In the summertime of 2014, I put collectively a traverse of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. One of many world’s highest and most stunning mountain ranges, to the very best of my information, it was the primary time that such a trek had been accomplished.
Starting on the village of Hualcallan and ending at Pastoruri Glacier, the route consisted of a mixture of established trails, cross-country scrambles, and the occasional stretch alongside backcountry grime 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). After eight years and fairly a couple of requests, I’ve lastly put collectively a “fast & soiled” information for the route (no level dashing this stuff 😉 ). The article consists of GPS knowledge, logistical suggestions, alternates, and trekking notes for the route’s 4 phases.
Views from slightly below Ishinca Cross (5,201 m), the best level on the CBT (Stage 2).
CBT Shout-outs: Earlier than getting began, I’d like to say two individuals in regard to the CBT – Austin Lillywhite and Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva. The previous accomplished three of the trek’s 4 phases in 2017 and was type sufficient to supply data on a few alternate routes. The latter is an previous buddy who, together with a pair of mates (Bobcat and Stef), accomplished the CBT in 2018 and has contributed up to date logistical data, images, and route choices from their journey (Be aware: For extra on Austin and DM see on-line assets beneath).
Contents
Nearing Paso Yanayuca (picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva) (Stage 1)
At a Look
Distance: 249 miles (400 km) approx.
Common Length: 16-22 days
Begin / End:
- Northern Terminus: Hualcallan (3,133 m/10,279 ft)
- Southern Terminus: Pastoruri Glacier (5,033 m/16,512 ft)
Highest Elevation: Ishinca Cross (5,201 m/17,064 ft)
Lowest Elevation: Hualcallan (3,133 m/10,279 ft)
Complete Elevation Acquire: 25,417 m (83,389 ft)
Highlights:
- Nevado Alpamayo at sundown
- Ishinca and Cashan Passes
- The archeological website of Chavin de Huantar
- Puya Ramondii round Lake Qishqiqucha
- Regenerating swims in bone-chilling alpine lakes
- The friendliness and hospitality of the Cordillera Blanca’s residents
The pyramid-shaped Alpamayo (5,947 m/19,511 ft) illuminated by the late-afternoon solar (Stage 1)
Rising as much as 10 m (33 ft) excessive, Puya Raimondii crops are endemic to the high-altitude areas of the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. They’re the world’s largest Bromeliad and are often known as the “Queen of the Andes.” (Stage 4)
- Located within the Ancash area of Peru, the Cordillera Blanca is a sub-range of the Andes mountains. It’s roughly 13 miles vast (21 km) and 124 miles (200 km) lengthy because the condor flies.
- The Cordillera Blanca incorporates a dozen peaks which are greater than 20,000 ft (6,096 m), with an extra twenty-four topping 18,000 ft (5,486 m).
- There are estimated to be 722 particular person glaciers inside the Cordillera Blanca vary, which is the biggest focus of tropical-zone glaciers on the planet. Because the 1970’s they’ve retreated greater than 15%. A staggering discount, particularly contemplating their hydrological significance to a rising Peruvian inhabitants.
- In 1970, the Cordillera Blanca was rocked by an earthquake (7.9 on the Richter scale) that worn out 95% of Huaraz (the regional capital), utterly destroyed the city of Yungay, and was answerable for the deaths of as much as 70,000 individuals. It was the worst pure catastrophe in Peru’s historical past, and the ensuing avalanche is taken into account the deadliest in world historical past.
- For historical past buffs equivalent to myself, a not-to-be-missed facet journey in the course of the CBT is the historic village of Chavin de Huantar. Positioned on the japanese flanks of the Cordillera Blanca, along with its picturesque plaza and dramatic setting, Chavin is residence to a World Heritage-listed archeological website that dates again greater than 3000 years. Chavin de Huantar was the non secular heart of the Chavin individuals, one of many main pre-Inca cultures of Peru.
- Legend has it that Artesonraju Peak (6025 m/19,767 ft) is the inspiration behind the well-known Paramount Photos icon. A number of miles north of there lies Nevado Alpamayo, a pyramid-shaped mountain that was voted the world’s most stunning mountain by a global survey commissioned by the German Alpine Membership within the Sixties.
Cordillera Blanca Vary Overview Map
For the needs of resupply, I break up the CBT into 4 phases (click on on the hyperlinks beneath for journal entries from 2014). Every of the stage trailheads is accessible by public transport, that means that people that aren’t desirous about thru-hiking the CBT may doubtlessly do a number of of the phases as stand-alone hikes (Be aware: Distances have been up to date as of 2022, and can fluctuate relying on route decisions):
Cordillera Blanca Traverse – Google Map Overview
The CBT takes place in Parque Nacional Huascarán. For any multi-day hike within the park, you’ll have to get hold of a trekking allow from their workplace in Huaraz (-9.53203, -77.52984) earlier than setting out.
- Could to September is the dry season within the Peruvian Andes. Technically talking, that is late autumn/winter within the southern hemisphere, nonetheless, on account of the truth that the Cordillera Blanca is located so near the equator, temperature fluctuations are comparatively minor all year long. I hiked from late August to early September and had effective climate all through a lot of the 16 days. Temperatures ranged between highs round 20°C and lows of -10°C (Be aware: The latter was skilled when tenting slightly below 5,000m).
- What’s too early? What’s too late?: Clearly, situations will fluctuate from yr to yr, however given common annual snow ranges, I wouldn’t suggest beginning the route earlier than early June or later than the top of September. A living proof is Austin Lillywhite’s Could 2017 hike, the place he was unable to go over Stage 3’s Cashan Cross due to snow situations.
Cashan Cross in late August (5,157 m/16,919 ft) – One of many hardest of the CBT’s 21 passes, Cashan could also be snowbound early within the mountain climbing season (Be aware: The southern facet of the go nonetheless had fairly a little bit of ice/snow when this picture was taken) (Be aware 2: The go is the little notch within the centre of the picture)(Stage 3)
- My CBT Expertise: I took 16 days to finish the CBT. A few of these days had been spent route discovering, visiting archeological websites, and customarily testing different factors of curiosity alongside the best way. I took one full “zero-day” (relaxation day) in Huaraz and one other “nero” (virtually a zero) in Chavin. Pushing a bit of bit tougher and with out the diversions, route-finding, and relaxation day, I believe I might have taken round 13 days to finish the hike.
- Common Length: It is a route that ought to solely be undertaken by skilled long-distance hikers who start the path properly and really acclimatized. In the event you tick these packing containers, together with turning up in fine condition and carrying a lightish pack, I’d estimate the common time wanted for the CBT could be between 16 and 22 days (together with a relaxation day or two).
Laguna Cullicocha (4,620 m) – The primary of many lakes alongside the route (Stage 1)
Pre-CBT Acclimatization Technique
After the preliminary climb out of Hualcallan, virtually all the CBT takes place above 4000 m (13,123 ft). I can’t emphasize strongly sufficient that this can be a hike for which it is advisable be well-acclimatized earlier than setting out.
With a purpose to keep away from attainable points with AMS (Acute Mountain Illness), plan to spend on the very least two or three days in Huaraz (3640m / 11,942 ft) earlier than starting the CBT. Throughout your keep within the regional hub, do some brief 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. In case you have the time, I’d additionally recommend mountain climbing the close by Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit earlier than the CBT. For extra data on acclimatization, see Suggestions for Excessive Altitude Mountain climbing.
Snow-capped horizons close to Alto de Pucaraju (4,615 m) (Stage 1)
- Northern Terminus: Hualcallan Village. I took a collectivo (minibus) from the city of Caraz to the village of Cashapampa, from which I walked 9 kilometers to Hualcallan. If you wish to go on to Hualcallan, non-public transport/taxi could be organized from Caraz.
- Southern Terminus: Pastoruri Glacier is a well-liked vacation spot for day-trippers from Huaraz. In the event you arrive earlier than late afternoon, there must be no points getting a spot on one of many buses that usually ply the path to and from the regional capital.
