The glacier covered peaks of the Cordillera Blanca soar into the blue skies of northern Peru. This tour takes you to the highest tropical range on earth, more than 50 summits over 18,000 feet with Huascaran at 22,204 feet. We spend a few days acclimatizing around the mountain town of Huaraz. Biking, rafting, ruins, markets - Huaraz offers it all. Our challenging eight-day trek takes us on an unparalleled alpine adventure, past towering peaks, turquoise lakes, flower filled meadows, and isolated villages seemingly lost in time.
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
Travel north today for a spectacular journey into the high Andes to the city of Huaraz. At an elevation of 3100 meters, Huaraz offers a great starting point for getting used to the altitude while enjoying of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Our first day will reward with a colorful and vibrant visit to the local market, where we will learn about local products and have the chance to buy some typical fruits directly from the hands of those who farmed it. Also, a visit to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, and the so famous Olaya street, the only which remains in place after the 1970's earthquake.
Spend today acclimating while exploring the beauty of Lake Willcacocha. After arriving at the lake trailhead, you will hike 2-2.5 hours and climb 550 meters to reach the lake. From here you can see a vast majority of the peaks and glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca. Once back in Huaraz you have the option to relax in the warm waters of the Monterrey hot springs.
Rise early today to venture to Lake Paron, the largest of the 265 lakes in the Huascaran National Park. The day starts with a 1.5 hour drive to Caraz, from where a dirt road covers the 31km uphill to the lake in about 2 hours. Once here, we can climb to the Mirado, which at 200 meters above the rewards lake travelers with a view of the sixteen snow peaks surrounding the lake, including the famous Artesonraje, dubbed to be the Paramount's live logo. Relax along the shore and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Huaraz.
Day 5: Lake Churup
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
On your final day of acclimation and exploration of Huaraz's lakes, drive a short distance east of Huaraz to the Pitec trailhead. Once here, hike a short 2 hour distance to Lake Churup, located at the peak of the snow peak of the same name. Relax by the lake and enjoy the beauty of the mountain reflections in the calm and clear water before a picnic lunch along its shores. Return to Huaraz early in order to prepare for the trekking days ahead.
You set off early this morning by minibus down the valley passing through several small villages before you arrive to Caraz . From here you descend out of the valley towards the village of Cashapampa (9500 ft) where you leave your motorized transportation behind you! Join your trekking team, with your porters, mules and cook who join you as you begin the climb. Follow a river gorge hiking approximately 6.5 miles in the first 4-5 hours and make your first camp in the meadow called Llamacorral (12,600 ft). Enjoy time to rest here and enjoy a refreshing hot drink while admiring the towering mountains that surround you, including the snowy peak of Taulliraj. Make sure to keep warm, as the minimum temperatures can drop to the 30's F!
Today you climb further, being rewarded by increasingly spectacular views of the glaciated peaks on both sides. Arrive to a marshy floodplain and a perfect lunch stop next to the two lakes of Lagunas Chica and Grande. Upon hiking further, you see Alpamayo on the left, a pyramid shaped peak long cherished by climbers and hikes with its snow fluted slopes. Your camp tonight is at Taullipampa (13,800 ft) which is some 7.5 miles beyond your starting point this morning. The peaks of Quitaraju, Rinrihirca, Paria, and Artesonraju form a huge arena surrounding your campsite, and lull you to sleep with their majestic presence! Keep warm tonight, as temperatures could drop to the mid 20's F when you are this high!
Today you will conquer the high pass of Punta Union at (15,585 ft), which is only a few feet lower than the highest mountain in all of western Europe! This morning you tackle the steep and rigorous climb to the pass in a couple of hours, then stop to enjoy possibly the best panoramic view in all of Peru. Taulliraju is in full view with the turquoise glacial Lake Taullicocha resting at its feet below. The mountains of Santa Cruz, Chacraraju, Huandoy and Huascaran surround you as well, taking your already shortened breath away! Enjoy your reward for a while before descending down the steep trail into the Quebrada Huaripampa, a long valley of meadows with scattered small lakes. Walk about 5.5 miles and descend 3200 ft, then continue along the river and arrive to Laguna Morococha. Camp at Paria (12,600 ft) this evening, with views of Chacraraju, Paria and Piramide tonight.
Today you hike to leave the valley at Vaquería. Descend about 1100 ft to the bridge and then walk uphill for a nice 800 ft to your next camping spot at the feet of Yanapaccha and Copicalqui peaks. Enjoy the rest of the day free to rest up from your hike thus far!
Today is free for you to enjoy an optional hike up to the pass at Portachuelo de Llanganuco (15,600 ft) for outstanding views of the peaks of Huascaran, Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Chacraraju and Pisco and Llanganuco lakes. Head back to the same campsite this evening.
Approach the flanks of the awesome peak of Mount Contrahierbas, decorated with waterfalls hanging over black granite cliffs which seem to balance out the icy blanket that encompasses the peak.
Today you you will climb to the highest pass of your trek Punta Yananacu (15,900 ft). The outlines of Chopicalqui and Huascaran dominate the view to the West.
The rocks which forms the pass were destroyed some years ago so our mules split to take another road to make a large loop and meet us again on the other side of the valley. We descend to the camp at Ocshapampa which is set amid the sharp spires of Mount Ulta, Hualcan and Copa to the South, while to the East and North Contrahierbas looms large.
A hike back to the road brings you to your welcome vehicle, and you drive 3 hours back to Huaraz over meadows and eucalyptus forest. Enjoy an optional well-deserved soak in the nearby hot springs today and rest your muscles from your adventure!
Hiking: 3 miles/5 km, 3-4 hours
Day 15: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Return to Lima today in time for your departure flight this evening.
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Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
We have used AL for decades now to plan trips. Kassandra has been with us from the start and has never disappointed. She knows our family and our quirks and is always willing to fit the trip to us. This time we made her work for the booking because of family member schedules. It has all come together for a great Christmas gift for many families.
Kris Rowe
1 month ago
Great company. Good communications. Great accommodations, excursions, transport. Guide Elvira was spectacular along with transport, driver, Cesar and activities
Kathy S
2 months ago
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
2 months ago
Arvin has been very responsive and professional.
Carlotta Diaz
2 months ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
