Ultimate Cordillera Blanca
Award Winning Adventure Trek and Climb to Three Peaks off the Gringo Trail
For beginner climbers and experienced trekkers this is a perfect trip for those looking for introductory level high altitude climbing. Participants need only little or no basic mountaineering skills. Our ascents are located in one of the world’s finest mountaineering areas and offer straightforward glaciated climbs.
During the trek we are surrounded by incredible peaks, turquoise lakes, and lupine covered meadows. Along the way we climb three straightforward 5000+-meter / 16,404+-foot peaks suitable for those with no mountaineering experience. Ascents include Maparaju, Huapi, and Ishinca.
If you are thinking about going to K2 Base Camp some time in the future, this is an excellent warm-up trip for the Karakoram classic.
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Trip Perks
This trip, discovered by Mountain Madness guides, was designed to get off-the-beaten-path. Much of the route is off-trail and follows unique passages while traversing in areas not easily accessed by trails. This route takes “off-the-beaten-path” to the next level and participants will enjoy solitude, challenge, and the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca like nobody else! And the food is pretty darn good- you can try the Incan delicacy cuy (guinea pig) and wash it down with the classic Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru.
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Description
Our route then takes us over pre-Inca trails over several passes with stunning views of such famous peaks as Cayesh, Ranrapalca, and Chinchey.
We begin this journey with a trek up the spectacular Quebrada Quilcayhuanca valley. Our route then takes us over pre-Inca trails over several passes with stunning views of such famous peaks as Cayesh, Ranrapalca, and Chinchey. During the trek we are surrounded by incredible peaks, turquoise lakes, and lupine covered meadows. Along the way we climb three straightforward 5000+ meter peaks suitable for those with no mountaineering experience. Ascents include Maparaju, Huapi, and Ishinca.
For beginner climbers this is a perfect trip for those looking for experience at high altitude climbing and that have little or no basic mountaineering skills. Our ascents are located in one of the world’s finest mountaineering areas and offer straightforward glaciated climbs.
Each climb offers moderate glacier climbing challenges with occasional route finding difficulties through crevassed areas and just enough steep snow and ice sections to keep things interesting. Participants will find ample opportunities to get hands-on experience with all the complexities involved with expedition climbing, from learning about altitude illness to determining exactly what equipment and food will be needed. Each day provides a different view and after more than a week off the beaten path we arrive in the Ishinca Valley where you will climb the famous 18,138-foot / 5528-meter Ishinca or explore this beautiful valley. After that we return to the bustling town of Huaraz for a celebration dinner and traditional dancing, Peruvian style!
Team members will also enjoy the intriguing culture of Peru. Two languages are spoken in the region, Spanish and Quechua. The indigenous Quechua people, whose ancestry can be traced directly to the Incas, continue to weave intriguing tales and myths around the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. These people continue to live in the shadows of the Andes, practicing subsistence farming and animal husbandry much as their ancestors did. This rich cultural backdrop offers interesting glimpses into the past and one of South America’s most important cultural vestiges, the vast Inca Empire, and adds immensely to the overall experience of this trip.
The mountains of the Cordillera Blanca of Peru contain some of the greatest vertical relief outside the Himalayas and offer climbing challenges equal to those in the great ranges of the world. The Cordillera Blanca is located in the Ancash region of Peru, about 400 km / 249 mi to the northeast of Lima. The range is one portion of the 7500 km / 4,660 mi Andean chain that runs along the West Coast of South America. The Cordillera Blanca contains more than 300 summits and the world’s highest tropical mountains (more than 27 over 6000 meters / 19,685 feet), and are considered by many the most beautiful range in the Andes. Elegant corniced ridges, delicately fluted ice faces, and inviting, easy access valleys make it a climber’s paradise.
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Training
Please see our training & conditioning page or call us if you have questions. We can help you make a plan!
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Ultimate Cordillera Blanca
$4,950 – 15 Days / Includes travel time
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Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $400
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Price Includes
- Four scheduled hotel nights
- Food while on the mountain
- Park Fees
- Group climbing and cooking gear
- Scheduled restaurant meals
- Pack animals and porters for group gear
- Ground transportation from Lima and return and while in the mountains
- Four scheduled hotel nights
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Price Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Personal equipment
- Guide/Staff gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Unscheduled hotel nights and restaurant meals
- Trip and medical/evacuation insurance
- Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry service, etc.)
- Services available at the mountain huts
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
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Ultimate Cordillera Blanca 2025
- Jun 8, 2025 — Jun 22, 2025
- Jul 20, 2025 — Aug 3, 2025
- Aug 10, 2025 — Aug 24, 2025
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destinations, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with a departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Lima, Peru on Day 1. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
Ultimate Cordillera Blanca Day by Day
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Day 1
Lima
Fly to Lima, Peru. Overnight in Lima.
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Day 2
Huaraz
Elevation: 10,013 ft / 3052 m
Travel to Huaraz. Hotel night.
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Day 3
Huaraz
Elevation: 10,013 ft / 3052 m
We get an up close glimpse of the fascinating subsistence farmers living scattered throughout the mountains on our first acclimatization hike. Final trip preparations and a nice dinner follow. Hotel night.
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Day 4
Way Inn
Elevation: 14,600 ft / 4450 m
Leaving Huaraz and traveling through pastoral Andean scenery, we head up to the shimmering deep blue waters of Laguna Churup on our second acclimatization hike.
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Day 5
Cayesh Base Camp
Elevation: 14,108 ft / 4300 m
Today we hike through the broad and beautiful Quilcayhuanca valley to the base camp of one of the Blanca’s most stunning peaks, the soaring ice encrusted tower of Cayesh.
