Three lodges have been built inside Parque Nacional Huascarán to accommodate visitors in the three most popular climbing areas. Built by Operación Mato Grosso (tel. 043/44-3061, www.omgperu.org), an Italian relief organization based in Marcará, and associated with Don Bosco de los Andes (www.rifugi-omg.org), the lodges are similar to what you might find in the European Alps. Each one has rooms of 60 bunks, and there is a large downstairs dining area with an amiable kitchen staff. Prices are reasonable: US$30, including lodging, breakfast, and dinner. Hot teas and other drinks average US$1.50–3. All profits go to aid projects.

The Refugio Ishinca (4,350 meters) is in the Quebrada Ishinca, a four-hour walk from the village of Collón and the launching point for Urus, Ishinca, and Tocllaraju.

Refugio Peru (4,665 meters) is a three-hour walk from Llanganuco and at the base of Pisco.

Refugio Giordano Longoni is a four-hour walk from the village of Musho and at the base of Huascarán.

All these peaks except for Huascarán and Tocllaraju could be climbed directly from these refugios, eliminating the need for a tent, though climbers usually bring one in which to bivouac.

There’s also a refuge in Quebrada Llaca (US$15 pp lodging, US$5 pp admission into the area) owned by the Mountain Guide Association of Peru, but it is run down and most people prefer to camp.