Hazards and Precautions

While the vast majority of trekkers to the Huaraz [1] area never encounter any threats on their personal safety, certain touristy areas have a history of theft or assault. Use caution in these areas. Robberies, sometimes at gunpoint or knifepoint, have been reported at Mirador Rataquena, the bouldering area at Huanchac, and Laguna Churup. When visiting these areas, you should not go alone and should avoid nightfall.

Base-camp theft has decreased in recent years. If you are organizing your own trek, hire a camp guardian (US$15/day), or strike a deal your arriero, so that there is someone in camp during the day to watch over your equipment and supplies.

The Cordillera Huayhuash [2] route passes though several larger villages, such as Llamac, Pocpa, and Huayllapa. Here, trekkers can supplement their supplies with common items like cheese, potatoes, and beer. It is not a good idea, however, to rely on the availability of these products as supplies are limited and expensive. The long Huayhuash route also slows medical evacuation, delaying it as much as several days.

Accident risk in Peru’s tropical glaciers has been increased by their rapid retreat. Huascarán’s ice fall has become notably less stable in recent years. On July 21, 2003, at 9 a.m., huge blocks of ice fell down the 350-meter face of Alpamayo, killing eight climbers and leading the U.S. climber’s magazine Rock and Ice to question whether accidents caused by unstable ice conditions are linked to human-induced climate change. Huascarán and Alpamayo are the two most popular and well-known peaks in the Cordillera Blanca [3], but plenty of other mountains exist of similar difficulty that do not involve such a level of objective danger.

In case of an accident, climbers should contact the Casa de Guías or Yungay [4]’s High Mountain Rescue Unit. Any rescue will cost hundreds of dollars, and if a helicopter is involved, it will be thousands. Consider buying an international insurance policy that covers high-risk sports.