The Cordillera Blanca: Factual Background

The Cordillera Blanca is located in South America in the North Central Peruvian Andes.This range, which includes the world’s highest tropical mountains, offers climbing possibilities equalling those in the Alps and the Himalayas.

With its vertiginous glacier-covered peaks, deep valleys, multicolored lakes and pre-Columbian ruins, the Cordillera Blanca is a trekker’s and climber’s paradise. There are nearly 30 peaks over 6 000 meters.

Some of the most renowned summits are the twin domes of Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Tocclaraju, Artesónraju with its impressive snow face, ice-fluted Alpamayo, Pisco, Chacraraju and Taulliraju.

In order to protect the Cordillera Blanca’s rich fauna and flora, a National Park, including most of the range, was created in 1975. The Park became a Biosphere Reserve in 1977. And in 1985, it was nominated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cordillera Blanca is often compared to the Himalayas. However, its peaks are more  easily accessible and advanced technical climbing abilities are not necessarily required. The climate is relatively mild. The best climbing months are from May to September.

Most of our trips start from the city of Huaraz, which can be reached by direct bus from Lima (7 hours). The capital of Ancash, Huaraz is a mecca for mountaineers.