Planning Your Time

The Cordillera Blanca [1] is unfortunately on the way to nowhere and is not easily integrated into Peru’s other major travel circuits. But that is just fine with a good number of trekkers and climbers who spend their entire Peru trip right here. There are two rugged dirt roads on either end of the range, one of which leads to Huánuco [2] in Peru’s central highlands and the other, passing through many small towns en route, to Cajamarca. But these take several days to travel and require hopping a few buses.

There are no regular flights to Huaraz [3], but newly paved roads have cut the journey from Lima [4] to a comfortable seven hours. Most travelers who plan on visiting Cusco [5] come here from Lima, where they return before flying to Cusco. Those who want to see northern Peru can come here from Lima on the main highway and then, to continue their journey, can take a more adventurous route [6] back to the coast over the Cordillera Negra [7].

The traditional climbing and trekking season runs May–August, but the best weather and snow are in June and July. Ascents, however, can be made during the sometimes-sunny climate of September. And if you happen to hit Huaraz [3] during low season (Sept.–Apr.), you can enjoy a series of day hikes, deep green landscapes (colored by the afternoon rains), and cheaper prices.