{"id":21256,"date":"2019-03-27T09:40:40","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T08:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=21256"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:48","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:48","slug":"hiking-cordillera-blanca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/hiking-cordillera-blanca\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Cordillera Blanca"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you think of Peru,<\/a> your mind likely jumps to images of the outstanding World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu.<\/a> The most popular hiking trail in the country is easily the Inca Trail, closely followed by numerous trails that are also dedicated to reaching the top of the ancient citadel. But if you listen to the whispers of the country\u2019s locals or travellers well-versed in the region, you may catch wind of one of the most under-rated destinations in all of Peru: The Cordillera Blanca.
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The Cordillera Blanca is a chain of mountains within the greater Andes mountain range. Its peaks reach over 6,000 meters above sea level and it\u2019s home to the highest mountain in Peru, Huascaran, sitting as a snow-covered giant at 6,768 meters high. From river valleys and hot springs to over 700 glaciers, the Cordillera Blanca is easily one of Peru\u2019s best-kept secrets, especially for hikers.
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Whether you\u2019re a hiker, photographer, backpacker, or adventure seeker, the Cordillera Blanca is a place of beauty you don\u2019t want to miss. To make your trip planning a bit easier, here\u2019s everything you need to know about hiking in and around the Cordillera Blanca.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Travel on: <\/em>A hiking and trekking tour <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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What to expect from Cordillera Blanca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Witnessing the beauty of this region doesn\u2019t come without its own set of unique challenges. This region is high in the Andes, meaning the air is thin, the wind is bitterly cold, and the terrain can be extremely unforgiving. That being said, the views along the way make the journey unmistakenly worthwhile. So, what can you expect form hiking in these parts?
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1. You\u2019ll start in Huaraz <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Typically, hiking in the Cordillera Blanca starts in the village of Huaraz. With exception to a few \u201ctouristy\u201d areas, this town is proudly authentic to Peru. The locals wear traditional Peruvian clothing, sell guinea pigs at the street markets, and very little English is spoken. The village is charming, welcoming, and boasts some of the most indescribable views you\u2019ll ever see.
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\"Huaraz,
Huaraz, Peru | \u00a9 Augusto Nagahiro\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. There are fewer tourists<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are still people like you visiting the area to take in the views and hike through the mountains. But when compared to the country\u2019s other major tourists pulls, it remains virtually untouched. This creates one of the most authentic experiences one can have while hiking, allowing you to experience the wilderness without the distraction of major tourism crowds.
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3. It\u2019s great for any ability level<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most unique qualities of the Cordillera Blanca is its inclusive nature in terms of hosting hikers of any skill level. During your time in the region, you\u2019ll see families with children, adult backpackers, experienced ice-hikers, and retirees alike. There\u2019s something for everyone, regardless of your interest or hiking skill level.
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See Also: <\/em>Walking South America: The Best Hiking Trails<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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4. It\u2019s affordable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the other more popular hikes in Peru, hiking and lodging in the Cordillera Blanca are considerably more affordable. Everything from park entrance fees, gear rental, and expert guides – it\u2019s all a fraction of the cost you would incur when hiking one of the more tourist-driven trails within Peru.
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5. The altitude can affect you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As previously mentioned, the Cordillera Blanca is home to some of the highest mountains in Peru. Huaraz itself is over 3,000 metres high, meaning your body will need time to adapt to the altitude changes. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the altitude before planning any major hikes or treks. Chew on the cocoa leaves or opt for cocoa leaf tea. And if you start feeling ill, tell someone right away, because it could become serious rather quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keep in mind that you may be affected by the altitude | \u00a9 Kal Visuals\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Guide to hiking Cordillera Blanca <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you can technically visit and hike any time of the year, there are a few months you\u2019ll want to avoid and some peak seasons that will make your trip a lot easier to enjoy.
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Peruvian Winter – most favourable <\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Winter in Peru <\/em>covers the months between April and October and is widely considered the best time to visit. Known as the Andean Summer, these months have much less rain than the summer and are therefore favourable for hiking and other outdoor activities. Temperatures in the mornings and afternoons are cold, with an average of 0 \u00baC (32\u00baF). But once the sun reaches its peak at noon, temperatures can be as high as 20 \u00baC (68\u00baF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peruvian Summer – less favourable<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Summer in Peru ranges from November till late March. These are the months that see the most rain, but typically warmer temperatures. Unlike lower altitude cities in Peru, the Cordillera Blanca region\u2019s temperatures remain fairly steady all year round – it\u2019s the rain that becomes an issue. During the summer months, the heavy rainfall makes hiking unpleasant and dangerous, as some trails flood and become much too dangerous to trek.
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Getting there<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Access to the Cordillera Blanca starts in Huaraz, so you\u2019re going to need to get there from where ever you fly into. From Lima, Huaraz is located eight hours north if by road. For those on a budget, there are busses that leave regularly and will get you there without the cost of a flight. That being said, there is also an airport that offers daily flights from Lima, which can be a better option for those on time restrictions.
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See Also: <\/em>Long-Distance Hiking Trails Around the World, Ranked by Difficulty<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Hiking Permits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One thing you\u2019ll need to consider before you head out for a day hike or week-long trek is your hiking permits. To enter Huascar\u00e1n National Park you\u2019ll need to pay the park permit fees. Depending on how many days you\u2019ll be visiting, the fees change. You\u2019ll also need to consider the exchange rate, which varies slightly month to month.
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For international tourists, the fees are estimated to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n