Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cordillera Blanca
One of the most breathtaking parts of the continent, the Cordillera Blanca is the world's
highest tropical mountain range and encompasses some of South America's highest moun-
tains. Andean leviathans include the majestic Nevado Alpamayo (5947m), once termed
'the most beautiful mountain in the world' by the German Alpine Club. Others include
Nevado Huascarán (at 6768m, Peru's highest), Pucajirca Oeste (6046m), Nevado Quita-
raju (6036m) and Nevado Santa Cruz (Nevado Pucaraju; 6241m).
Situated in the tropical zone, the Cordillera Blanca stands to be affected greatly as glob-
al warming increases; there exists significant evidence that the glaciers of the Cordillera
Blanca show a measurable decrease in their volume and that the snow line has receded in
recent decades. Other threats to the park include litter and high-altitude grazing on en-
dangered
qeñua
(Polylepis) trees. For more information about these threats, contact the
Mountain Institute in Huaraz.
PARQUE NACIONAL HUASCARÁN
Peruvian mountaineer César Morales Arnao first suggested protecting the flora, fauna and
archaeological sites of the Cordillera Blanca in the early 1960s, but it didn't become a
reality until 1975, when the national park was established. This 3400-sq-km park encom-
passes practically the entire area of the Cordillera Blanca above 4000m, including more
than 600 glaciers and nearly 300 lakes, and protects such extraordinary and endangered
species as the giant
Puya raimondii
plant, the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.
Visitors to the park should register (bring your passport) and pay the park fee at the
park office in Huaraz. This is S5 per person for a day visit or S65 for a week-long pass (a
21-day pass for the same price was being mulled over at time of research). You can also
register and pay your fee at one of the control stations. PNH officials will not sell park
permits to trekkers or climbers who are not utilizing the services of a local registered
agency or a local licensed guide.
Money from fees is used to help maintain trails, pay park rangers and offset the effects
of the legions of visitors to the area. It makes sense that as foreign visitors are among
those frequenting the area and causing the greatest change, they should contribute to the
financing of the national park with their user fees.
Santa Cruz Trek
This trek ascends the spectacular Quebrada Santa Cruz Valley and crosses the Punta
Union Pass (4760m) before tumbling into Quebrada Huarípampa on the other side. Head-