- From the top of Stage 1, you possibly can both hitch or take one of many common buses that go by to the close by village of Chacas. Returning to the path, catch a bus sure for Huaraz, and ask to be dropped off at Pompey/Huallin.
- From the hamlet of Pitec on the finish of Stage 2, you possibly can catch a experience down the mountain to Huaraz. Alternatively, stroll west for an extra 4.5 km to Llupa and take one of many common collectivos that go away from there.
- From the top of Stage 3 on Highway #110 overlooking Lago Querococha, hitch or flag down one of many common buses that head eastwards to the village of Chavin de Huantar.
The village of Hualcallan is the place to begin of the CBT. This picture was taken from the switchbacks above the village.
The rapidly-shrinking Pastoruri glacier, the southern terminus of the CBT.
- Water: Considerable all through a lot of the hike. Usually talking, I handled with Aquamira within the low-lying areas and/or wherever there was livestock or human settlement. Within the greater reaches, the place water was coming immediately off the glaciers, I drank straight from the supply. I had no intestinal points on this or some other hike I’ve completed throughout my journeys to Peru.
- Resupply: From north to south, the principle resupply factors are Huallin, Chacas, Pitec (Huaraz), and Chavin de Huantar (see Transport above). The regional hub of Huaraz has a variety of “conventional backpacking” meals out there, equivalent to dried fruit and nuts, cereals, pasta, tuna, powdered milk, chocolate, and so on. Selections are way more restricted within the villages alongside the best way. On the cooking entrance, you’ll be capable to choose up a fuel canister or denatured alcohol in your range in Huaraz.
Meandering stream in Quebrada Honda (Stage 2)
On the route itself, you possibly can wild camp just about wherever you want. That mentioned, I’d keep away from establishing too near villages or shepherd encampments (which can be patrolled by territorial guard canines).
There’s one full-service mountain hut alongside the route – Refugio Ishinca. Located within the shadows of Toclarraju (6,032m) and Polcaraju (6,110m) peaks, Refugio Ishinca was an surprising bonus. Half anticipating a semi-dilapidated backcountry outpost, what I received as a substitute was cozy beds, good meals, useful employees, and even a solar-powered bathe!
In City: The regional capital of Huaraz has a mess of choices to swimsuit all budgets. Throughout my time on the town, I stayed on the Resort Churup, which I can extremely suggest. Juan Quiros Romero and his household had been wonderful hosts, the breakfasts had been first-rate, the rooms comfy, and so they saved my additional baggage once I was out within the boonies. Double thumbs up.
Concerning the opposite cities alongside the route, in Chacas, 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, I stayed on the characterful Hostal La Casona on the Plaza de Armas. I’m 99% sure that this was the identical place I stayed at in 1996, and for the sake of nostalgia, I couldn’t resist returning 18 years later. On the distant likelihood that they’re studying this put up, shout-out to my 1996 touring/mountain climbing companions, Sylvia, Fleischy, and Dave.
Campsite (Stage 2 – Shallup Cross Alternate)
Chacas Village
Refugio Ishinca
Photogenic llama at Chavin de Huantar archeological website (semi-obligatory facet journey between phases 3 and 4).
I put collectively the CBT route in 2014 with the assistance of the below-listed topo maps, Google Earth, and Jim Bartles’s traditional Cordillera Blanca textual content (see beneath). When mountain climbing the route, I used mentioned 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.
FWIW, since 2015, Gaia GPS (along with Google Earth) has been my go-to mapping device when planning these types of journeys, although I’ve periodically used Caltopo when placing routes collectively within the States.
- Cordillera Blanca Traverse – Google Map: Consists of greater than 270 waypoints, indicating junctions, essential landmarks (each pure and artifical), resupply factors, and alternate routes. Be aware: The primary route is denoted by crimson markers, resupply cities are denoted by yellow markers, and alternate routes by blue markers.
