peter Boehm was born and raised in Germany and later moved to Cusco, Peru, where he has spent the latter part of his life. One of the most experienced trekking guides in the Peruvian Andes, Peter has a fascination with Andean culture and an astounding knowledge of the remote trails and hidden ruins of the ancient Inca Empire. He is an avid hiker and a wonderful traveling companion with a gift for sharing his insights into the Inca world, past and present.
Upcoming Trips:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, May 18-26, 2012
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu, July 1- 9, 2012
Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, August 6-22, 2012
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, September 14-22, 2012
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu, October 14-22, 2012
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, November 21-29, 2012
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, December 27, 2012-January 4, 2013
Client Testimonials:
Could not have asked for a better guide than Peter. He was so much fun, knowledgeable, patient, and kind. He was one of the reasons we enjoyed this trip so much.A. K., Chicago, IL
Peter’s experience, with the Peruvian culture, the trek, and with people in general, shone through. He is organized and through. Best of all, his love of adventure and for his job was apparent to everyone and in everything he did.P. S., Arlington VA
The trip of a lifetime! I have taken over 5 adventure trips and Peter Boehm is by far the best leader I have encountered.Lee W., Atlanta, GA
Peter was amazing. He truly made the trip special. I always felt safe, taken care of, and informed. He’s the best.Ann C., Salcantay to Machu Picchu
Peter was a great guide, He created a wonderful atmosphere for the group to interact in. He was a lot of fun yet instilled confidence that everything was taken care of.Malin W., Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Peter was the best leader. He worked hard to take care of all the details along with interacting with everyone with great humor.Gordon W., Salcantay to Machu Picchu
Peter Boehm is a great leader, on top of everything and even attentive to small details to make everyone more comfortable.Leland and Susan F.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We can’t say enough about Peter Boehm. An absolute delight to be with.Cheryl P., South Deerfield, MA
I've taken numerous trips with other companies. Not one had a guide the equal of Peter. He is the best.Susan G., Pittsburgh PA
Hiker’s Journey to MP
We so appreciated Peter Boehm's extra efforts to acquaint us with Peruvian culture and art by introducing us to his friends and his own deep connection to the country.Jane E., Laguna Niguel CA
Hiker’s Journey to Machu Picchu
Peter is a great leader. He is an asset to your company.James S., West Chester PA
Hiker’s Journey to MP
Peter made this trip happen! His attention to all our needs and many other little details along the way allowed us to experience a wonderful journey!Pat B., Delta, BC
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Peter's enthusiasm for the people, history, and countryside of Peru was infectious. I truly enjoyed his leadership.Stephen H., Denver, CO
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We can't sing Peter's praises enough. He is a very knowlegable, personable and enthusiastic trip leader, and his obvious joy in sharing the culture and history of Peru with us made the trip very special. He is one in a million!Mark T., Oak Harbor, WA
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Peter's enthusiasm and pure delight with the Inca antiquities was so infectious there was no way anyone could not have a great time!Nancy T., Oak Harbor, WA
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Peter is outstanding. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and boundless energy made the trip extra special!Amy S., St Petersburg, FL
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:
Peru
Cusco and Machu Picchu Extension
Exploring the Realm of the Incas
Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
6 days
-
Level 2
Client Comments
We can depend on Wilderness Travel to offer exceptional trips and great attention to detail, and the quality of the Trip Leaders is unsurpassed.Jocelyn S., Arvada, CO
This was an amazingly beautiful trip.Deborah S., Buffalo, NY

