Complete Peru Climbing Tour 17D/16N

Transportation from airport or bus station to the hotel; free time for acclimation. 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 Mountain Range) at Conococha Pass (4,020 m.) and into the Santa Valley and Huaraz (3,100 m.). Once across the pass, you will see a charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountain Range). Without a doubt some of the most impressive landscapes in the world. You can also fly via LC PERU – flight duration 50 minutes.

Today, we drive to the village of Llupa. From there begin our hike on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna (Lake) Churup. The trail gets narrow and steep and includes a small section with fixed ropes. It is one of the most beautiful places in this varied mountain region. Churup Peak rises above the lake, which is a wild rocky mountain with glaciers and cliffs located 5,400 meters above sea level.

Laguna 69 is one of the most famous and well-known lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. Our trail winds through picturesque mountain forests and a somewhat marshy area, along the edge of a steep and daunting ridge. Behind us, the fortress-like peak of the ice-covered giant Huascarán looms. Winding trails lead us past several wild foaming waterfalls on the way to the lake. Laguna 69 is flanked by glacial moraines. Immediately above the deep blue surface of the lake, you can see the steep ice walls of Chacraraju. One of the most beautiful, but also most difficult, of the 6,000 peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. After rest and pictures, we will return to Huaraz.

This is the beginning of the “Trans Cordillera Blanca Grande” trek around Alpamayo and Huascarán. We travel by vehicle through the Santa Valley and the villages of Carhuaz, Yungay, and Caras to the ruins of Hualcayan. The remains of towers from Incan times. We meet with our support team and their pack animals.

The Cordillera Blanca tour begins by climbing the steep and winding trail to the Wishcash Camp. In the afternoon, we can watch the beautiful sunset over the Cordillera Negra.

This will be a long and difficult day. We pass by the large lake nearby, Cullicocha, providing fantastic views of the Santa Cruz peaks and glaciers. We continue on to Osoruri Pass (4,860 m.). After a descent of 400 meters, we climb over Vientunan Pass (4,770 m.) and finally drop sharply into the valley of Cedros Alpamayo. After this 8 or 9-hour day, we reach the Camp.

Today, you will have a spectacular view of Cruze Alpamayo, located at 4,250 m. Those who wish can climb to Alpamayo Base Camp North (4,500 m.) and do an optional summit hike to Jatunjirca Peak (5,030 m.). This offers fantastic views of Alpamayo (5,947 m.) and Quitaraju (6,036 m.). Alternative: Spend half-day resting in the Cruze Alpamayo Camp, with a beautiful view of Alpamayo.

The hike is over two passes, Caracara (4,830 m.) and Mesapata (4,460 m.). With spectacular views of the northern part of Alpamayo and the Pucachircas peaks, the northernmost of the 6,000-meter peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. Set up camp in the vast flatness of the Tayapampa Valley and then continue to Laguna Safuna (4,200 m.) for an afternoon visit.

As we continue our trek, a few kilometers from the valley, in a wide-open grassland, we pass two houses of local farmers and continue up a steep slope to Pucahirca Pass (4,610 m.). This is followed by a long descent to a lake on the far side of the densely-vegetated Yanajanca Valley. We will camp at Jancapampa, directly below the ice walls of the peaks of Pucahirca and Taulliraju. The area surrounding the camp is inhabited by local rural people.

We set out on the right side of the Jancapampa valley, continuing on to Tupatupa Pass, and then a long descent to the forested Tuctubamba Valley. We will stay in large tents with a view of Laguna Huercrucocha (4,050 m.).

Although a long day, our hike is a bit easier up to Yanagrahirca Pass (4,300 m.) and provides additional panoramic views of the mountains of Chopicalqui, Taulliraju, Huascarán, and Tocllaraju. Then, we have a long downhill trip through increasingly populated areas and indigenous villages to the city of Cochabamba (3,300 m.). Camp at Colcabamba,

Last eight days of the trekking portion of our tour. From the town of Colcabamba, we leave our team of donkeys very early and set off via private vehicle for forPortachuelo Pass (4,650 m.). This has impressive views of the peaks of Chopicalqui, Huascarán Sur-Norte, Huandoy’s 4 summits, Nevado Pisco, Chacraraju and Yanapaccha, among others. We will stop the vehicle to get out for photos in several places. It is all downhill from here. Later on, we will be able to see Chinancocha and Orconcocha Lakes in the Llanganuco Valley, where the bus will be waiting. This is the end of the Trans Cordillera Blanca Grande Trek.

We will stay overnight in the hotel in Huaraz.

This is a classic location for those who like rock climbing. This area is 40 minutes north of Huaraz. It was developed thanks to the guides of Don Bosco in the Andes – a private organization formed to facilitate tourism – in 1997. It has eight developed routes with varying difficulties. This is a good place to spend a quiet day in nature, and afterward visit the hot springs and relax your aching muscles.

Lodging in the hotel.

Leave from Huaraz in private transport to the Llaca Valley (3,850 m.). From here, we begin our ascent on foot to the Moraine Camp, spending about two hours on the trail. This climb is relatively long and steep. We will proceed very slowly so we do not get too tired and can adjust to the altitude before our summit day tomorrow.

We will leave Moraine Camp at approximately 2:00-3:00 a.m. in order to reach the summit by 8:00 a.m. After arriving at the summit, we will return to our starting point in the Llaca Valley, where the bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz.

Depending on your schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or to the bus station. (Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes)

Depending on your schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight.