Peru’s mountain climbing mecca, the Cordillera Blanca runs along the eastern flank of the Santa river, in the Callejón de Huaylas. It embraces both the largest and most beautiful snow-capped peaks in the country. Among the best known are Mount Huascarán (6,768 masl); the Huandoy massif’s three summits, all over 6,000 meters high; Chopicalqui (6,354 m), Chacraraju (6.112 m), Alpamayo (5,947 m) and Copa (6,118 m).

The range’s advantages include its ideal climate for climbing between May and October, and its easy access that allows climbers to finish the ascent in a short time. Additionally, the cities and towns located at the foot of the mountains provide travelers with a full variety of services including porters, guides, rescue teams and climbing gear. Huaraz, the capital of the Ancash Department, features several hotels and restaurants, while a dozen reliable travel agencies organize climbing expeditions. Chartered flights arrive at the small local airport. However, Huaraz can be easily reached in five to six hours by taking the road from Lima to Pativilca (210 km to the north along the North Pan-American Highway) and then climbing another 200 km towards the Sierra.

Other towns at the foot of the mountains like Carhuaz, a hook-up point with the towns in the Callejón de Conchucos; Yungay, the starting point for expeditions to the scenic Llanganuco lagoon in the Huascarán National Park, and Caraz, a flower-growing community known for its pleasant climate, also offer travelers a full range of services including guides, porters, rescue teams and climbing gear rental.

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