Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South of the Cordillera Blanca is the smaller, more remote, but no less spectacular Cor-
dillera Huayhuash. It contains Peru's second-highest mountain, the 6634m Yerupajá, and
is a more rugged and less frequently visited range.
Where once pre-Columbian and Inca cultures used the high valleys as passageways to
eastern settlements, backpackers and mountaineers now explore and marvel at the spec-
tacle of Mother Nature blowing her own trumpet.
The main trekking areas of the Cordilleras include sections of the Cordillera Blanca,
which is mostly encompassed by Parque Nacional Huascarán, and the Cordillera Huay-
huash, to the south of Huaraz. There's something here for scramblers of all skills and fit-
ness levels: from short, easy hikes of a day or two, to multiweek adventures requiring
technical mountain-climbing skills. Foreigners flock here yearly and favorite hikes like
the Santa Cruz trek can see a lot of hiking-boot traffic in the high season. While the more
remote 10-day Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit doesn't see half as many visitors as the Santa
Cruz trek, savvy travelers are rapidly discovering its rugged beauty and appreciating the
friendly highland culture. Dozens of shorter routes crisscross the Cordillera Blanca and
can provide an appetizing taste of the province's vistas, or can be combined with longer
treks to keep you walking in the hills for months on end.
See the boxed text on
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or advice and information about responsible trekking
in Peru.
Trekking & Mountaineering
When to Go
People hike year-round, but the dry season of mid-May to mid-September is the most pop-
ular time to visit, with good weather and the clearest views. It's still advisable to check
out the latest weather forecasts, however, as random heavy snowfalls, winds and electrical
storms are not uncommon during this period. December to April is the wettest time, when
it is often overcast and wet in the afternoons and trails become boggy. With the appropri-
ate gear and some preparation, hiking is still possible and some trekkers find this season
more rewarding, as many of the most popular trails are empty. For serious mountaineer-
ing, climbers pretty much stick to the dry season.
The management body for Parque Nacional Huascarán, Sernamp (Servicio Nacional de
Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado; the government agency administering national
parks, reserves, historical sanctuaries and other protected areas under the Ministry of En-
vironment), technically requires the use of local licensed guides for all activity in Parque
Nacional Huascarán, including day hikes, trekking and climbing.
