Mountain Climbing in the Cordillera Blanca: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

The Cordillera Blanca is considered “the Peruvian capital of mountaineering”. It is located on the eastern side of the Santa River Valley, in Callejón de Huaylas. It has the greatest amount of snow-capped peaks, among which Huascarán (6768 m), Huandoy and its three summits over 6000 meters, Chopicalqui (6354 m), Chacraraju (6 112 m), Alpamayo (5947 m) and Copa (6118 m) stand out.

The glacial peaks offer good challenges to the most experienced climbers, but there are also easier itineraries that demand few hours and gentle routes.

+500 lagoons

If you enjoy hiking among turquoise-water lakes, Cordillera Blanca is the perfect spot. Some of the most amazing are the Llanganuco Lagoons (accessible from Yungay) and the Parón Lagoon located north of the Huandoy peak. Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha lakes, near the Alpamayo, are also beautiful and accessible only on foot or by horse from Caraz.

Culinary offer

One of the best things about Peru is that wherever you are, you will always find a great culinary offer for all tastes and budgets. You cannot leave the area without trying the Cuy or alpaca meats. If you are a vegetarian you can find dishes with rice, avocado-based salads and delicious fruit juices.

Huaraz

It is a popular starting point for any mountain climbing adventure in the Cordillera Blanca, due to its proximity to the highest mountains. It is located at about 3050 meters of height with great views of the main peaks such as Vallunaraju or Huascarán. The kindness of its people, the natural beauty and cultural contrast will make you love this place.

From Lima you can get there by plane using the local airline with daily flights to Huaraz. Another option is by bus, with an 8-hour ride along a good paved road.

Southern hemisphere's winter is the best season to visit the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. During June, July and August the weather is more stable and the summits are in the best conditions.