Peru Cordillera Blanca Trek Tour
Trek Among the White Mountains in a Stunning Glacial Wilderness
- Available: May, June, July, August
- Activity: Level 5
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping, Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
4-15 Guests
Min Age: 17
Highlights
- Feast your eyes on beautiful mountain scenery that rivals the Himalaya in scale
- Cross seven mountain passes and camp at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,800 feet
- Take in majestic mountain views at Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Itinerary
Arrive in Lima & Transfer to Huaraz
Day 1
Arrive at Lima airport early (we recommend arriving in Lima the day before) and meet an MT Sobek representative who will assist you with your land transfer to Huaraz around 6:30am. Later this evening, meet up with your group for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
Transportation: 7-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Huillcacocha Lake
Day 2
Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cordillera Blanca as you travel into the mountains by bus. Begin your first acclimatization hike with a walk to Laguna Huillcacocha, aka Willcacocha (12,221'), located in the Cordillera Negra, with probably one of the best panorama views of the Cordillera Blanca range. After admiring the views and this reflective and serene lake, begin a gradual ascent to Huaca Punta, located at 12,709' and situated on a pre-Inca site. From here, weather permitting, observe the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca-Mount Huascarán, whose glacier-topped pinnacle sits at 22,204'! Descend back to the lake by a different route and enjoy a hearty lakeside lunch, then meet your bus for the drive back to Huaraz.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
Activity: 4 hours/2.9 miles hiking with 680' elevation gain and 623' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey to Huascaran National Park
Day 3
Depart by bus, stopping in the charming town of Carhuaz for a visit to the local market. Visit Campo Santo, site of the single worst natural disaster in the Andes. Today, it's a peaceful cemetery, with spectacular views of Huascarán, flower-filled gardens, and monuments honoring the dead. Enter Huascarán National Park, stop for a box lunch, then cross a pass of about 15,580' with a stunning panorama of the northern Cordillera Blanca. Here you'll leave the Pacific side of the range and begin a descent on the Amazon side. From the trailhead, hike downhill to camp at Vaquería (12,136') - a short and easy warm-up for the next nine days.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 1-1.5 hours/1.8 miles hiking with 1,627' elevation loss
Transportation: 4.5-hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Tuctu Pampa
Day 4
Begin your trek in earnest with an all-day hike down Quebrada Vaqueria (10,824'), passing near Colcabamba, then up the Tuctu Valley, passing small settlements and farmland. Camp at Tuctu Pampa (13,451'), with views of Taulliraju and Rinrijirca looming at the head of the valley and the massive wall of Chacraraju's east peak - all over 19,000 feet.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 6-7 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 2,549' elevation gain and 1,247' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Laguna Huecrococha
Day 5
Continue up the Huaripampa Valley on pre-Inca trails, with views of Contrahierbas behind you. Cross Pucaraju Pass (15,252'). If it's clear, take in beautiful views of Piramide, Paron, Chacraraju, and Huascarán. Continue on to Laguna Huecrococha, a lake situated at about 13,000', then camp slightly below the lake, in the Tuctupampa Valley at 12,588'.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 6-7 hours/9.7 miles hiking with 1,788' elevation gain & 2,785' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to the Jancapampa Valley
Day 6
Hike up to the village of Tingopampa, crossing the Tupatupa, a grassy pass at 14,274', and camp at Jancapampa (11,640'), one of the most beautiful valleys on the trek, situated below the Pucajirca massif. In the afternoon and evening, we'll likely enjoy the company of curious children of Tingopampa in camp who might come to visit before getting a good night's sleep in our lowest-altitude camp.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 7-8 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,916' elevation gain & 2,805' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to Huilca
Day 7
From Jancapampa, climb with ever-changing views of the immense glaciers of the east face of Pucajirca (19,844'). Continue climbing steeply through woods, across grassy meadows, and over glacially polished cliffs while enjoying an array of spectacular wildflowers. Make a steep ascent to the narrow Yanajanca pass (15,144'), then head downhill on the Pacific side toward the small settlement of Huilca. Camp just below the pass at 13,123' with spectacular views of Pucajirca.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 8-9 hours/7.2 miles hiking with 3,786' elevation gain & 2,274' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Moyobamba
Day 8
Continue up Quebrada Tayapampa with beautiful views of the northeast face of Alpamayo (19,455') and the three peaks of Pucajirca in the distance. Ascend over a grassy pass at 14,553', crossing a ridge, and camp at Moyobamba at 14,783'.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,053' elevation gain and 397' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy Views of Alpamayo
Day 9
Hike over Caracara Pass (15,800'), enjoying fantastic views of Alpamayo's cirque, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Cordillera Blanca stretching southwards. After lunch, those who wish can hike up to the moraine - about two hours roundtrip, over scree - and enjoy stunning views of Alpamayo's famed classic pyramid shape and the turquoise green lake below the peak. Camp at 13,599' and take in dazzling views of Alpamayo as the sun sets and rises.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 6 hours/4.7 miles hiking with 1,552' elevation gain and 2,297' elevation loss; optional side trip 2 hours/1.6 miles hiking with 508' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to our Highest Campsite
Day 10
Begin a long ascent with about 50 vueltas (switchbacks) to arrive at Jatun Viento Pass (15,623'). Descend to camp at 14,947', our highest campsite, and a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 6 hours/6.1 miles hiking with 2,740' elevation gain and 1,627' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reach Huischcash
Day 11
Hike 1.5 hours to your last and highest pass, Toro Pishtanan (15,977'). Descend to Cuillicocha Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in this area of the Andes, with its blue-green waters and view of the three peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the background. Enjoy views of the Cordillera Negra, the snowless mountain range running parallel with the Cordillera Blanca to the west. Continue to Huischcash (13,100') and camp near a modern aqueduct that has replaced an old Inca one.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Activity: 7 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,549' elevation gain and 3,347' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Downhill to Hualacayan & Back to Huaraz
Day 12
Continue downhill to the ruins of Hualacayan and meet your van for the ride back to Huaraz. As you leave the mountains behind, see farmers working small plots of land overlooking the Huaylas Valley and the Cordillera Negra. After checking into the hotel in Huaraz, meet your group for a final farewell dinner in Huaraz.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
Activity: 3 hours/3.8 miles hiking with 286' elevation gain and 3,061' elevation loss
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Lima & Depart
Day 13
Early morning you will be transferred 7-hours by land to Lima.