- Maps: I used two mapsets in the course of the CBT: 1. Alpenvereinskarte (German Alpine Membership): Consists of two 1:100,000 sheets which cowl the complete vary – 0/3a Cordillera Blanca Nord & the 0/3b Cordillera Blanca Sud, and; 2. Skyline Adventures: Additionally, two maps break up into north and south. Each are 1:75,000. The Skyline maps don’t cowl essentially the most southerly a part of the Cordillera Blanca vary (i.e. Stage 4).
- What do you suggest for people planning a CBT hike in 2022?: 1. Import the waypoints from the CBT Google Map right into a mapping app equivalent to GaiaGPS; 2. Obtain the maps for offline use in your smartphone, and; 3. Whereas mountain climbing the CBT, complement your digital gadget with a compass and one of many above-mentioned overview mapsets (Tip: With this kind of route, at all times carry a navigational backup of some type, whether or not it’s a paper map/compass and even an additional telephone that additionally has the maps downloaded).
Old skool assets for CBT planning.
- Austin Lillywhite’s CBT Video: Cordillera Blanca Traverse YouTube video (10 min). Austin was the primary particular person to investigate concerning the CBT in 2016. The next yr, he and a buddy flew to Peru and accomplished a lot of the CBT, the lone exception being Stage 3, which they had been unable to complete due to early season snow/ice on Cashan Cross. Right here’s a hyperlink to his web site, which incorporates data and movies for different wonderful hikes such because the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit, Wind River Excessive Route, and the Sierra Excessive Route.
Lago Akilpo (Stage 2) / Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva
The collective crux of the CBT are the passes. Relying on route decisions, there are between twenty-one and twenty-three in whole, ranging between 4,347 m and 5,201 m. By any standards, it’s a rollercoaster of a visit, with a lung-busting, knee-wobbling whole elevation achieve and lack of round 50,000 m (164,000 ft).
When placing the route collectively, the vast majority of the passes had been marked on the above-mentioned topo maps. Nevertheless, in the course of the southern half of the journey, there have been a handful that weren’t, and a few of these represented essentially the most difficult facet of the planning part. The passes for which I had no data on the time included Urus/Akilpo (5,040m), Ishinca/Palcaraju (5,201m), Shallap (5,001m), Cashan (5,157m), Rurec (4,350 m), Pucaraju (4,583 m), Maraytaca (4,611 m), Landslide (4,951 m), and Huarapasca (4,930 m). Please word that the majority of those names merely mirror adjoining peaks, valleys, or within the case of “Landslide”, a comparatively latest geological occasion, and will not be the names utilized by locals for a similar excessive factors.
Right here’s the listing of passes (from North to South), with their respective elevations in parentheses. Stage 1 passes are in black font, Stage 2 in blue, Stage 3 in crimson, and Stage 4 in inexperienced:
-
- Osoruri Cross (4,848 m/15,906 ft)
- Vientunan Cross (4,760 m/15,617 ft)
- Gara Gara Cross (4,840 m/15,879 ft)
- Mesapata go (4,450 m/14,600 ft)
- Yanacon Cross (4,601 m/15,095 ft)
- Tupatupa Cross (4,347 m/14,262 ft)
- Alto de Pucaraju (4,615 m/15,141 ft)
- Punta Yanayuca (4,790 m/15,715 ft)
- Punta Olimpica (4,909 m/16,106 ft)
- Portachuelo de Honda (4,763 m/15,551 ft) (Different possibility out there)
- Urus Cross (5,040 m/16,535 ft)
- Ishinca/Palcaraju Cross (5,201 m/17,064 ft) (Different possibility out there)
- Choco/Huapi Cross (5,073 m/16,644 ft)
- Shallap Cross (5,001 m/16,407 ft) (Different possibility out there, although not beneficial)
- Cashan Cross (5,157 m/16,919 ft)
- Rurec Cross (4,350 m/14,272 ft)
- Pucaraju Cross (4,583 m/15,037 ft)
- Maraytaca Cross (4,611 m/15,128 ft)
- Punta Raria (4,801 m/15,751 ft)
- Landslide Cross (4,951 m/16,243 ft) (Different possibility out there)
- Huarapasca Cross (4,930 m/16,175 ft)
Osoruri Cross (4,848 m)………one down, twenty to go.
