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Trekking tours in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash
Quilcayhuanca/ Ishinka Trek
This exciting 8-day trek (70km approx) takes in some of the most scenically dramatic and little-walked valleys and passes of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. The trek takes us past numerous jewel-like glacial lakes and over two spectacular high passes (5,100m & 5,350m), and also provides excellent opportunities for sighting condors and superb mountain views throughout.
Note:
It includes the option to climb 2 non-technical peaks. No previous experience is required for either of the 2 peaks: Maparaju (5,326m) and Ishinca (5,530m). Climbing equipment is provided and instruction in its use is given by our mountain guides.
Day 1
From Huaraz we head E, driving towards the snow peaks on the eastern horizon. After 2 hours, we reach Pitec (3,900m). The Quilcayhuanca trek begins with a hike up to Laguna Churup, nestled in an amphitheatre below the fluted ice-face of Nevado Churup (5,495m). We descend to Pitec and set up camp.
Day 2
Today we enter the broad, U-shapedQuilcayhuancaValley & head E. An array of peaks are seen up ahead, including Chinchey (6,222m). We camp near the valley’s confluence with Quebrada Cojup (often see condors).
Day 3
We start early to ascend Maparaju, located at the head of the CayeshValley. A steep path leads to the glacier, where we don crampons. We ascend the snow slopes to the summit, where views are awesome. Anyone not doing the ascent can take a rewarding hike to the glacial lakes at the heads of the Cuchillacocha and Tullpacocha valleys.
Day 4
We trek to the glacial lakes of Tullparaju (4,300m) and Cuchillacocha (4,650m), approaching the big snow peaks of Pucaranra (6,156m), Tullparaju (5,787m) and Chinchey (6,222m). We camp below the first pass.
Day 5
We ascend to the first pass (over 5,000m) which offers one of the best 360 degree mountain views in Peru. We then descend a steep track to the base of the typically U-shaped glaciated valley of Cojup, where we camp.
Day 6
Trek up the steep flanks of the CojupValley towards the next high pass. We camp part way up the valley side.
Day 7
We continue to pass (5,350m), donning crampons on reaching snow. Ishinka (5,530m) is just to our right & for (optional) ascent, we rope up & ascend S ridge to summit. Descend by N to Ishinka morriane camp (5,000m).
Day 8
We descend the Ishinca valley to Collon and rendezvous with our vehicle for the 2-hour return to Huaraz.