Overview
With fluted ice peaks and serene turquoise lakes, Peru’s Cordillera Blanca has long been a world-class destination for trekking. More than 70 summits here top 18,000 feet, including Huascarán (22,204'), Peru’s highest peak, and Alpamayo (19,506'), an extraordinary pyramid with one of the most beautiful ice faces in the Andes. We’ll have an Exploration Day from our camp at emerald-green Laguna Jancarurish (14,380'), below Alpamayo Base Camp, with optional hikes to stunning overviews of the whole region. Our 10-day trek is a dramatic one—and a challenge due to the altitude—but well rewarded with exhilarating days on the trail and spectacular lakeside campsites.
I think this was one of the best hiking trips I have ever taken. I loved the guides, staff, itinerary, food, and the MOUNTAINS! The scenery and weather were spectacular. This was my first trip with Wilderness Travel and I think every aspect of it was well designed and planned out, in every detail.
— Scott R., Woodstock, VT
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4, Aug 8-11, 2024
To Huaraz / Acclimatization Hikes
From Lima, we head north along the Pan American Highway to the mountain town of Huaraz (10,200'), the trekking hub of the Cordillera Blanca. We acclimatize to the altitude with day hikes, including a fascinating one to the archaeological site of Wilkahuain, with its burial chambers dating from the time of the pre-Inca Wari people. Another hike brings us up to deep blue Lake Churup, set at 14,700 feet at the base of the Churup Glacier.
Days 5-7, Aug 12-14, 2024
Hualcayán to Quebrada de los Cedros
Heading out to the farming community of Hualcayán, we join our trekking crew and pack animals. On trek, our camps are at 13,000 feet or higher, usually with views of beautiful glacial lakes, and we cross a total of seven passes over 15,000 feet! On our first two passes, we’ll have sensational views of the main summits of Nevado Santa Cruz, with a hike to Cullicocha (15,184') for views of Santa Cruz Glacier. Descending into the wide, green Quebrada de los Cedros, we’ll see Inca terraces on the far side of the valley.
Days 8-11, Aug 15-18, 2024
Alpamayo / Option to Alpamayo Base Camp / Huillca
We savor our first panoramas of the perfect pyramid of Alpamayo, with an Exploration Day to visit the base camp below emerald-green Laguna Jancarurish (14,380'). Crossing two passes brings us breathtaking views of the jagged summits of Pucajirca as we make our way to the village of Huillca.
Days 12-15, Aug 19-22, 2024
Jancapampa / Huaripampa / Huaraz / Lima
There are stunning glacier views en route as we ascend Pucajirca Pass, with a descent into a valley dotted with waterfalls and lakes. Our last two passes are Tupatupa Pass, with panoramas down the eastern cordillera, and Pucaraju Pass, where the knife-edged peak of Taulliraju towers above. Return to Lima and depart on Day 15 (or Day 16 if your flight departs the following day).
Trekking the Cordillera Blanca
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Physically demanding 10-day trek, moderate to steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes of 13,000-15,929 feet
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