Peru

PERU: TREKKING SANTA CRUZ & CLIMBING NEVADO PISCO (5752 M)

Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.

Trekking Santa Cruz: One of the most popular treks in the Cordillera Blanca, the hike around this subtropical mountain range passes through impressive landscapes of uncommonly beautiful mountains, frequent lakes and glaciers. The camps are some of the most spectacular in the world. This is a short and very popular hike with spectacular views of lakes and mountains.

For acclimatization, we begin with a day hike to Laguna (Lake) Churup, at 4,450m. The highest and most demanding pass on the Santa Cruz trek is Punta Union Pass (4750m)

Nevado Pisco: This is a very appealing mountain and a good option for climbers for acclimatization. Previous experience in mountaineering is not required, though you should be in good physical condition. At the summit (5752 m), you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), including the 4 peaks of the Huandoys, Alpamayo, Artesonraju and Chopicalqui. You’ll also be able to see North and South Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru, at 6,768 meters.

ITINERARY:
Day 1: Flight to Lima – Lodging in the hotel
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m) – 400 km/approximately 8 hours
Day 3: Huaraz – Trekking hike to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
Day 4: Huaraz – Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) – Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)
Day 5: Llamacorral – Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)
Day 6: Taullipampa – Trekking up to Punta Union Pass (4750 m) – Paria – Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)
Day 7: Huaripampa – Trekking to the village of Vaquería. Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) Camping at Cebollapampa (3870 m)
Day 8: Cebollapampa – Trekking to Laguna 69 (4450 m)
Day 9: Cebollapampa – Trekking to Refugio Pisco (4680 m)
Day 10: Base Camp/Peru Hut – Climb Nevado Pisco (5752 m) – back to Base Camp. Optional: hike just to Moraine Camp (4900 m)
Day 11: Base Camp – Trekking to Refugio Pisco – Transfer to Huaraz
Day 12: Rest day in Huaraz. Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancas
Day 13: Transfer to the bus terminal in Huaraz for the transfer to Lima. In Lima, transfer to the hotel
Day 14: Stay in Lima – transfer to the airport
Day 15: Return to Europe or your country of origin