Trying again in the direction of Urus Cross (5,040 m) from its southern facet (Stage 2)
Descending from Ishinca Cross (5,201m)(Stage 2) – Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva.
In placing collectively this Q&D Information, I plugged all the information I had into Gaia GPS, created a route, and got here out with the next up to date figures for distance and whole elevation. For these doing the hike sooner or later, relying on route decisions, ultimate totals will fluctuate as much as 10 p.c.
CBT Stage 1 – Hualcallan to Pompey/Huallin
Distance: 152 km (94.4 mi)
Complete Ascent: 10,517 m (34,504 ft)
Max. Elevation: 4,911 m (16,112 ft)
Min. Elevation: 3132 m (10,276 ft)
Notes:
- The primary stage of the CBT was totally on established trails. The preliminary couple of days coincided with the Alpamayo Base Camp Trek, and later the route intersected briefly with the area’s hottest multi-day hike, the Santa Cruz Trek.
- Throughout stage 1, the route goes up and over 9 passes, all of that are marked on the topo mapsets listed above.
- Other than the beginning and ending villages, you might be able to complement your provisions within the blink-and-you-miss-them hamlets of Huaripampa, Colcabamba, and Yanama.
- Other than a one-mile (1.6 km) stretch between phases 3 and 4, the one time you’ll stroll on a paved street in the course of the CBT is on the finish of Stage 1, from the Punta Olimpica tunnel to the villages of Huallin and Pompey. Each earlier than and after the tunnel, a lot of the street part could be prevented by following (typically) faint and sometimes steepish trails that bypass the numerous switchbacks on both facet of the go. These paths had been utilized by locals within the days earlier than the street was constructed.
A cruisy stretch of path alongside the ground of Quebrada Alpamayo (Stage 1)
Campsite in Quebrada Alpamayo (Stage 1).
View from Gara Gara Cross (4,840m) (Stage 1)
Dawn from Quebrada Jancapampa (Stage 1)
Lago Huecrococha (Stage 1)
Laguna Sactaycocha (Stage 1) – (Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva).
Artesonraju Peak (6025 m/19,767 ft) as seen from Quebrado Huaripampa. That is the height that’s mentioned to be the inspiration behind the Paramount Photos emblem. I’m not too positive concerning the veracity of this declare, although, for film buffs, it makes for story.
Strolling by means of the Punta Olimpica Tunnel (4,735 m), which is the best vehicular tunnel on the earth (Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva).
CBT Stage 2 – Huallin to Pitec
Distance: 108 km (67.1 mi)
Complete Ascent: 5,978 m (19,613 ft)
Max. Elevation: 5,201 m (17,064 ft)
Min. Elevation: 3,416 m (11,207 ft)
Notes:
- The primary go of Stage 2 – Portachuela de Honda (4,763 m) – is bookended by grime street walks in Juitush and Honda Valleys. At Portachuela de Honda, there are a few totally different excessive factors from which to decide on; each DM in 2018 and myself in 2014 took the blue route, which is shorter, steeper, and (maybe) much less well-defined than the crimson route (no less than from what I can collect on the topo maps).
- It’s price noting that the japanese finish of Quebrada Honda has a mining presence, and you’ll presumably see automobiles touring to and from the mines when you attain the grime street that runs alongside the valley ground. Neither I nor DM encountered any points with these of us; quite the opposite, they had been uniformly pleasant and nobody appeared bothered by our presence. This was the state of affairs in 2014 and 2018, I can’t say if the temper has modified within the ensuing years.
