From: £2,779
From: $3,700
Join tour in Lima.
We leave Lima early by public bus for a fascinating journey of contrasts that will end amid the towering high Andes at the small highland city of Huaraz. We head north through the coastal desert as far as Pativilca, then turn inland and begin our climb northeastward into the Andes.
We follow the Fortaleza valley, the fertile cultivated river banks contrasting dramatically with the barren mountain sides. Cacti gradually give way to denser vegetation and then puna grassland as we ascend to the highest point on our journey, Conococha (4,050m/13,287ft).
We turn north into the Callejon de Huaylas and enter a different world, the huge snowpeaks of the Cordillera Blanca dominating the landscape.
We arrive in Huaraz (3,090m/10,138ft) late afternoon and check into our hotel.
A bustling town of 80,000 inhabitants, Huaraz lies amid the scenic splendour of the Callejon de Huaylas and is the ideal base from which to explore the region. Callejon de Huaylas is the name given to the Santa valley, which separates the Cordillera Blanca from the Cordillera Negra, and rates as one of the finest areas of South America for its superb mountain panoramas.
The Callejon is bordered to the east by the Cordillera Blanca, the mountain range with the greatest number of peaks over 6,000 metres outside the Himalayas.
From Huaraz itself one is awestruck by the breathtaking vista of Mounts Vallunaraju (5,686m/18,655ft), Tocllaraju (6,034m/19,797ft) and Ranrapalca (6,162m/20,217ft) towering over the city and, to the north, the gigantic forms of Huascarán (6,768m/22,205ft) and Huandoy (6,395m/20,981ft).
Today we have our trek briefing and take a local walk to see some pre-Inca ruins.
Today we start out acclimatisation by heading up to 4,500m/14,764ft and to the beautiful Laguna Churup. We listen to our bodies and see how well we are acclimatising, taking it very slowly in the thin mountain air.
Mount Churup’s reflection in the clear waters of Laguna Churup is the reward for today’s efforts, and well worth it as the peak provides a stunning backdrop to the laguna.
We return to Huaraz and our hotel, maintaining the mountaineering rule of acclimatisation – walk high, sleep low..
Today we drive out of Huaraz, and then hike to the glacier on Vallunaraju, possible ice-climbing (dependent upon conditions) or skills review.
The guide will help you with new skills or refreshing existing skills, making sure we are ready for the climbs ahead.
After spending the day practising, we return to Huaraz and prepare ourselves for the off.
Pack your bags!
We head out past the beautiful Llanganuco lakes and on to the trailhead where we load our donkeys and ascend to the Pisco Base Camp.
We take it slowly, enjoying the views en route.
We wake early, enjoy a big breakfast and head off to the high camp, our last camp before the summit.
We aim to get there as early as we can, so that we can rest before the summit attempt.
We wake early, around 02.00am, and set off towards the summit of Pisco.
We enjoy the changing light as the sun rises during our summit attempts, and we aim to make the summit around 10.00.
Breathtaking views abound. We descend to the site of our first base camp and rest.
A short hike out to a comfy campsite, close the trail head, where we meet up with supplies and enjoy a hearty asado – BBQ!
After a good night’s rest, we meet up with our vehicle, and head off to the nearby Chopicalqui trail.
We unload the vehicle, and trek towards our first camp at 4,900m/16,076ft.
We continue to ascend slowly today, reaching the high camp (5,300m/17,389ft), from where we make our summit attempt.
Summit Day!!
Wake up at 01.00 and depart for the summit at 03.00.
Work your way up the massive southern ridge and on to the summit.
We return to Moraine camp for the night.
Pack up camp and descend down to the winding road which leads back to Huaraz.
Stop for lunch and the Llanganuco Lakes.
Check back into your hotel for a well-deserved shower and then a celebration banquet.
Last minute shopping for family and friends before departing for Lima on the public bus, or carry on trekking and climbing.
In Huaraz we use 2-3* hotels with ensuite bathrooms.
