Trekking

The Cordilleras around Huaraz offer some of the best trekking opportunities in South America, from short, easy hikes of a day or two, to multi-week adventures requiring a good fitness level.

There are two main trekking areas. The Cordillera Blanca is the world’s highest tropical mountain range, which includes Peru’s highest peak - Mount Huascaran (6768m). The Cordillera Huayhuash is 115km to the south of Huaraz and includes Peru’s second highest peak – Mount Yerupaja (6634m).

The 180km long and 20km wide Cordillera Blanca, or ‘White Range’, is a nature-lover’s paradise offering endless trekking opportunities through pristine alpine valleys dominated by perennially ice-capped peaks and dotted with glittering azure lakes.

The 3400 sq km Huascaran National Park encompasses practically the entire area of the Cordillera Blanca above 4000m, including 663 glaciers and 269 glacial lakes. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and a World Heritage Site in 1985, it was first established in 1975 in order to protect the region’s diverse flora and fauna, including such extraordinary and endangered species as the giant Puya Raimondi plant, the spectacled bear and the Andean condor; its geological formations; and archaeological remains.

The Cordillera Huayhuash is much smaller than the Cordillera Blanca. But though a mere 30 km long, it is no less spectacular. In fact, the full circuit trail, which circles the tight cluster of peaks and splendid turquoise lakes that characterise this remote and pristine range, is considered by many as one of the most spectacular in the world.

The Cordillera Huayhuash was made famous in 1983 after the release of the documentary film ‘Touching the Void’ by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, which tells the tale of their incredible ascent of Siula Grande (6356m).
Trekking in the area requires a good fitness level as the trail takes you up several high mountain passes - all above 4600m and the highest 5079m - with spectacular mountain vistas.

The best time to go trekking in the Cordilleras is during the dry season, from April to September. The weather is good and clear views are almost guaranteed, although random heavy snowfall and strong winds can still occur. It is therefore essential to bring waterproof gear and warm clothes.

Inka Travel Guides offers five different treks in the Cordilllera Blanca, ranging from easy to difficult, and the full circuit trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash.