Peru Holidays: Cordillera Blanca Trek

The Cordillera Blanca is, without question, one of the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world. Protected as the Huascaran National Park, the Cordillera is one of the earth's treasured natural resources and the highest mountain chain in the Peruvian Andes. Hundreds of multicoloured glacial lakes and dozens of crystal clear rivers and waterfalls make it one of the most attractive mountain destinations on earth. Over 20 snow-capped peaks rise above 6,000m/19,680ft. Its highest peak, Huascaran (6,768m/22,205ft), is also the world's highest mountain in a tropical zone. At the upper end of Quebrada Santa Cruz, perched high above a wide wall of glaciers, stands the glorious pyramid of Alpamayo. We drive north along Peru's desert coast and turn east into the Andes. From the charming mountain town of Huaraz, the route passes through the Callejon de Huaylas (narrow river valley) to arrive at the trail head. The trek includes spectacular peaks, alpine valleys, scattered quenual forests and 2 passes over 4,500m/14,760ft. We also visit small traditional communities and admire the ecologically diverse flora and fauna.

Day 1:
Cordillera Blanca - Peru

Leaving Huaraz. the trip starts with a bus drive north to the rich Callejon de Huaylas (narrow river valley) passing through the towns of Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz, if we have time, we can visit Tarica on way, people live in this village is dedicated to handmade potteries . This is the route to the trailhead at Cashapampa (2,900m/9,515ft). Here, the arrieros or mule drivers will be waiting for us. As they load the gear, we'll begin the trek. While in Cashapampa, we'll see the local people dressed in traditional garb, this is a great photo opportunity. The trek starts with a gradual uphill trail that takes us to the opening of the Santa Cruz gorge. We might encounter farmers tending their potato fields in the meadows at wider parts of the canyon. Campsite is at Ichicocha (small lake). From here, it's possible to observe a variety of highland bird species including ducks, Andean gulls and possibly a pair of Huallata (Andean geese). Trek length: 14km/8.7m (6½ hours walking). Camp elevation: 3,800m/12,465ft (L,D)

Day 2:
After breakfast, the gradual uphill climb continues, passing lake Jatuncocha. To the left, is the outstanding snow-peak of Quitaraju (6,036m/ 19,798ft). Hiking through scattered forests, we'll catch a glimpse of the pyramidal summit of Alpamayo (5,948m/19,510ft), rising above the Arhuaycocha gorge. Alpamayo has been called the most beautiful mountain in the world and will be our view during lunch. In the afternoon, the walk continues for about an hour before arriving at Taullipampa located at the foot of the impressive mountain Taulliraju (5,832m/19,130ft). The summit looks like a rock and ice cathedral. Campsite is at the end of the valley with magnificent views of glaciers and peaks surrounding us on all sides including Artesonraju and Quitaraju. Trek length: 10km/6.2m (4½ hours walking). Camp elevation: 4,250m/13,940ft. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
Today an early breakfast is needed to start a most strenuous day. We'll follow an ancient pre-Inca stone-paved path up to the top of Punta Union pass (4,750m/15,585ft). This will be our first full view of the magnificent Cordillera Blanca. After taking a break, the trail descends into the Huaripampa gorge. There are beautiful glacial lakes along the way. We're now heading toward the greener eastern slopes of the range. The route passes small alpine lakes, cascading rivers and small alpine forests of Quenual trees. Campsite is at the fork of the Paria and Huaripampa gorges. Trek length: 12.5km/7.8m (6½ hours walking). Camp elevation: 3,705m/12,152ft. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
An early morning 2-hour walk brings us to Colcabamba, the only small village we'll pass along the way. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the local people, partaking of the local culture. Our route leads through forests of Quenual and Quisuar: the world's only trees growing at this elevation. On arrival to Colcabamba, the hike continues uphill along a dirt road until finally leading down into the Morocco gorge toward Yanama. Campsite will be at Pacchapata. Trek length: 11km/6.8m (6½ hours walking). Camp elevation: 4,215m/13,830ft. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Today, the hike moves on to the Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass (4,800m/ 15,750ft). There're excellent views of Huascaran's east face as well as Huandoy (6,396m/20,980ft), Chopicalqui (6,355m/20,845ft) and Chacraraju (6,113m/ 20,050ft). Next the trail descends into Llanganuco gorge where we may spot herds of vicunas, South America's finest cameloid. They have been reintroduced to this region. We continue descending into the Llanganuco gorge viewing orchids and other plants native to this special region. A late afternoon bus ride takes us back to Huaraz. Dinner is at your expense. Trek length: 6.3miles (5 hours walking). Driving distance: 85km/52m (3 hours). (B,L)

Instead of going back to Lima, why not continuing north to Trujillo or Chiclayo and explore the scarcely known pre-Inca remains of Chan Chan and Kuelap, among many others, left by the highly sophisticated cultures of the Moche, Chimu and Chachapoyas? The colonial cities of Trujillo and Cajamarca, where Pizarro executed Atahualpa, are amongst the finest of Peru.

Rated: Moderate to strenuous

This trip requires 2 extra travel days Lima-Huaraz-Lima and at least 1 day in Huaraz for altitude adjustment (In case it is necessary). If the people take the first flight from Cusco to Lima (Arrival around 08:00-09:00) could connect to Huaraz by tourism bus around 10:00. Extra cost for new ticket bus, in case of flight delay is by your own (Old ticket is not refundable). Our staff will help you to get other new time ticket bus to Huaraz and transferred to the bus station includes in the price..

1 support horse per two people. Maximum gear weight 10kg/21 lbs per person.

Prices upon request

Fixed Departure dates
2006: NEW PROGRAMS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN NOVEMBER

Tour Tariff
	Per person	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 495	$ 30
EUR	€ 410	€ 24
GBP	£ 277	£16

(*) Price last updated on 01 October 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(***) Fixed departures leaves with 2 participants minimum

Included in price:
Transport in bus, English speaking guide, bus ticket Lima-Huaraz-Lima, meals as mentioned, 1 horse per two people, complete camping equipment inclusive kitchen and toilet tent, cook, helpers, mule keepers, mules (horses) for cargo transportation, first aid kit.

Not included:
Other meals, transfers in Huaraz and Lima, extras, personal trekking gear (sleeping bag), tips, hotel in Huaraz (from $ 65 a double room).

Cordillera Blanca Trek

The Hidden Treasure of the Andes

Peru