Highlights
- Acclimatization hike to Laguna Wilcacocha
- Turquoise glacier lagoons of the Cordillera Blanca
- Traverse Huapi Pass (5’100m) and Ranrapalca Pass (5200m)
- Climb Ishinca (5530m)
Character
For acclimatization we start with a day tour to the Laguna Wilcacocha, where we can experience the spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca and the local population. The Quilcayhuanca Cojup Trek with extension to the Ishinca Valley is a very impressive short trek in the Cordillera Blanca, which will reward you with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lagoons. During the tour we cross the 5’100 m Haupi Pass and the Ranrapalca Pass at 5200m. Finally, wet try to climb Ishinca (5530m).
Requirements
Good physical condition, team spirit and willingness to leave your comfort zone. You should only consider this expedition if you are strong, with high fitness levels and able to carry a medium weight backpack on steep terrain over rocky, loose and uneven ground. In preparation for this trip, we recommend extensive walks and conditioning.
Best Season
The best trekking and climbing season in the Andes is from April to October, with rainy season in between. It is usually sunny and warm during this time. Due to the altitude, the nights can be quite cold (to minus 5 ° C).
Extra Time
Individual connection programs with Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon and much more are possible. Contact us!
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
- Transports according to itinerary
- Bus tickets Lima – Huaraz – Lima
- Accommodation in Lima and Huaraz
- Acclimatization hikes according to itinerary
- Entrance fees to Huascaran National Park
- Qualified and experienced guide (Spanish/English)
- Cook and assistant
- Porters
- All meals during the trek and climb
- Good quality high mountain tent (2 or 3 person)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Cooking utensils
- First aid kit and oxygen
What is included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
- Meals in Lima and Huaraz
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal equipment
- Extra porters for personal equipment
- Medical care or insurance
- Emergency rescue or evacuation
- Additional expenses as a result of leaving the expedition early
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Tips (optional)
Day 1: Acclimatization hike to Laguna Wilcacocha
We pick you up at the hotel and drive south to the Santa Cruz bridge. Here begins our hike through the picturesque highlands and small Andean villages. We slowly ascend to the Laguna Wilcacocha (3’700m), where we enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the whole Cordillera Blanca. We walk the same way back to the bridge, where our transport waits and brings us back to Huaraz.
- Driving time: 20 minutes
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Huaraz - Pitec - Laguna Churup
We drive from Huaraz to Pitec (3’850m) passing through the traditional villages of Unchus and Llupa. After entering the national park we start ascending by following the path over a long ridge. The final 100m to the lake scrambling up a steep rock gully which some people may find difficult. We enjoy the silence and peace at Laguna Churup at 4’450m and return back to our first campsite.
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Tent
Day 3: Pitec - Quilcayhuanca - Tullpacocha
We start our hike into the Quilcayhuanca valley. The valley is surrounded by glaciated peaks such as the majestic Nevado Adavita (5518 m), Nevado Tullparaju (5787 m), Chinchey (6222 m) and many more. We camp at the end of the valley at 4’100m. In the afternoon we can walk to the turquoise Laguna Tullpacocha.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Tent
Day 4: Tullpacocha - Haupi Pass - Cojup Valley
Today while hiking up we have a wonderful view of the surrounding lakes, such as Laguna Tullpacocha and Laguna Chuchillacocha – known for its olive color. We hope to catch a glimpse of the pointed rock tooth Nevado Cayesh, but this is very often covered in clouds. After about 5 hours of walking we reach the traverse between the canyon Quilcayhuanca and Cojup – Paso Huapi at 5100 m. From here we can see the Nevados Huapi, Pucaranra, Tullparaju, Andavite, Cayese, Maparju, San Juan, Palcaraju, Ishinca and Ranrapalca. Now it’s all back down to the Cojup valley until we reach our camp.
- Hiking time: 8 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Tent
Day 5: Cojup Valley - Pelorcocha
We leave our campsite in the Cojup valley and hike up to the beautiful Laguna Pelorcocha at 4’800m. On the bank we build up our camp. From this point we have a very nice view of the Nevado Palcaraju.
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Tent
Day 6: Pelorcocha - Ranrapalca Pass - Ishinca Summit - Basecamp
Today we climb over the moraine to the Ranrapalca Pass and descend into the Ishinca Valley. Here we put on our climbing gear and continue on the glacier to the peak of Ishinca (5’530 m). Then the descent takes place over the left side of the glacier. We leave the glacier before reaching the Laguna Ishinca and then continue to the base camp of the Ishinca Valley.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Tent
Day 7: Ishinca Basecamp - Huaraz
After breakfast we hike back to Pashpa and leave the fascinating Ishinca valley. Our private transport to Huaraz is already waiting here.
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Driving time: 2 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
Descend to Cojup Valley
Quilcayhuanca Valley
Camping
During the trek, you spend the nights in two or three person tents.
Hotels
In Lima and Huaraz, you are accommodated in a double room in good middle class hotels. A single room is possible for a surcharge.
Meals
During the expedition we pay attention to a healthy and high-calorie diet. Breakfast and dinner are cooked warm. For lunch, a box lunch is served. We can prepare vegetarian dishes on request.
Luggage
Porters carry the group equipment and food during the trek. You need to carry your own personal gear and lunch box.
Extra Day
In general, the extra day is used where it is necessary during the trek. It not needed during the trek or climb, you have an extra day to enjoy Huaraz.
Transport
For the route Lima-Huaraz-Lima we work together with the bus company Oltursa, which is a public bus of the highest category. The rest of the transports take place in minivans or comfortable 4×4 off-road vehicles, depending on the group size. On request and not included in the price, we can also organize a private transport for the route Lima-Huaraz-Lima or a flight (only in the morning).
Packing list
Our recommendation
- Backpack
- Head torch (with spare batteries)
- Sandals
- Well-worn in mountain boots
- Down jacket
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Fleece or warm pullover
- Comfortable clothes (quick dry, merino)
- Trekking trousers
- Long thermal underwear (merino)
- Warm socks
- Cap, gloves
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen (min factor 40)
- Hiking poles
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex)
- Very warm and waterproof gloves (Gore-Tex)
- Mountain goggles
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Helmet
- Harness
- Carabiners
- Sleeping bag -10° comfort
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Personal medication travel kit
- Water bottle and water purification pills
- Extra Snacks (your favorite chocolate)
- Extra money
Frequenly asked questions
Do I neer an insurance for this trip?
Because it is a long-distance travel, a private travel cancellation insurance is recommended. Absolutely recommended is a foreign health insurance. For a longer trip a baggage insurance is recommended too.
How do I prevent altitude sickness?
Some basic rules:
- Do not climb too fast, allow several days for a gradual acclimatization
- It can be very useful to take a break at around 3,000 m for a few days
- Drink more than enough water
- Do not drink any alcohol
- Cure infections and other diseases beforehand
- Do not take sleeping pills
- Carbohydrate-containing foods, as they consume less oxygen than fats and proteins
- Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves
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