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Cordillera Blanca High Passes

16 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

It is said that the Cordillera Blanca encompasses the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world surely rivalling the Himalayas with its breathtaking landscapes. The great peaks of Alpamayo, Pisco and Huascaran, Peru's highest peak (6768 metres) dominate every angle creating a dancing scene of jagged ice-covered summits rising to over 6000 metres. Located on the equator this dramatic range is also home to high passes, lush green valleys, tumbling glaciers, meandering rivers and wide ribbon-like floodplains.

This rewarding trek enters the heart of the Peruvian mountains and uniquely offers a constant backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery.

Beginning in Huascaran National Park, it continues along pre-Inca trails through beautiful flower-filled meadows and over glacially polished cliffs crossing several high altitude passes offering stunning views of Alpamayo's famed pyramid peak (5947 metres), the Santa Cruz mountains and a panorama of the entire Cordillera Blanca stretching southwards.
After crossing the Punta Union Pass at 4750 metres you descend to Vaqueria where you have the option to either continue trekking through this dramatic scenery OR climb Pisco (5750 metres). This is a nontechnical trekking peak involving crampons and ice axe on summit day.
With acclimatisation time in the vibrant city of Huaraz (optional Inca site visits and white-water rafting) this trip embraces all the beauty and culture this wonderful country has to offer.

Days 1 and 2. Outbound
Fly to Lima and overnight here before continuing on the following day with a fascinating journey through coastal desert to the huge snowpeaks of the Andes and the town of Huaraz (3090 metres).
Days 3 and 4. Huaraz
Huaraz lies amid the scenic heart of the Cordillera Blanca, the mountain range with the greatest number of peaks over 6000 metres outside the Himalayas. Time to acclimatise and experience some of the rich Peruvian culture.
Days 5 to 8. Cordillera Blanca Trekking
Drive to the trailhead at Cashapampa (2900 metres). A gradual ascent through some magical landscapes brings you through the Santa Cruz Valley and the lakes of Laguna Chica and Grande. Climb up to the first pass and camp surrounded by spectacular mountain views of the whole of the northern Cordillera. Zig-zag across scree along the shores of Laguna Taullicocha watching the panorama unfold as you approach the pass at Punta Union - the massive walls of Chacraruju, Santa Cruz and Artesonraju all 6000 metres+ peaks greet you, as well as the stunning lines of Alpamayo. Follow pre-Inca trails along the lush Huaripampa valley to the village of Vaqeuria.
TREKKING ITINERARY Days 9 to 13. Huascaran and Beyond
Take a day to explore this spectacular location before continuing into the wilderness towards the awesome glaciated flanks of Mount Contrahierbas (6036 metres). Climb steeply with ever-changing views of immense glaciers and cliffs to Punta Yanayacu (4900 metres) the high point of the trek - Chopicalqui and Huascaran dominating the view. Oxipampa camp is set amid dramatic scenery and an extra day is allowed here to trek further into the side valleys surrounded by looming spires from every angle. Descend to rendez-vous with the transfer back to Huaraz and a well-earned 'cerveza'!
CLIMBING ITINERARY Days 9 to 13. Pisco Summit
From the Portachuelo Pass it is a thousand metre descent to Base Camp in the Llanganuco Valley at 4400 metres. An early start has you crossing a broad lunar landscape to reach the snow line at 4800 metres where you don your crampons. Ascend the glacier and climb the northern slopes of Pisco to reach the summit late morning for some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable vistas you can imagine (weather permitting!). Return to Base Camp to relax. A buffer day follows before descending to rendez-vous with the transfer back to Huaraz and a well-earned 'cerveza'! Enjoy a free day in Huaraz.
Days 14 to 16. Homewards
Travel back to Lima for the night then catch the overnight flight back to the UK.
Peru

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  • Tour grade: C (D for climbing version).
  • Cost per perso:
    £2,180 in July.
    £1,950 in September.
  • Single supplement: £160.
  • CO2 Offset Costs: £19.17.
  • What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, most meals, mules, guides, entrance fees.
  • Accommodation: Hotels, camping.
  • Departure dates: Friday
    , 4 July 2008.
    Saturday, 6 September 2008.