Transportation: 7-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $4,995 price per person dbl occ+$450 single supplementFully Booked - Private DepartureConfirmed
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $5,395 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $5,195 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
May, June, July, August
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and drivers
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and camp staff
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Ian Lewis
Ian is a British-Peruvian guide and an outdoor enthusiast with many interests, including photography, archaeology, and trekking in the Andes. His spirit, enthusiasm, and knowledge make Ian an ideal guide for exploring the enchanting and ancient wonders of Peru. He will enrich your experience in one of the world's most interesting countries! Ian also speaks fluent English and Spanish.
Manolo Lazo
Manolo is one of Peru's most skilled adventure travel guides, with more than 20 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes and the classic trekking routes that trace the footsteps of the Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the region, people, and traditions immensely enrich the travel experience. He is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua-the historic language of the Incas-and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. This is a very challenging trek with several consecutive days of strenuous hiking on rocky terrain, with elevations exceeding 15,000-feet. Physical excursion further challenged by basic camping conditions, and varying weather. Participants should look forward to a goal-oriented experience.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4 hours/2.9 miles hiking with 680' elevation gain and 623' elevation loss
Day 3
1-1.5 hours/1.8 miles hiking with 1,627' elevation loss
Day 4
6-7 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 2,549' elevation gain and 1,247' elevation loss
Day 5
6-7 hours/9.7 miles hiking with 1,788' elevation gain & 2,785' elevation loss
Day 6
7-8 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,916' elevation gain & 2,805' elevation loss
Day 7
8-9 hours/7.2 miles hiking with 3,786' elevation gain & 2,274' elevation loss
Day 8
5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,053' elevation gain and 397' elevation loss
Day 9
6 hours/4.7 miles hiking with 1,552' elevation gain and 2,297' elevation loss; optional side trip 2 hours/1.6 miles hiking with 508' elevation gain & loss
Day 10
6 hours/6.1 miles hiking with 2,740' elevation gain and 1,627' elevation loss
Day 11
7 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,549' elevation gain and 3,347' elevation loss
Day 12
3 hours/3.8 miles hiking with 286' elevation gain and 3,061' elevation loss
Accommodations
Comfortable camps with three-person tents and sleeping pads, bookended by stays in the comfortable Andino Club Hotel.
MT Sobek Camp – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Remote trekking means remote camping, with different tranquil settings each night. Rest up from your day's adventure in comfortable camps outfitted with three-person tents and sleeping pads. Delicious food is served each night, and guests can enjoy a selection of authentic Peruvian fare before retiring to their tents for a good night's rest in the beautiful Cordillera Blanca.
Andino Club Hotel
Surrounded by lush gardens, the Andino Club Hotel offers panoramic views of the Callejon de Huaylas mountain range. Each room is comfortably outfitted with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, LCD TV and a hairdryer.
Weather
The Cordillera Blanca Mountains are cold in the mornings and evenings, often below 30F. Around noon temperatures reach 70F at 13,123 feet.
FAQs
Is this trek supported or do I have to carry all my gear?
This trek is supported by pack animals and porters to transport gear. But the weight limit is 30lbs of gear per person. All you'll need to hike with is a daypack.
When is the best time to go and what is the weather like?
Trekking season is April through October, with the best months to go being May through September. You can expect daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s and nighttime temperatures in the 30s and 40s.
What are the MTS camps like and will there be toilets?
We will be tent camping in roomy but basic 3-person tents, and will also have a dining tent and a toilet tent set up at each site.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
We maximize altitude conditioning in the early part of the trek. However, there are no guarantees that you will acclimatize. If you show signs of potential acute mountain sickness, you will descend and remain at comfortable altitudes. Our trip leaders always carry oxygen for emergency use.
Can this trek be offered as a private trip?
Of course! We can run this trip with as few as 4 people. Give us a call to start planning your private adventure today.
Can I rent a sleeping bag?
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag. Ask your Adventure Coordinator for details.
Do you offer any extensions?
Yes! Ask one of our Trip Consultants or Adventure Coordinators about our pre- or post-trip extension options:
Highlights of Lima (3 days/2 nights)
Paracas and the Nazca Lines (3 days/2 nights)
Peruvian Amazon at Tambopata (4 days/3 nights)
Hiking Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (7 days/6 nights)
