12-Nights Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca — CALL
MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1376694
Experience the extraordinary beauty of Peru's Cordillera Blanca on this high-altitude trek for experienced hikers. Explore the highest tropical mountain range in the world, with 27 peaks over 19,000 feet, linked by isolated valleys. Hike through a glacial wilderness of translucent turquoise lakes, hidden waterfalls, and striking pinnacles, and keep an eye out for vicunas and soaring condors. Drink in vistas of sharply ridged peaks, including the remarkable "perfect" pyramid of Alpamayo. Challenging? Yes, but a fantastic, bucket-list triumph for those who choose to undertake it.
Highlights:
- Feast your eyes on beautiful mountain scenery that rivals the Himalaya in scale
- Cross seven mountain passes and camp at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,800 feet
- Take in majestic mountain views at Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Important Trip Details:
This is a very challenging trek with several consecutive days of strenuous hiking on rocky terrain, with elevations exceeding 15,000-feet. Physical excursion further challenged by basic camping conditions, and varying weather. Participants should look forward to a goal-oriented experience.
Minimum Age: 17
12 nights | Call for pricing
Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Peru Cordillera Blanca Trekking
Day 1 Arrive in Huaraz
30-minute private van transfer
Arrive at Huaraz-Anta airport and meet your MT Sobek guide for a private van transfer to the hotel in Huaraz. Rooms have been booked from the night before so you are able to check in immediately on arrival this morning and have a restful day to begin acclimating to the altitude (10,000'). This evening, meet up for a welcome dinner. There is currently one daily flight that departs Lima at 7:00 am and arrives Huaraz at 8:10 am (subject to change). We recommend arriving Lima the previous day and overnighting at the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel before taking the morning flight to Huaraz. You are also welcome to book the flight from Lima to Huaraz for a day or more early, to allow more days to acclimate or explore on your own.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(D)
Day 3 Hike to Ararcocha & Huilcacocha Lakes
1-hour private van transfer
4 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 2746' elevation gain & 121' elevation loss
Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cordillera Blanca as you travel into the mountains by private van, then hike to two pristine Andean glacial lakes. This is a great acclimatization hike to help you adjust to the thinner air and prepare you for more challenging future hikes. From Rumichuco Bridge, ascend toward Ararcocha (12,116') and Huilcacocha (12,221') Lakes, boasting some of the best panorama views of the Cordillera Blanca range, including the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca — Mount Huascaran — whose glacier-topped pinnacle sits at 22,204 feet! After a hearty lakeside lunch, meet your van for the drive back to Huaraz.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Journey to Huascaran National Park
4.5-hours private van transfer
1-1.5 hours/1.8 miles hiking with 1,627’ elevation loss
Check out of the hotel in Huaraz and depart by private vehicle, stopping in the charming town of Carhuaz for a visit to the local market. Visit Campo Santo, site of the single worst natural disaster in the Andes. Today, it's a peaceful cemetery, with spectacular views of Huascaran, flower-filled gardens, and monuments honoring the dead. Enter Huascaran National Park, stop for a box lunch, then cross a pass of about 15,580' with a stunning panorama of the northern Cordillera Blanca. Here you'll leave the Pacific side of the range and begin a descent on the Amazon side. From the trailhead, hike downhill to camp at Vaqueria (12,136') — a short and easy warm-up for the next nine days.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp — Cordillera Blanca, Peru
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike to Tuctu Pampa
6–7 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 2,627' elevation gain and 1,247’ elevation loss
Begin your trek in earnest with an all-day hike down Quebrada Vaqueria (10,824'), passing near Colcabamba, then up the Tuctu Valley, passing small settlements and farmland. Camp at Tuctu Pampa (13,451'), with views of Taulliraju and Rinrijirca looming at the head of the valley and the massive wall of Chacraraju's east peak — all over 19,000 feet.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp — Cordillera Blanca, Peru
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Hike to Laguna Huecrococha
7 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,788' elevation gain & 2,785’ elevation loss
Continue up the Huaripampa Valley on pre-Inca trails, with views of Contrahierbas behind you. Cross Pucaraju Pass (15,252'). If it's clear, take in beautiful views of Piramide, Paron, Chacraraju, and Huascaran. Continue on to Laguna Huecrococha, a lake situated at about 13,000', then camp slightly below the lake, in the Tuctupampa Valley at 12,588'.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike to the Jancapampa Valley
