Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca EXPLORE THE HIGHEST TROPICAL MOUNTAIN RANGE IN THE WORLD

CORY RICHARDS

A trek across the spectacular Cordillera Blanca of Peru is one of the great hiking adventures of the world. PHOTO: TOM DEMPSEY

The enormous fluted ice peaks, surreal turquoise tarns, and flower-filled meadows of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca have made it a world-class region for trekking. More than 70 summits here top 18,000 feet, including Huascarán (22,204'), Peru’s highest peak, and Alpamayo (19,506'), an extraordinary pyramid that has been voted one of the 10 most beautiful mountains in the world. Our 11-day trek is a dramatic one (with a bit of a challenge!), but well rewarded with exhilarating days on the trail, spectacular lakeside campsites, and views of ice-draped summits and glaciers at every turn. At trek’s end, our optional extension to climb Nevado Pisco (18,871') offers dazzling 360-degree views into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca. Days 1-4 Lima / Huaraz From Lima, we head along the Pan American Highway to the mountain town of Huaraz (10,000'), the trekking hub for the Cordillera Blanca. We acclimatize with day hikes, including a fascinating one to the archaeological site of Wilkahuain, with its pre-Inca burial and ritual chambers. Days 5-15 Cordillera Blanca Trek With our trekking crew and pack animals, we hike to Laguna Cullicocha (15,100'), a gleaming glacial lake with eye-popping views of the peaks of the Santa Cruz massif. Crossing two more passes,

HIGHLIGHTS • Experience our perfectly designed trek in the world’s highest tropical mountain range • Optional hike to the Alpamayo Base Camp • Spectacular campsites by turquoise lakes, incredible views of glacier-clad peaks • Optional climb of Nevado Pisco DETAILS • 17-day trip begins and ends in Lima • 5 nights hotels, 11 nights full-service camping • All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners

CORY RICHARDS

we reach our camp near Laguna Jancarurish, where an optional hike brings us to the base of Alpamayo for stunning views of this mesmerizing ice pyramid. Crossing the Caracara Pass (15,846'), we descend into a lush valley and venture up to a high pass with views of the multiple summits of Pucahirca (19,836'). Reaching Quebrada (canyon) Jancapampa, we pass through traditional rural villages and enjoy spellbinding panoramas in every direction, including knife-edged Taulliraju (19,127') and Chacraraju (20,052'). At the end of the trek, those taking the optional three-day extension to climb Nevado Pisco will head to a base camp in the Demanda Valley. Days 16-17 Huaraz / Lima We’ll have views of the towering twin summits of Huascarán on our drive back to Lima and depart on Day 17. ON OUR WEBSITE CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH TREK Circle the spectacular ice range of the Cordillera Huayhuash, with its knife-edged 20,000-foot ice peaks and iridescent lakes. Jun 3-20, Aug 11-28, 2019.

DATES Jun 9-25, 2018 Jul 27-Aug 12

TRIP COST $4395 (9-12 members) $4795 (6-8 members) Single supplement: $480

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11-day trek on steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 11,000-16,000 feet, optional climb of 18,871-foot peak

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR LATIN AMERICA TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/LATIN-AMERICA 122