Huaraz & Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca, with 27 peaks exceeding 6,000 meters, is the highest tropical mountain range on the planet. Huascarán (6,768 m) is the tallest mountain in Peru and the second highest in South America. The Huascarán National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the setting for some of the most spectacular treks on the continent.

Laguna 69 is probably the most photographed glacial lake in Peru: its intensely turquoise waters contrast with the eternal white of Mount Chopicalqui (6,354 m) that surrounds it. The round-trip trek takes approximately 8 hours from the starting point at Cebollapampa (3,900 m), with an elevation gain of 700 meters. The trekking season runs from May to September.

The Santa Cruz trek (4 days, 50 km) is considered one of the 10 best treks in the world. It crosses the Cordillera Blanca passing through the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), with panoramic views of peaks such as Artesonraju (the peak that inspired the Paramount Pictures logo), Alpamayo and Taulliraju. The trek base is Vaquería or Llamacorral, 2–3 hours from Huaraz.