Cordillera Blanca Trek

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Overnight.

Day 2 Travel To Huaraz

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

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

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!