+51 942 646 424 info@grupoalpamayo.com.pe
+51 942 646 424 info@grupoalpamayo.com.pe
The Cordillera Blanca is a mountain range covered in snow-capped peaks of breathtaking scenic beauty in the western Andes of northern Peru. It lies northeast of Lima, in the Ancash highlands. This mountain range is considered the highest tropical mountain range in the world, due to its proximity to the equator, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It stretches for 180 kilometers and covers a total area of 3,400 km², encompassing a rich biodiversity of plants, birds, and animals, numerous glaciers (including Peru’s highest peak, Huascarán Sur, at 6,678 meters above sea level), valleys such as the Callejón de Huaylas and Callejón de los Conchucos, ravines and glacial lakes, and archaeological sites of significant value.
Almost all tours and activities planned for this destination are based in Huaraz, as it is the closest city to the Andes Mountains. Huaraz has all the necessary tourist infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, etc.). From Huaraz, you can easily travel to other towns, villages, and/or hotels located in the Callejón de Huaylas valley to visit the Andes.
The other option is to fly from Lima. A 50-minute flight takes you to Anta Airport, and from there, it’s a 30-minute drive to Huaraz. This service is currently suspended; we hope it will reopen soon.
In the Cordillera Blanca and the Peruvian Andes, there are two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season extends from October to early April; The second season, also known as the Andean summer, runs from mid-April to the end of September, and this is precisely the ideal time to visit the Cordillera Blanca. This is because the activities we enjoy are outdoors, such as visiting lagoons, ravines, and viewpoints; hiking with camping; climbing; mountain biking; and more.
Typically, a day during the dry season dawns completely clear with a blue sky. It becomes quite warm around midday, reaching about 20°C (68°F). Mornings and afternoons are quite cold, and at night the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F) at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
Due to its location, the Cordillera Blanca boasts a high level of biodiversity. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, including 882 lakes according to the ANA (National Water Authority), the largest being Laguna Parón; 556 glaciers according to the INAIGEM (National Institute of Mountain Ecosystems), the highest being Huascarán Sur at 6,768 meters above sea level; 779 plant species, represented by the Quenual tree (Polylepis sp.); approximately 150 bird species, including the Andean condor; and more than 10 mammal species. A large portion of this mountain range is under the protection and management of Huascarán National Park (PNH).
The PNH was founded on July 1, 1975, declared an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977, and a Natural World Heritage Site in 1985. As mentioned above, the Cordillera Blanca and the PNH offer endless scenic beauty for nature lovers.
The options presented by the geography of the Cordillera Blanca are countless. Here you can find experiences to suit your interests, such as recreational, cultural, sporting, and educational activities, among others.
Among them we have:
Visits to archaeological sites such as: Chavín de Huántar, Honkopampa, Willcahuain, Tumshucaico, Waullac, Pumacayan, etc.
And others such as birdwatching, flora and fauna interpretation, mountain biking trails, visits to viewpoints, museums, and much more.
Hiking is a recreational activity with minimal environmental impact, making it a highly recommended activity.
The Cordillera Blanca is famously known for its beautiful hiking and climbing routes, attracting many visitors from around the world. The 340,000 hectares of this part of the Andes Mountains offer numerous options for day hikes and multi-day treks with overnight camping. These multi-day treks take you through small villages, glacial valleys, colorful lagoons, mountain passes with incredible views, quenual forests, streams, and more.
Long treks generally take place above 3700m, with campsites at 4000m and passes near 5000m. Therefore, it is recommended that all those wishing to undertake these treks be in good physical condition and acclimatize beforehand.
Acclimatization can be done around the city of Huaraz, by visiting any of the attractions that can be reached in a day. Here are 10 of the most interesting day hikes in Huaraz.
Among the most popular trekking circuits in this mountain range are: Santa Cruz Trek, Santa Cruz – Ulta Trek, Alpamayo Trek, Quillcayhuanca-Cojup Valley, Olleros-Chavín, Rurec Valley, and the Ishinka-Aquilpo Traverse.
Remember that you can count on our extensive experience in the area to help you plan your visit to one of these circuits.
High-altitude mountain climbing is another world-class activity practiced during the dry season. The Cordillera Blanca boasts 27 snow-capped peaks over 6,000 meters above sea level, including the north and south peaks of Huascarán, the Huandoys, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Tocllaraju, Artesonraju, Ranrapalca, and others. It also has hundreds of snow-capped peaks over 5,000 meters above sea level, the most emblematic of which is Alpamayo.
These peaks can be classified into two groups based on the degree of difficulty in reaching the summit. The first group is considered technical, which includes the mountains mentioned above, requiring significant ice climbing experience; The second category can be considered moderate, encompassing mountains below 6,000 meters, whose access and ascent are not particularly challenging.
To climb a moderate-level peak, basic ice climbing skills, good physical condition, and prior acclimatization are necessary. Acclimatization can be achieved through multi-day treks in this same mountain range.
Among the moderately difficult peaks are: Nevado Pisco, Yanapaccha, Ishinca, Urus, Vallunaraju, Huamashraju, and Mateo.
Regardless of the mountain’s difficulty level, for safety, it is recommended to hire a professional mountain guide. In Huaraz, any member of the Peruvian Mountain Guides Association (UIAGM) is qualified to provide this service and holds certification from the International Union of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA).
As we mentioned before, Huascarán National Park (PNH) is located within the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. The main objective of PNH is to protect natural resources and promote sustainable development, both for tourism activities and for the interests of the surrounding communities that use the pastures within the park.
For the sustainable development of tourism activities, Huascarán National Park has an entrance fee, which is as follows:
| Duration | Foreigners | Nationals | Locals | ||
| Adults | Children 5-16 years | Adults | Children 5-16 years | ||
| 1 day | S/ 30.00 | S/ 12.00 | S/ 5.00 | S/ 5.00 | S/ 3.00 |
| 2 to 3 days | S/ 60.00 | S/ 30.00 | S/ 15.00 | S/ 15.00 | S/ 15.00 |
| 4 to 30 days | S/ 150.00 | S/ 75.00 | S/ 35.00 | S/ 35.00 | S/ 35.00 |
Remember that you can CONTACT us to plan your trip; we will gladly help you.
OFERTA
Escalada Nevado Mateo
S/ 250
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