7–8 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,916’ elevation gain & 2,805’ elevation loss
Hike up to the village of Tingopampa, crossing the Tupatupa, a grassy pass at 14,274', and camp at Jancapampa (11,640'), one of the most beautiful valleys on the trek, situated below the Pucajirca massif. In the afternoon and evening, you'll likely enjoy the company of the curious children of Tingopampa in camp. Settle in for a good night's sleep in the trip's lowest-altitude camp.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Climb to Huilca
8–9 hours/7.2 miles hiking with 3,786’ elevation gain & 2,273’ elevation loss
From Jancapampa, climb with ever-changing views of the immense glaciers of the east face of Pucajirca (19,844'). Continue climbing steeply through woods, across grassy meadows, and over glacially polished cliffs while enjoying an array of spectacular wildflowers. Make a steep ascent to the narrow Yanajanca pass (15,134'), then head downhill on the Pacific side toward the small settlement of Huilca. Camp just below the pass at 13,123' with spectacular views of Pucajirca.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Hike to Moyobamba
5–6 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,053’ elevation gain and 397' elevation loss
Continue up Quebrada Tayapampa with beautiful views of the northeast face of Alpamayo (19,455') and the three peaks of Pucajirca in the distance. Ascend over a grassy pass at 14,553', crossing a ridge, and camp at Moyobamba at 14,783'.
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Enjoy Views of Alpamayo
6 hours/4.7 miles hiking with 1,552' elevation gain and 2,297’ elevation loss; optional side trip 2 hours/1.6 miles hiking with 508' elevation gain & loss
Hike over Caracara Pass (15,800'), enjoying fantastic views of Alpamayo's cirque, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Cordillera Blanca stretching southwards. After lunch, those who wish can hike up to the moraine — about two hours roundtrip, over scree — and enjoy stunning views of Alpamayo's famed classic pyramid shape and the turquoise green lake below the peak. Camp at 13,599' and take in dazzling views of Alpamayo as the sun sets and rises.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Hike to the Highest Campsite
6-7 hours/6.1 miles hiking with 2,740’ elevation gain and 1,627' elevation loss
Begin a long ascent with about 50 vueltas (switchbacks) to arrive at Jatun Viento Pass (15,623'). Descend to camp at 14,947', the highest campsite on the trek, and a well-deserved rest.
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Reach Huischcash
7 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,549' elevation gain and 3,347’ elevation loss
Hike 1.5 hours to your last and highest pass, Toro Pishtanan (15,977'). Descend to Cullicocha Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in this area of the Andes, with its blue-green waters and view of the three peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the background. Enjoy views of the Cordillera Negra, the snowless mountain range running parallel with the Cordillera Blanca to the west. Continue to Huischcash (13,100') and camp near a modern aqueduct that has replaced an ancient Inca one.
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Downhill to Hualacayan & Back to Huaraz
4-hour private van transfer
3 hours/3.8 miles hiking with 286' elevation gain and 3,061' elevation loss
Continue downhill to the ruins of Hualacayan and meet your van for the ride back to Huaraz. As you leave the mountains behind, see farmers working small plots of land overlooking the Huaylas Valley and the Cordillera Negra. After checking into the hotel in Huaraz, meet your group for a final farewell dinner in Huaraz.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 14 Depart Huaraz
30-minute private van transfer
Take an early morning group transfer back to Huaraz-Anta airport and begin your journey home.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(B)
Day 2 Discover the Ancient Center of Chavin de Huantar
5-hour private van transfer
3-hour guided visit to archaeological site
Continue your acclimatization with a day trip from Huaraz to the monumental site of Chavin de Huantar, one of the oldest archaeological sites you can visit in Peru - first inhabited as early as 1500 BC! Nestled at 10,500 feet, between the eastern and western ranges of the Andes, this complex of temples, terraces, and underground mazes belonged to the Chavin culture, who pre-dated the Inca by over 2,000 years. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, Chavin was a gathering place for worshipers from around the region. Admire the pyramidal temple and buildings of the ceremonial center, with outstanding examples of zoomorphic stone carvings. Step inside recently uncovered passages of underground tunnels, and visit the small on-site museum that houses artifacts found at the site including carved stone figurines and musical instruments.
Accommodation: Andino Club Hotel
(B, L)
Excursions
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
Museo Larco (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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