The Cordillera Blanca Is Amongst The Most Spectacular Trails In The World

By Author: Matt Lawson
Total Articles: 3
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The cordillera blanca mountain range is simply incredible as a trekking peru destination. Located in the north of Peru, the mountain range boasts of 27 peaks over 6000m including Huascaran which is Peru’s highest mountain. The mountain range runs from north to the south and can be easily accessed from the Callejon de Huaylas or Huaylas Valley which is in the west. It is full of indigenous flora and fauna and the presence of ruins of many pre-Inca cultures makes the area even more fascinating. It was declared the Huascaran national park in 1975 and in 1977, UNESCO declared it to be a ‘Biosphere Reserve. Further acclamation came in 1985 with the range being declared a ‘Natural Heritage’ site. The valleys dotting the mountain range are full of glacial lakes and the majority of the treks follow the valley running from west to east.

The cordillera blanca has a dramatic, varied landscape and is full of wilderness and some spectacular natural scenery. Trekkers are often taken by surprise when they come to the first high mountain pass to see cows and llamas grazing on their own and with no farmer in sight. It has some ...
... of the best trails and attracts trekkers from across the world. Gorgeous mountain passes and valleys, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and rivers comprise this mind-blowingly beautiful region and it truly lives up to the many clichés accorded to it. A trekker and mountaineer’s paradise, the cordillera blanca range is full of native fauna and flora and include 800 varieties of flowers and 100 species of birds along with Andean deer and condors.

Although there are almost three dozen trails which are well-established in the cordillera blanca range, the most popular one is the Llanganuco-Santa Cruz route which is also the most beautiful. The trail stars from the village of Cashapampa and carries on to the Llanganuco ravine with its emerald green lakes. This trek normally takes 4-5 days. The other popular trekking circuits include the Cedros Gorge (4 days) which starts in the northern sector of the Huascaran Park and the Llanganuco and Portachuelo which goes through the Quillcayhuanca ravineandis a less demanding trek. The Llanganuco and Portachuelo trek takes about 1-2 days. A more demanding trek is that of the Alpamayo which takes trekkers through beautiful snow-capped peaks and takes around 12 days.

Trekking in Andes poses two main problems of high altitude throughout the trek and major elevation gain and loss every single day. On the cordillera blanca trail, trekkers are always well above 2700m throughout the chosen circuit and it is advisable to take precautions. Acclimatization is the first critical precaution which needs to be adhered to strictly. Trekkers also need to guard themselves against the cold and need to be up-to-date with their vaccinations especially tetanus as medical help will be far away. all necessary antibiotics and other regular medicines should be carried all the time.

The cordillera blanca trekking is amongst the most spectacular and is an adventure not to be missed by avid trekkers.