Overview

The Cordillera Blanca is the highest equatorial mountain range in the world. With 36 summits rising to over 6000m peaks are perpetually snow – clad. Among the more famous of its mountains are the giant Huascaran (22,300`), the highest peak in Perú -and the classic pyramid of Nevado Alpamayo the world´s most beautiful peak (19,600’). Cold mountain streams tumble and swirl their way down from peaks to the many beautiful glacial “Lakes “. In the canyons called ”Quebrada” only a few thousand feet below, the vegetation ranges from brilliant flowering plants to exotic succulents.

The valleys of the Cordillera Blanca are inhabited by Quechua – speaking Indians. They wear colorful hand loomed woolen clothing and raise corn and potatoes as staple crops. Although there have been some changes due to increasing contact with outsiders, the old traditional way of life is very strong here. Many others still thresh grain by circling donkeys around the floor of the threshing ground; often the work is accompanied by musicians who play wooden flutes and drums.

Few mountain ranges present such varied archeological remains as this one. Artifacts and sites discovered here over the years represent at least four civilizations prior to the Spanish. Abandoned terraces and irrigation systems are testimony to greater agricultural activity in the past.

Mountain trails in the region are good and the hiking is superb, even if you never intend to climb a peak. The weather is usually brilliantly clear and the mountain views are exceptional.

The Cordillera Blanca has become increasingly popular for climbers and trekkers in the last 30 years. The government of Peru made a national park out of most of the Cordillera Blanca in 1975, the purpose of which is to facilitate study of the archeological sites, preserve the rarer species of plants and animals, and to regulate the number of visitors to the area.

Itinerary

Day 1 

Lima:Arrive Lima at the airport Jorge Chavez in the morning and  transfer to the bus station  Lima to drive Huaraz.

Lima – Huaraz By Tourist Bus Or Private:From Lima 8:30 am from the city of Lima early eight hours by bus approx. To Huaraz. The first part of the journey that follows a coast of barren desert with evidence of the growing urban population of Peru in several human settlements, passing the cities of Chancay, Huacho, Huaura, in the city of Barranca marine lunch, from the village of Pativilca headed into the mountains, up from 150 m to step Conococha (4100msnm), we have a first glimpse of snow-capped mountains and mountain Caullaraju (5680 m) and the Cordillera Huayhuash, then we began to descend toward the north to the city of Huaraz (3100m), the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Overnight in hotel – Lunch and dinner.

Day 2

First day of acclimatization Huaraz –Wilcahuain: Huaraz located 3100m capital of the Ancash region and the center of trekking the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash.. , Begins in the city of Huaraz visiting the street José Olaya, the only street that remains of Huaraz before the 1970 earthquake, then it ascends to the area Huacrahirca where the Cordillera Blanca seen as the Huandoy mountains Huascaran, Vallunaraju , Churup and Huatsan, follow the path from the lower village of Huanchac, going after the people of Jinua and Paria, visit the pre-Inca temple Ichic Wilcahuain, an architectural complex of the Wari culture (1100 AD) then visit the main temple of Wilcahuain, where we will visit the corridors and buildings as labyrinths of three levels, which are oriented to the fall sun, southern cross and toward the sunrise, we will also visit the small showroom ceramics of this civilization. Later we started the walk towards the town of San Miguel de Recrish from this village began walking downhill to take us 02 hours approx. to the thermal baths of Monterrey, then take a relaxing dip in the swimming pools or the hot springs of healing properties. Return to Huaraz on a bus. Box Lunch and dinner.

It includes:

  • Transport. Monterrey – Huaraz. 
  • Box lunch.
  • Ticket payment of sites to visit
  • Official bilingual guide.

Day 3

Second day of acclimatization: Lake Churup: Output private mobility to the east of the city of Huaraz to Pitec, passing the towns of Unchus 3300 m. Llupa village 3500 meters. Then we get Pitec 3850 m. From where you have a panoramic view of the central part of the Cordillera Blanca and then started to walk entering the path ascend to the 4450 m.s.n.m. where is located the lagoon Churup beautiful colors called aprox.a 3 hour walk, on the way some rocky areas scale. The Laguna Churup is a classic destination in Huaraz to acclimatize, then return to the city of Huaraz. End of our service. Box Lunch and dinner.

