What is the classic trek here?

The four-day Santa Cruz trek is the signature route — glacial lakes, 4,750 m passes and a wall of white peaks — with the tougher Huayhuash circuit for the ambitious.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September is the dry season and the only reliable window for trekking and climbing; the wet season (December to March) makes the high routes hazardous.

Can I climb a 6,000 m peak with limited experience?

Yes — peaks like Pisco and Ishinca are non-technical and popular first 5,000–6,000 m ascents with a guide, after proper acclimatisation in Huaraz. Huascarán and Alpamayo need real alpine experience .

How do I get to Huaraz?

Huaraz is around eight hours by road from Lima (overnight buses are common) or a short flight; operators arrange transfers and the acclimatisation days the altitude demands.

Things to do in Cordillera Blanca & the Central Andes

Cordillera Blanca & the Central Andes is the world's highest tropical mountain range, centred on Huaraz. Trips here often include glaciated 6,000 m peaks, turquoise lakes and the classic Santa Cruz trek. Trips here often include peru's trekking and mountaineering heartland, with Huascarán, Alpamayo and the Huayhuash circuit.

The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range on earth — a wall of glaciated 6,000 m peaks, turquoise glacial lakes and deep quebradas, all within reach of the trekking town of Huaraz. This is Peru's mountaineering and trekking heartland, a place of serious altitude and staggering beauty.

Trekking the great circuits

The classic four-day Santa Cruz trek and the demanding Huayhuash circuit are among the world's finest, alongside day hikes to Lake 69 and the Pastoruri glacier, all based in Áncash.

Climbing the white peaks

For mountaineering, non-technical 5,000–6,000 m summits like Pisco, Ishinca and Vallunaraju make superb first Andean peaks, with Huascarán and the razor edge of Alpamayo for the experienced. Open the Book here tab for live dates.

Trekking the great circuits

The classic four-day Santa Cruz trek and the demanding Huayhuash circuit are among the world's finest, alongside day hikes to Lake 69 and the Pastoruri glacier, all based in Áncash.