Guided Backpacking Holidays in Cordillera Blanca – Huascaran National Park
QUILCAYHUANCA TO COJUP VALLEY GUIDED BACKPACKING HOLIDAY
This is a challenging but infinitely rewarding Backpacking route and a high level of fitness is required by all. No multi-day trekking experience is needed but you need to be a good walker and able to carry a backpack. You can rent any trekking or camping gear here in Huaraz, if needed.
Acclimatization
We highly recommend that you arrive in Huaraz at least two days before the trek departs and spend time doing day hikes to higher altitude, this will help with acclimatization to the new altitude. We can help organize day hikes for you.
This backpacking trip takes in some of the most scenically dramatic and little-walked valleys of the Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range. The trek route takes us past two jewel-like glacial lakes and provides excellent opportunities for watching Condors. There are superb mountain views throughout.
Length: 2 nights and 3 days trek
Grade: Challenging / Up to 6-8 hours physical activity each day
Start/Finish: Huaraz
Distance: 35km
Maximum Altitude: 5100m
Season: All year round
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Pitec – Yupanapampa
You are picked up at your accommodation and begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive, passing small villages of Unchus and Llupa to Pitec 3880m (1 hour drive). A pleasant walk up the Quebrada Quilcayhuanca Valley to camp at the head of the valley at Yupanapampa 4150m at the foot of Andavite, Tullparaju, Chinchey, Pucaranra mountains (6 hours hike).
Day 2: Yupanapampa – Choco Pass – Cojup Valley
We ascend to Chocu Pass at 5100m with great views of some of the big mountains of the Cordillera Blanca such as Chinchey, Pucaranra, Huantsan, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju and many other mountains. From the pass, we have a long descent down into the Cojup Valley 4200m. 6-8 hours walk.
Day 3: Cojup Valley – Llupa – Huaraz
Walk out the long flat valley and then continue till we reach the village of Llupa from where we take the collectivo back to Huaraz. 6 – 8 hours walk and 30 minutes drive.
What to Bring
All you need is an appropriate clothing, a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots (and a spirit of adventure with a good dose of endurance for this trip!!).
BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST
*Backpack: Internal frame, 50 liters
*Sleeping bag: Down bag rated 15° C with compression stuff sack
*Water bottles: 2 liters combined capacity; bottles or bladder
*Walking poles
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
*Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof, comfortable boots
*Socks: 2 pair of medium weight wool or synthetic blend socks
*Base layers: Synthetic long sleeve shirt and synthetic underwear
*Soft shell pants: warm enough for cool mornings and nights, yet light enough for warm days
*Soft shell jacket: light weight
*Insulated vest: down
*Hard shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no insulation
*Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
*Sunglasses
*Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
*Headlamp: with extra batteries
*Toiletries: Toilet paper, toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
*Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs; guide will have one as well
*Stuff sacks: for convenient packing
This has been by far the best guided trip we have done in South America. The day length was sometimes short but the side trips made up for this & were a good challenge. We will be back! Jessica Bourne, England
