15 Days/14 Nights May to November Moderate
Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.
Trekking Santa Cruz: One of the most popular treks in the Cordillera Blanca, the hike around this subtropical mountain range passes through impressive landscapes of uncommonly beautiful mountains, frequent lakes and glaciers. The camps are some of the most spectacular in the world. This is a short and very popular hike with spectacular views of lakes and mountains.
For acclimatization, we begin with a day hike to Laguna (Lake) Churup, at 4,450m. The highest and most demanding pass on the Santa Cruz trek is Punta Union Pass (4750m)
Nevado Pisco: This is a very appealing mountain and a good option for climbers for acclimatization. Previous experience in mountaineering is not required, though you should be in good physical condition. At the summit (5752 m), you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), including the 4 peaks of the Huandoys, Alpamayo, Artesonraju and Chopicalqui. You’ll also be able to see North and South Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru, at 6,768 meters.
Day 1: Flight to Lima - Lodging in the hotel
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m) - 400 km/approximately 8 hours
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking hike to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
Day 4: Huaraz - Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)
Day 5: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)
Day 6: Taullipampa - Trekking up to Punta Union Pass (4750 m) - Paria - Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)
Day 7: Huaripampa - Trekking to the village of Vaquería. Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) Camping at Cebollapampa (3870 m)
Day 8: Cebollapampa - Trekking to Laguna 69 (4450 m)
Day 9: Cebollapampa - Trekking to Refugio Pisco (4680 m)
Day 10: Base Camp/Peru Hut - Climb Nevado Pisco (5752 m) - back to Base Camp. Optional: hike just to Moraine Camp (4900 m)
Day 11: Base Camp - Trekking to Refugio Pisco - Transfer to Huaraz
Day 12: Rest day in Huaraz. Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancas
Day 13: Transfer to the bus terminal in Huaraz for the transfer to Lima. In Lima, transfer to the hotel
Day 14: Stay in Lima - transfer to the airport
Day 15: Return to Europe or your country of origin
Day 1: Flight to Lima - Lodging in the hotel
Arrival in Lima - the large city in South America; population approximately 11 million. Rest or explore the city on your own. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m) - 400 km/approximately 8 hours
This ride follows the Pan American highway north across the impressive Pacific coastal desert. Continuing toward higher terrain, we pass through the Cordillera Negra (Black Range) at Conococha Pass (4020 m) into the Santa Valley and Huaraz (3100m.) Once across the pass, you’ll see a charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, without a doubt some of the most impressive scenery in the world. You can also fly via LCPERU - flight duration 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 3: Huaraz - Day Hike to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
The trail to Laguna Churup is one of the classic hikes of the Cordillera Blanca, challenging but a great acclimatization route. We drive to the village of Llupa, and from there begin our hike on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna (Lake) Churup. The trail gets narrow and steep, including a small section with fixed ropes. It‘s one of the most beautiful places in this varied mountain region. Churup Peak rises above the lake, a wild rocky mountain with glaciers and cliffs 5,400 meters above sea level. Here we can continue climbing and do a loop to the Churup summit trail before returning to the trailhead and back to Huaraz for the night. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 4: Huaraz - Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)
Today we head for the departure point for our trek. We set off via private transport to the valley of the Santa River, as far down as Caraz and then along a narrow route toward the Santa Cruz Valley. The farmers cultivate the green fields, but agriculture is very difficult here. We arrive at the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) where our trek begins and our local team is waiting: burro drivers whose pack animals will carry our baggage from now on. Starting in the lush vegetation of the valley, we continue deeper into this unique mountain landscape. After approximately 4½ hours of trekking, we arrive at our campsite in Llamacorral. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 5: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)
We climb via Santa Cruz Gorge and pass alongside the lakes of Ichiccocha y Jatuncocha. At the edge of the trees, the lupines enchant us with all colors of blue. This is a paradise for the local ducks! Next we go to Lake Arhueycocha (4450m), which is also the departure point for climbing Alpamayo. We enjoy a fantastic view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju (the logo for Paramount Pictures!) Many people believe that the white pyramid of Alpamayo is the most beautiful mountain in the world! Camp at Taullipampa. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 6: Taullipampa - Trekking to Punta Union Pass (4750 m) - Paria - Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)
