In the summer time of 2014, I put collectively a traverse of Peru\u2019s Cordillera Blanca. One of the world\u2019s highest and most stunning mountain ranges, to one of the best of my information, it was the primary time that such a trek had been accomplished.<\/em><\/p>\n Beginning on the village of Hualcallan and ending at Pastoruri Glacier, the route consisted of a mix of established trails, cross-country scrambles, and the occasional stretch alongside backcountry dust roads. Measuring roughly 400 km (249 mi) in size, it took 16 days to finish and included greater than 20 mountain passes ranging between 4,347 m and 5,201 m (14,262 ft-17,064 ft). <\/em>After eight years and fairly a number of requests, I\u2019ve lastly put collectively a \u201cquick & dirty\u201d information for the route (no level speeding these items ???? ). The article contains GPS information, logistical suggestions, alternates, and trekking notes for the route\u2019s 4 levels. <\/em><\/p>\n Views from just under Ishinca Pass (5,201 m), the best level on the CBT (Stage 2).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CBT Shout-outs<\/strong><\/span>: Before getting began, I\u2019d like to say two individuals in regard to the CBT \u2013 Austin Lillywhite and Ryan \u201cDirtmonger\u201d Sylva. The former accomplished three of the trek\u2019s 4 levels in 2017 and was variety sufficient to supply data on a few alternate routes. The latter is an previous pal who, together with a pair of mates (Bobcat and Stef), accomplished the CBT in 2018 and has contributed up to date logistical data, photographs, and route choices from their journey (Note<\/strong><\/span>: For extra on Austin and DM see on-line assets<\/a> under).<\/em><\/p>\n Contents<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nearing Paso Yanayuca (picture courtesy of Ryan \u201cDirtmonger\u201d Sylva) (Stage 1)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n At a Glance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Distance<\/b><\/span>: \u00a0249 miles (400 km) approx.<\/span><\/p>\n Average Duration<\/b><\/span>:\u00a0 16-22 days<\/span><\/p>\n Start \/ Finish<\/b><\/span>: \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Highest Elevation<\/span>: <\/b>Ishinca Pass (5,201 m\/17,064 ft)<\/p>\n Lowest Elevation<\/b><\/span>: Hualcallan (3,133 m\/10,279 ft)<\/span><\/p>\n Total Elevation Gain<\/strong><\/span>: 25,417 m (83,389 ft)<\/p>\n Highlights:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The pyramid-shaped Alpamayo (5,947 m\/19,511 ft) illuminated by the late-afternoon solar (Stage 1)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Growing as much as 10 m (33 ft) excessive, Puya Raimondii<\/em> <\/a>crops are endemic to the high-altitude areas of the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. They are the world\u2019s largest Bromeliad and are often called the \u201cQueen of the Andes.\u201d (Stage 4)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cordillera Blanca Miscellanea<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Cordillera Blanca Range Overview Map<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One Route, Four Stages<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n For the needs of resupply, I cut up the CBT into 4 levels (click on on the hyperlinks under for journal entries from 2014). Each of the stage trailheads is accessible by public transport, which means that people that aren\u2019t curious about thru-hiking the CBT might doubtlessly do a number of of the levels as stand-alone hikes (Note<\/strong><\/span>: Distances have been up to date as of 2022, and can differ relying on route selections):<\/p>\n Cordillera Blanca Traverse \u2013 Google Map Overview<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n National Park Permit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The CBT takes place in Parque Nacional Huascar\u00e1n. For any multi-day hike within the park, you\u2019ll have to acquire a trekking allow from their workplace in Huaraz (-9.53203, -77.52984) earlier than setting out.<\/p>\n Season<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Cashan Pass in late August (5,157 m\/16,919 ft) \u2013 One of the hardest of the CBT\u2019s 21 passes, Cashan could also be snowbound early within the mountain climbing season (Note<\/strong><\/span>: The southern facet of the go nonetheless had fairly a little bit of ice\/snow when this picture was taken) (Note 2<\/strong><\/span>: The go is the little notch within the centre of the picture)(Stage 3)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n How Long Will it Take?