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Day 6
Cayesh Base Camp
Elevation: 14,108 ft / 4300 m
Today we climb Maparaju (17,474 ft / 5326 m). Our ascent begins with an approach on pre-Inca trails to the Abra Villon Col (16,391 ft). From the col we put our crampons on and ascend a beautiful glacier plateau with a few steep steps to the summit. We will be greeted with amazing views of Huantsan and Cayesh among many others.
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Day 7
Cuchillo Pampa
Elevation: 16,109 ft / 4910 m
After a big breakfast, we spend the afternoon hiking to the beautiful hanging valley of Cuchillo Pampa. For the next two nights we will sleep here below the enormous south face of Pucaranra.
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Day 8
Cuchillo Pampa
Elevation: 16,109 ft / 4910 m
Rest is the theme of the day. A great day to wash, read, take a short hike to a nearby lake or simply lay back and breath in the pure Andean air.
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Day 9
Cuchillo Pampa
Elevation: 16,109 ft / 4910 m
Today we hike to the pass above the lake and ascend Huapi (17,766 ft / 5415 m), an exciting snow climb to a spectacular summit with outstanding views of the Chichey Massif.
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Day 10
Laguna Perolcocha
Elevation: 14,980 ft / 4566 m
Trek through the sweeping granite clad Cojup Valley. On the way we will marvel at the power of nature as we see the evidence of a massive 1940’s landslide that caused a devastating flood which destroyed half of Huaraz. We camp on the shores of Laguna Perolcocha below the massive east face Ranrapalca.
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Day 11
Ishinca Camp
Elevation: 14,190 ft / 4325 m
Our ascent of Ishinca (18,143 ft / 5530 m) is over easy glacier terrain. The famed summit view is well worth the effort! If time and conditions permit we traverse the peak, going up one route and descending another. Our last camp, arguably the best, sits perched high in the peak studded Ishinca Valley.
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Day 12
Huaraz
Elevation: 10,013 ft / 3052 m
Hike out through the justly popular Ishinca Valley to our awaiting ride to Huaraz. Hot showers and a delicious celebration dinner await!
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Day 13
Extra Day / Huaraz
Elevation: 10,013 ft / 3052 m
Extra day.
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Day 14-15
Fly Home
Return to Lima and fly home.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Ultimate Cordillera Blanca
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Carrying Gear
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Summit pack (40-50L)
Lightweight as possible with a volume between 2,500-3,500 cubic inches (40-50 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Mutant 38, Black Diamond Speed 40
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Large capacity climbing pack (70-85L)
Lightweight as possible with a volume of 4,000 – 5,000 cubic inches (70 - 85 liters)
Examples:
Osprey Aether 70
Osprey Aether 85
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Large duffel bag (150L)
One at least 7,000 cubic inch capacity (150 liters). Must be durable and waterproof
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (-10-0F)
One down or synthetic bag rated from -10 - 0°F /-18 to -23°C
Examples:
Feathered Friends Snowbunting, Marmot Never Summer
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Sleeping pad (foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental sleeping pad is advised for warmth and comfort. Closed cell foam 3/4 or full length. This pad is used in conjunction with the first pad
Examples:
Therm-a-rest Ridgerest
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Climbing Gear
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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Crampons w/ anti-balling plate
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Single length runner (24" or 60cm)
be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
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Double length nylon runner (48" or 120cm)
be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
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30’ of perlon accessory cord (6mm)
30 feet of 6mm cord
Examples:
Sterling
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Balaclava or Buff
A thin balaclava will add significant warmth on that cold summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research, Marmot
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Ski goggles
To fit over glacier glasses in high wind. Rose or amber lenses
Examples:
Smith, Oakley
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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Warm gloves
One pair fleece or wool with water resistant shell
Examples:
Outdoor Research Arete
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Expedition mitts
One pair Gore-Tex or equivalent, with textured palms and taped seams. Synthetic or down filled. Warm, heavy duty for cold temperatures
Examples:
Outdoor Research Altimitt
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Feet
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Plastic mountaineering boots
Depending on your future mountaineering endeavors, a boot such as the La Sportiva Spantik is a good investment for those who are pursuing other high-altitude climbs (such as Aconcagua or Denali), whereas the Koflach Degre would be the choice for those looking for a warm boot in moderate conditions. If you are looking at hybrid leather/plastic boots, make sure it is rated for 6,000-meter peak climbs or winter mountaineering
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Light hiking boots or trail shoes
For acclimatization hikes
Examples:
Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid, Merrell Moab, La Sportiva Boulder Ex
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Water bottles with insulators
Two one-liter wide-mouthed plastic bottles
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Ultimate Cordillera Blanca
$4,950
15 Days / Includes travel time
Elevation
Maparaju 17,470 ft / 5326 m
Huapa 17,761 ft / 5415 m
Ishinca 18,138 ft / 5530 m
Route
Begins in Quebrada Quilcayhuanca and traverses into Ishinca Valley
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Climbers should have basic snow and ice-climbing skills and should be comfortable with glacier travel, which includes moving in a rope team, self arrest, and basic crevasse rescue. Basic knowledge and experience would be required for objectives with some rock climbing.
Trekking involves 4-5 hours of walking per day with an elevation gain of up to 1,000 feet / 305 meters. You should be in good physical shape and participating in 3-4, 1-hour minimum cardiovascular workouts per week before the trek. Participants are encouraged to walk several hours or more a week leading up to the trek.
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