Cordillera Blanca Trek

10 days starting and ending in Lima, Peru. Thu-Sat
$1465 4 travelers or more

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 70 summits over 18,000 feet with Huascaran at 22,204 feet. We spend a couple days acclimatizing around the mountain town of Huaraz.
Biking, rafting, ruins, markets - Huaraz offers it all. Our challenging five-day trek takes us on an unparalleled alpine adventure, past towering peaks, turquoise lakes, flower filled meadows, and isolated villages seemingly lost in time.

Full Itinerary Additional Details
Huayna Picchu rises high behind the Machu Picchu ruins during your Peru tour
Huayna Picchu rises high behind the Machu Picchu ruins during your Peru tourHow often have we seen this photo?  Why not TAKE it yourself

Cordillera Blanca Trek - Full Itinerary

Travel Highlights
  • Huaraz
  • Cordillera Blanca
  • 5D/4N Trekking
  • Optional 8D/7N Trekking
    Additional Tour Options
  • $1675 - 3 travelers
  • $1995 - 2 travelers
  • $1775 - Back Country Blanca - Add 3 days trekking for a true backcountry experience. 4 or more travelers.
  • $2550 - Back Country Blanca - Add 3 days trekking for a true backcountry experience. 2 Travelers.

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Day 1 Arrive Lima lodge

Overnight.

Day 2 Travel To Huaraz lodge

You'll travel north today for a spectacular journey into the high Andes. Rising into the second highest mountain range in the world, you'll pass fertile fields of sugarcane. The climb continues up dry hills, eventually turning into the dense puna grasslands. At Conococha Pass (13,385 feet) you'll turn north and descend into a world of towering white mountains and surreal vistas.

Days 3-4 Callejon de Huaylas lodge

The unsurpassed scenic beauty of the Santa Valley (Callejon de Huaylas in the indigenous Quechua language) separates the soaring Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca mountains. Huaraz makes a perfect base to explore this region's stunning diversity.

Visit one of the nearby indigenous villages and try your bargaining skills in one of the colorful local markets. Take a half-day hike in the Cordillera Negra or visit the pre-Inca ruins of Chavín de Huantar or Huari Tiahuanaco. There's also Class III rafting down the Rio Santa. The days are yours to enjoy the panoramic vistas and unique cultural treasures of the region.

Days 5 - 9 Trekking the Cordillera Blancas lodgecamp

(5B,5L,4D)

Your trek begins in the village of Cashapampa, on the morning of Day 5, where your arrieros wait for you to load your gear onto their mules for your journey into the wild Cordillera Blanca. A gradual uphill trail takes you through the narrow entrance to the Quebrada Santa Cruz Gorge and along it's glacier-fed river. Your nights will be spent at high elevation campsites close to mountain lakes like Ichiccocha Lake and at the feet of glacial capped peaks.

Your trek will take you through alpine meadows overlooking fluted glacier peaks, pre-Inca trails of paved stonework and challenging alpine passes, with green, flower filled slopes and cascading rivers. You will also see Queñual and Quisar tree forests, who's twisted trunks offer a testament to the harsh conditions of their environment. Along your journey you'll likely spot abundant  wildlife and enjoy the hospitality of the local people.

Bask in the simple splendor of Mother Nature as you journey through panoramic views of soaring Andean summits such as Huascaran (22,205 ft), Huandoy (20,980 ft) and Chopicalki (20,845 ft). On Day 9 of your adventure you'll reach the village of Yungay, where you can give your tired feet a break and take a bus down the bumpy dirt roads back to Huaraz.

Day 10 Bus to Lima and Return Home

Return to Lima to catch your red-eye flight, or do an extension to the Amazon or Machu Picchu! If you haven't seen Machu Picchu already, this extension is a must!

Accommodations:

5 nights comfortable hotels, 4 nights camping

Single Supplement: $250

Meals Included:

All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:

buses, vans, and your own two feet in the Cordillera Blanca!

Group & Staff:

Min 2, Max 12; Adventure Life Tour Leader/Guide; mule drivers, cook.

Personal Budgeting:

Allow US$105 for meals not included, US$28 international departure tax, money for souvenirs!

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:

Share US$65, Single US$115

Is it for Me?

An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, and ancient ruins. The trek is a moderate to difficult five-day hike so travelers should be fit.

Arrival / Departure Transfers:

1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

canoeing
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