A trek into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, featuring the non-technical ascent of the snow-capped peak of Pisco (5,750m).
This fully supported trek is set amid some of the most stunning high-mountain scenery in the Andes.
Outline Itinerary – day 1
The drive from Huaraz to the trailhead takes you north through some
magical landscapes. Leaving the Santa valley at the small town of
Caraz (2290 metres) you continue to Cashapampa (2900 metres)
starting point for the trek. The trek begins with a gradual ascent
of the Santa Cruz valley. By mid-afternoon the valley levels out
and, at Llamacorral, the first camp is set up.
Day 2
The second day you pass the lakes of Laguna Chica and Laguna Grande
and begin the ascent towards the first pass, the magnificent peak of
Taulliraju (5830 metres) looming large up ahead. Camp at Taullipampa
surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
Day 3
You continue the ascent on day three, with a steep zig-zagging climb
across moranic screes, fringing the shores of the turquoise lake of
Taullicocha. The panorama that unfolds as you approach the pass at
Punta Union (4750 metres) is magnificent; the nearby peaks of
Chacraraju (6112 metres), Artesonraju (6025 metres) and Piramide
(5885 metres) as well as Alpamayo (5947 metres), Santa Cruz (6259
metres) and Huandoy (6395 metres) fill the view.
Next, you descend into
the Huaripampa valley passing many tarns, to camp at Huaripampa.
Day 4
Today you continue to descend towards Vaqueria (3700 metres),
with the possibility of a side trip up the Quebrada Paria to the
remote glacial lakes of the surrounding high peaks. Tonight camp
near the village of Vaqueria.
Day 5
Today sees you climbing again, this time to the Portachuelo de
Llanganuco (4750 metres). From here there are outstanding views of
Huascaran (at 6768 metres Peru's highest peak), Huandoy and the
Llanganuco lakes. You then desend from the pass to camp in Quebrada
Demanda.
Day 6
A relatively short day sees you trek from Quebrada Demanda up to the
grassy pampa of Base Camp Pisco, a dramatic location at the foot of
Huandoy and with spectacular vistas all around.
Day 7
Day seven sees you continuing to the summit of Pisco (5750m).
Setting off very early, you cross a broad moranic 'moonscape', reach
the snow line at 4800m and don crampons for the ascent of the
glacier. At the col separating Pisco from Huandoy to the north, you
start to negotiate the northern slopes of Pisco.
Late morning should
see you on the summit for some of the most spectacular panoramas in
the range. The descent takes you back to Base Camp and a
well-deserved rest.
Day 8
Trek from Base Camp to the road and Llanganuco Lakes to meet your
bus to Huaraz.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
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