Cordillera Blanca

Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca

Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca and the nearby Huayhuash range is quite different from similar endeavors in the Cusco area. While you will encounter local villages and farmers, especially along some treks such as the Huayhuash circuit, or archaeology in the Olleros – Chavín Route, here the emphasis is on the breathtaking mountain scenery. There are over 50 peaks that exceed 5,000 meters (15,000 feet) and you are spectacularly close to these giant mountains from the first day of any trek.

Day treks

Laguna 69

One of the best known treks in the area takes you to Laguna 69, affectionately known as the jewel in the Cordillera crown, accessible as either a day trek, two day trek with a night of camping or as part of a longer multi-day adventure. For regular hikers who are fully acclimatised to the altitude, it’s a relatively easy ascent. For non-hikers, the final climb with its short, steep ascent, can be challenging. Once at the top you’re rewarded with the spectacular view of the glacier-fed turquoise lake, framed by rocky cliffs and a beautiful wispy waterfall. Read more about Laguna 69 in Danielle’s blog from her 2 day hike.

Ice of Huandoy

This is a stunning day hike, following narrow trails alongside a mountain stream that winds around the Lake and ruins of Keshua, taking you to the lowest ice in the Cordillera Blanca – Ice of Huandoy. This is where the Inca’s harvested cones for generations, and the people still do today. Admire the 700m cliff with its plummeting waterfall and the vast ice fields right in front of you.

There are 722 individual glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca, many of which are accessible. Contact us for other exciting ice adventures to include in your tailormade itinerary to Peru.

Multi-Day Lodge Treks

A great way to enjoy the Cordillera Blanca is to be based at Llanganuco Mountain Lodge, enjoying exciting day treks each day, and then returning to the comforts of the lodge each night. Our suggested 5-day trekking itinerary showcases some of the best day-treks in the region, but can be shortened or lengthened based on how much time you have and your interests:

• Day 1: Arrival. Short hike to the Lake & Ruins of Keushu
• Day 2: Full day hike to the Llanganuco Lakes
• Day 3: Full day hike to the Gorge of Rajurur and Huandoy Ice Fields
• Day 4: Full day hike to Laguna 69
• Day 5: Relax at the lodge and departure

Multi-day Camping treks

Once acclimatised by spending a few days at altitude and enjoying the day hikes, there are several multi-day trekking options, with camping each night to take on. We recommenced the Santa Cruz trek – a fantastic 4 day / 3 night adventure through the Cordillera Blanca, discovering snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and fertile valleys filled with flowers along the way. For more details of the journey, read Marisol’s blog. It’s an easy to moderate trek, great for families, and can be shorted to more intensive 3 day itinerary, or made easier by hiring donkeys to lessen the amount of walking.

• Day 1: Santa Cruz Valley, camp at Llamacoral
• Day 2: Arhuaycocha Valley, camp at Taullipampa
• Day 3: Punta Union pass, camp at Cachinapampa
• Day 4: Vaqueria, return to Huaraz or onward journey

Cultural excursions

If you’re not a fan of walking, or looking for alternative cultural activities, there are many stunning highlights of the region  that are accessible by vehicle.

Llanganuco Lakes

Another scenic lagoon, that’s a must-see for most visitors. Located on the way to the day-trek starting point for Laguna 69, these lakes are fully accessible via vehicle, so perfect for day-trippers and non-hikers. Llanganuco is the collective name for two connected lakes – Warmicocha or female lake and Orcococha or male lake, which are fed by thawing glaciar ice from the surrounding peaks. Small row boats can be rented to take you out onto the lake or you can follow the shoreline path to the second, Orcococha lake, offering stunning views in between the totora and queñuales trees and a great location to spot wild ducks in between the reeds.

Chavin de Huantar

This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains artifacts and ruins from the Chavin people – a pre-Inca civilization and the structures here are dated to approximately 1200BC. The complex includes temples, plazas and a network of underground corridors, some of which visitors can explore. Located near to the town of Chavin, it’s a three hour drive from Huaraz through the scenic mountains, and easily done as a day trip.

Don Bosco Artisans

A visit to this workshop offers insight into the work of local master craftsmen who produce stunning carved furniture, wood and stone sculptures and stained glass, many of which are commissioned by churches around the world. Started by a parish priest, it is now a thriving community initiative that trains young people and supports them in becoming self-employed artisans. The shop showcases many beautiful artisinal products, and any purchases supports the non-profit organisation that continues to train young people from nearby villages.

Mountain biking

There are many ways to enjoy the Cordillera Blanca, including on two wheels. For experienced bikers there are exhilarating single-track routes through the mountains, giving you stunning scenery combined with adrenaline pumping descents, along with gentler but equally scenic routes. We can organise day trips or multi-day excursions with camping, mule trains and a full support team.

How to get to the Cordillera Blanca

From Lima there is a flight each morning operated by LC Peru, which takes less than an hour. Overland the journey from Lima is about eight hours. From Huaraz city or the airport, a 2 hour overland transfer can be expected to one of our preferred lodges or straight to the start of a trekking route.

When to go

During the drier seasons, from May to October is ideal. Travel from November to March can include heavy downpours, with road blockages and conditions that are not pleasant for trekking and enjoying the outdoors.