It includes 

  • Huaraz – Pitec Transport
  • Huaraz – Box lunch
  • Ticket payment of sites to visit 
  • Official bilingual guide..

Day 4:

Huaraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral.

Duration: 4 hours drive and 4/5hrs  hike.Approx.

Journey to the north of Huaraz, in the journey you can appreciate landscapes and cities of the Callejon de Huaylas, near the holy river, the first stop is in the village of Anta to photograph the mountains of Huandoy, Huascaran Chopicalqui, Cup, Urus and Vallunaraju, continuing the tour through the villages of Marcara, Acopampa then we will have our second stop in the city of Carhuaz, which is characterized by its traditional customs and traditional dress, they visit the square and the church St. Peter and delight the rich ice cream made of typical fruits of Carhuaz and the alley of Huaylas. The trip continues north and visit the ancient city of Yungay (2500 meters), this city disappeared after the earthquake by an avalanche of Nevado Huascaran on May 31, 1970, now called holy field of Yungay, in this place alone remained as silent witnesses to this tragedy 04 palm trees and white image of christ on the top of the cemetery. Currently the new city of Yungay is located 1 km.. North of the cemetery. From Caraz started to climb to the village of Cashapampa (2990 m) We immediately started with the trek/walk up the narrow Santa ruz valley. This is the fist part od one of the most famous treks in Perù. The Santa Cruz – Llanganuco Circuit. As we gain height the valley opens out and more snowy peaks emerge onto the skyline. We camp at the small lake of Ichic Cocha(Llamacorral) 3800m 5/6  hrs – L.D.

Day 5

Llamacorral – Base camp of Alpamayo (4200m): Continuing up the Santa Cruz valley to the peaks of Alpamayo , Quitaraju, and the amazing rock and ice towers of Taulliraju gradually dominate the view. The valley becames a sea of lupins. 4/5 hrs. B,L,D.

Day 6

Base camp to Moraine camp.(4900m). From here we have to carry our own equipment which is the most pronounced an stige to brown camp. Little by little it brings us closer to the Alpamayo glacier. Today it is comfortable as acclimatization during the morning to Camp Moraine, after a good panorama in front of Nevado Artezonraju, we return to base camp and sleep here, this is an acclimatization to get used to the height. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Base camp to Morena camp. Breakfast in camp and after an early lunch we go up to Camp Moraine, by the same path we climbed as acclimatization and we sleep in Camp Moraine. (B, L, D)

Day 8

Moraine camp to High camp of Alpamayo (5600mm). From camp moraine we begin our ascent to enter the glacier and climb the saddle, here we have to cross a crack. The next large glacial basin, the second Alpamayo high camp is built. From here we have an excellent view of the ice face of Alpamayos. (B, L, D)

Day 9

High camp to Summit of Alpamayo (5947m). At night boarding is done on the southwest wall of the glacier-rich Alpamayos crevasse. The first thing we need to overcome the crack, you can also, depending on the conditions present difficulties. At about 400m the long and steep headland increases -50-60* steep reefs leis wall to the roughness of the summit. On a very fine line to reach the top of the exposed Alpamayos _ here we enjoy a spectacular view of the neighboring peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.

Return from the summit to high camp and immediately pack up the luggage and descend to base camp, a very hard and exhausting day, but very happy. (B, L, D)

Day 10

We can consider a reserve day, if it is bad weather or Climb to Quitaraju.(6036m) (B, L, D)

Day 11

Base camp to Cashapampa – Huaraz – Hotel. The descent from base camp takes place through the vast Santa Cruz Valley to cashapampa. From here we will return with our bus that is waiting for us in cashapampa and will take us to Huaraz – Hotel, to hot showers and a celebratory night out on the town. (B, L,)

Day 12

The long return bus ride to Lima. Usually a lively ride with re-oxygenating blood, a sense of achievement, relaxation and a welcome rest from activity. The trip ends back in Lima. If there is time before  your return flight, explore the city (with care!), visit the gold museum or the Catacombs or shop for a few last minute wall  hangings! (B)

Day 13

Depart Jorge Chavez International, Lima Airport and flight back home.

Included

Not Included

Reserve