At first it‘s an easy climb through meadows, but the trail soon becomes dry, rocky and steep. This trail was used from pre-Inca times to get to Punta Unión, an imposing mountain; it will take about 2 hours. The majestic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca you can see today include Taulliraju and Huandoy, Huascarán, the Pucajircas, Artesonraju and many others. The descent is also steep and passes through the beautiful high mountain landscape of the lakes of Morococha. We finally get to the valley of Huaripampa where we camp for the night. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 7: Paria - Trekking to the village of Vaquería. Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m). Camping at Cebollapampa (3870 m)
After descending through the forests and whitewater rivers of the Huaripampa Valley, we pass through a typical village of the high Andes, Vaquería. The farmers here raise small animals and some crops. At this elevation there are still flowers, and their colors brighten the landscape. From the village we climb to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, 4650 meters, where you will have fantastic views of several mountains covered in snow. And with a bit of luck, we‘ll be able to see vicuñas! These timid relatives of llamas graze at elevations of 5500 m; it’s not surprising that these animals produce the finest wool in the animal kingdom. From here we take a van to Cebollapampa, the camp at the base of Nevado Pisco. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 8: Day Hike/Trekking from Cebollapampa to Laguna 69 (4450 m)
Laguna 69 has been called the most famous and well known lake in the Cordillera Blanca. Our trail winds through picturesque montane forests and a somewhat marshy area, always alongside a steep imposing ridge. Behind us, the fortress-like peak of the ice giant Huascarán looms. Winding trails lead us past several waterfalls to the lake, which is flanked by glacial moraines. Immediately above the deep blue surface of the lake, we see the steep ice walls of Chacraraju, one of the most beautiful, but also most difficult of the 6000 meter peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. Return to Cebollapampa and camp. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 9: Camp Cebollapampa - Trekking to Refugio Pisco (4680 m)
In the next 2 days we will arrive at the highest point of our trek. We stop at the Pisco mountain hut “Refugio Perú“, our base camp. The view of the back portion of Huascarán Peak and Chopicalqui is overwhelming. We also enjoy the views of Huandoy, Chacraraju and Yanapaccha. Overnight in the hut. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 10: Base Camp/Peru Hut - Climb Nevado Pisco (5752 m) - back to Base Camp. Optional: hike just to Moraine Camp (4900 m)
A little after midnight we leave Base Camp, climbing up to cross the long moraine to arrive at the glacier. A sharp climb brings us to the saddle of Nevada Pisco. Next the final long climb over the glacier to the peak, 5752 meters in elevation. We are again going to have a magnificent view of the highest mountain in Perú - Huascarán, and also nearby Huandoy, Chopiqualci and many more. Later we descend back to Refugio Peru. Optional: The group can climb to Moraine Camp comfortably in 3 or 4 hours and then return to the refuge or if hikers are not up for the return trip, we can camp on the moraine (4900 m.). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 11: Base Camp - Trekking to Refugio Pisco - Transfer to Huaraz
Our trek is nearing its end. Early in the morning we begin our descent toward Cebollapampa and continue hiking until we arrive at the highway. From there, we take a vehicle to return to Huaraz. Tired and happy, we arrive at the hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 12: Rest day in Huaraz. Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancas
The Rocodromo of Chancas is a classic location for many who like to rock climb. This area is 40 minutes north of Huaraz. It was developed thanks to the guides of Don Bosco in the Andes in 1997. It has 8 developed routes of different difficulties. It‘s a great place to spend a quiet day in nature and then visit the hot springs to relax aching muscles. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 13: Transfer to the bus terminal in Huaraz for the trip to Lima. In Lima, transfer to the hotel.
Options: Flight or bus. Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 14: Stay in Lima - transfer to the airport.
Free day; depending on your departure schedule. Return to Europe or your country of origin. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 15: Return to Europe or your country of origin
Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc. Overnight Home (B/L/D)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: May to November
Difficulty: Moderate
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