<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Laguna Cullicocha (4,620 m) \u2013 The first of many lakes alongside the route (Stage 1)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pre-CBT Acclimatization Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n After the preliminary climb out of Hualcallan, nearly all the CBT takes place above 4000 m (13,123 ft). I can\u2019t emphasize strongly sufficient that this can be a hike for which you want to be well-acclimatized earlier than setting out.<\/p>\n In order to keep away from attainable points with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness<\/em>), plan to spend on the very least two or three days in Huaraz (3640m \/ 11,942 ft) earlier than starting the CBT. During your keep within the regional hub, do some quick excursions such because the Laguna 69 (-9.01074, -77.61178) and Laguna Churup (-9.48503, -77.42871) trails, each of that are simply accessed by way of public transport from Huaraz. If you’ve got the time, I\u2019d additionally counsel mountain climbing the close by Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit<\/a> earlier than the CBT. For extra data on acclimatization, see Tips for High Altitude Hiking<\/a>.<\/p>\n Snow-capped horizons close to Alto de Pucaraju (4,615 m) (Stage 1)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Transport<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The village of Hualcallan is the place to begin of the CBT. This picture was taken from the switchbacks above the village.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The rapidly-shrinking Pastoruri glacier, the southern terminus of the CBT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Water & Resupply<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Meandering stream in Quebrada Honda (Stage 2)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Camping & Accommodation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n On the route itself<\/em><\/span>, you’ll be able to wild camp<\/strong> just about wherever you want. That stated, I\u2019d keep away from establishing too near villages or shepherd encampments (which can be patrolled by territorial guard canines).<\/p>\n There\u2019s one full-service mountain hut alongside the route \u2013 Refugio Ishinca.<\/strong> Situated within the shadows of \u00a0Toclarraju<\/em> (6,032m) and Polcaraju<\/em> (6,110m) peaks,\u00a0Refugio Ishinca<\/em> was an surprising bonus. Half anticipating a semi-dilapidated backcountry outpost, what I obtained as a substitute was comfortable beds, good meals, useful workers, and even a solar-powered bathe!<\/p>\n In Town<\/em><\/span>: The regional capital of Huaraz<\/strong> has a large number of choices to swimsuit all budgets. During my time on the town, I stayed on the Hotel Churup, which I can extremely suggest. Juan Quiros Romero and his household have been wonderful hosts, the breakfasts have been first-rate, the rooms snug, they usually saved my additional baggage once I was out within the boonies. Double thumbs up.<\/p>\n Regarding the opposite cities alongside the route, in Chacas<\/strong>, I arrived late and ended up staying at a dodgy place whose solely redeeming function was that it was centrally positioned. As for Chavin de Huantar<\/strong>, I stayed on the characterful Hostal La Casona on the Plaza de Armas. I\u2019m 99% sure that this was the identical place I stayed at in 1996, and for the sake of nostalgia, I couldn\u2019t resist returning 18 years later. On the distant likelihood that they’re studying this submit, shout-out to my 1996 touring\/mountain climbing companions, Sylvia, Fleischy, and Dave.<\/p>\n Campsite (Stage 2 \u2013 Shallup Pass Alternate)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Chacas Village<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Refugio Ishinca<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photogenic llama at Chavin de Huantar archeological website (semi-obligatory facet journey between levels 3 and 4).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n GPS & Maps\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n I put collectively the CBT route in 2014 with the assistance of the below-listed topo maps, Google Earth, and Jim Bartles\u2019s basic Cordillera Blanca textual content (see under). When mountain climbing the route, I used stated maps and a Suunto M-2 compass for navigation. I additionally took alongside a Garmin Foretrex, with which I took waypoints of notable spots alongside the route.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n FWIW, since 2015, Gaia GPS<\/a> (along with Google Earth) has been my go-to mapping software when planning these kinds of journeys, although I\u2019ve periodically used Caltopo<\/a> when placing routes collectively within the States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thehikinglife.com\/the-hiking-life-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/P1010253-scaled.jpeg?ssl=1\")
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