Climbing in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru

Posted by MurphyJ on Jan 20, 2015
Page Views: 362

Dates: Jun 17, 2015 through Jul 30, 2015
Location: Peru
City or Place: Cordillera Blanca
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Categories: Mountaineering
Partner Status: Want Partners

I am looking for experienced climbing partners to join me climbing high peaks in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca this June-July (the dates listed are approximate). The Cordillera Blanca is one of the most spectacular and climber-friendly ranges in the world, with 30+ gorgeous peaks above 5500m, and easy, inexpensive access and logistics.

I led an expedition there in 2008 and climbed Ishinca, Tocclaraju and Artesonraju, plus a bunch of other peaks. Looking forward to building on this!

For itinerary and climbing objectives, I’m thinking:
- Bus from Lima to Huaraz (3048m), do two nearby acclimation hikes (e.g. to 4450m and 4900m)
- Acclimate in the Llanganucca valley, e.g. climbing Yanapaccha (5460m) and Pisco (5751m)
- Rest & resupply in Huaraz
- Climb Huandoy Norte (6395m)
- Pizza, beer and massage in Huaraz
- Climb Huascaran Sur via the Shield (6768m)
- Bus back to Lima, fly home

An itinerary like this would take 5ish weeks. This allows enough time to properly acclimate to these altitudes. But we can also work in a shorter itinerary for folks who can only take 4 weeks off (e.g. cutting out Huandoy N or Huascaran S). Please contact me to discuss, at jamesthebald AT gmail DOT com

Significant mountaineering, snow climbing and glacier-travel experience is a must! These are large, serious, awesome mountains with crevassed glaciers, seracs and other objective hazards.