Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca

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

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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).

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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.

Explanation of Trip Levels