Camping – we use top quality, high mountain, two-man tents.
This trip, while non-technical, is a strenuous trip and to get the most out of this expedition you should be in very good physical condition. We suggest you talk to your doctor if you are in any doubt as to your physical capability.
Any previous wild camping and winter experience are a plus, but experience in crampon and ice axe use is not essential as your guide will be teaching you the skills you need.
We use donkeys, llamas, or porters to transport all gear and food. We do recommend that you have a daypack to carry your personal items like cameras, water bottles, warm layers, etc… For climbing trips, you will be carrying a backpack with your sleeping bag, clothing, and personal items, typically weighing about 10 kilograms (25 pounds).
Your return backpack should be lighter as there will be less food to carry. Expect to get involved in all aspects of camping.
Summit days involve very early starts (01.00-03.00) and long ascents, so please be prepared for this. It is to maximise summiting chances.
Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.
You wake early, usually around 07.00. Breakfast is served in a dining tent, and consists of hot drinks, porridge, toast, jams and bread, and your guide will explain the day’s trekking plans.
Lunch is usually around 13.00 and can feature soups, meats, salads and fish, with vegetarian options and hot drinks too.
The campsites are comfortable and around 17.00 hot drinks, popcorn and other snacks are served to help you recover energy.
Dinner is served around 19.30, and will feature pasta, mashed potatoes, meat, fish or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding.
Huaraz has a wide selection of Peruvian and international cuisine to suit almost all tastes and budgets.
Our guides are experienced mountaineers and we typically employ one mountain guide to every three clients.
They will not just show you the way but will teach and empower you to succeed in the mountain environment.
All are UAIGM-qualified and selected for the attention to detail and, above all, safety and assessment of mountains, conditions and your capabilities.
Guide’s decisions are always final as they do so based on many years of experience of climbing among Peru’s peaks.
Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local, nearby communities and we have worked with them for a long time.
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We start by climbing Pisco, which serves as a great introductory or refresher climb for those with or without previous alpine experience.
At 5,752m/18,871ft above sea level, Pisco is a great acclimatisation peak.
Non-technical by nature, the normal route on Pisco Oeste climbs the southwest ridge.
This offers us glorious sunrise views of the Huandoys and a 360 degree summit vista that is considered by many to be the best in the Cordillera Blanca.
From: $1386 per person
Duration
4 days
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
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When planning for the extreme climatic conditions encountered on high peaks in the Andes, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system. It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.
To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers.
Layers should have the following qualities:
First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.
Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.
Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.
Note that it’s our extremities that stand to suffer the most, and on high Andean peaks the poorly-equipped mountaineer is at risk of becoming frostbitten. Hence, much thought should be given to deciding how best to protect hands, feet and head.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
For the extreme cold, we recommend a 3-layer scheme:
All other non-personal trekking and camping equipment is provided, e.g. tents, cutlery etc.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
Peru is located in the southern tropics (latitudes 0º to 18º), but climate varies significantly according to season, altitude and region.
From May to October, Lima is often overcast, but with minimal precipitation. There are sunny spells, and it’s a fresh to pleasant 13-20ºC.
At the same time, inland areas and the north coast mid to high 20’s ºC.
November to April is generally warm and sunny and Lima enjoys warm temperature of 19-25ºC, with the coast averaging 22-30ºC.
Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.
The Andean sun is very strong.
Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.
Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.
Year-round, weather conditions are hot and humid and there is always the risk of rain.
There is a ‘dry season’ in Tambopata and Manu between May and October. The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C. Heavy downpours typically occur every few days.
Around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Manu and Tambopata and 1,400 mm in Iquitos – occurs in the wet season Nov-April.
On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – ‘friajes’ – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9°C. (Friajes usually last between 1 and 3 days).
A luxurious Galapagos cruise aboard the Galaxy combined wildlife wonders, impeccable service, and unforgettable comfort.
An unforgettable journey through Peru and Bolivia, blending ancient trails, rich culture, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.