- If I needed to choose my favourite part of the complete CBT, it might be the roughly 50-55 km (31-34 mi) stretch between the western finish of Quebrado Akilpo and the northeastern reaches of Quebrada Quilcayhuanca. Starting with the “enchanted forest”, the route goes up and over three 5,000 m plus passes – Urus/Akilpo, Ishinca/Palcaraju, and Choco/Huapi. The primary two of those excessive factors had been among the many group for which I didn’t have any pre-trip data, and although I used to be pretty positive each would go, I used to be over the moon once they truly did. All that zooming out and in from totally different angles on Google Earth wasn’t for nothing………. I could have even completed a celebratory jig! (Be aware: Each passes had small cairns at or close to the highest, so locals acquainted with this a part of the Cordillera Blanca positively knew of their existence, even when I didn’t). For anybody studying this put up who’s desirous about doing a bit of the CBT relatively than the entire trek, that is the stage I’d suggest. It’s difficult, however the rewards greater than compensate. For my cash, one of many most interesting stretches of high-altitude mountain climbing in the complete Andes vary.
- It’s normally attainable to catch a experience right down to Huaraz from the tiny village of Pitec on the finish of the stage. Pitec is the beginning/ending level for one of many space’s hottest day hikes – the path to Laguna Churup (4,480 m). If nothing’s out there while you arrive in Pitec, stroll for 4.5 km right down to the neighboring village of Llupa, the place common collectivos run up and down the mountain to Huaraz.
“Chester” – a neighborhood canine that adopted me by means of the enchanted forest of Quebrada Akilpo, which was the longest woodland stretch of the CBT (approx. 8 km lengthy) (Stage 2).
Laguna Akilpo (4,690m) (Stage 2)
Descending from Ishinca Cross (5,201m) in the direction of Quebrada Cajup (Stage 2).
Descending into Quebrada Quilcayhuanca from Choco/Huapi Cross (Stage 2) / Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva.
Campsite sundown in Quebrada Quilcayhuanca (Stage 2) / Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva.
Bucolic stretch to complete the second stage / Quebrada Quilcayhuanca.
Distance: 65 km (40.4 mi)
Complete Ascent: 4,520 m (14,829 ft)
Max. Elevation: 5,157 m (16,919 ft)
Min. Elevation: 3,747 m (12,293 ft)
Notes:
- The third stage traverses 4 passes, particularly Shallap (5,001m), Cashan (5,157m), Rurec (4,350m), and Pucaraju (4,583m).
- Cashan is the final and presumably essentially the most difficult of all of the passes. As talked about above, anybody trying the CBT earlier than mid to late June in a mean snow yr is more likely to encounter fairly a little bit of snow/ice on the northern facet and appreciably extra on the even-steeper southern facet. In the event you’re adamant about doing the hike early season, make sure to take microspikes and an ice axe. Possibly a rabbit’s foot as properly.
- Descending into Quebrada Rurec after Cashan go, the panorama transitions from rock and ice to pastoral. The next go, which I unimaginatively referred to as “Rurec”, is principally only a lengthy grassy slope (see picture beneath). The identical goes for “Pucaraju” close to the top of the stage (-9.68107, -77.34529).
- Throughout the ultimate few kilometers of the third stage, you’ll attain Laguna Querococha, the biggest lake on the route. Each DM and I skirted the lake’s northern shore earlier than making a beeline to the street to Chavin. A greater possibility could be to observe the lake’s western facet after which swing round its southern finish to affix the street at a lookout (-9.72753, -77.33123). This is able to lower a couple of kilometers of street strolling off the start of the fourth and ultimate stage.
Lago Shallap (Stage 3)
Lago Shallap on the best way as much as its namesake go / Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva (Stage 3)
View from the slender notch of Cashan Cross (5,157 m) (Stage 3) / MLD Exodus pictured (Be aware: As with MLD’s Burn and Prophet fashions, the unique Exodus is notably smaller than the present iteration).
Exterior a shepherd’s hut in Quebrada Rurec (Stage 3)
Trying again in the direction of Quebrada Rurec from the slopes of Rurec Cross.
Heading up in the direction of Rurec Cross (4,350m) (Stage 3).
Lago Querococha (finish of Stage 3)
Historical underground tunnel / Chavin de Huantar archeological website.
Chavin de Huantar archeological website / Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva)
CBT Stage 4 – Chavin to Pastoruri Glacier
Distance: 72 km (44.7 mi)
Complete Ascent: 4,402 m (14,442 ft)
Max. Elevation: 5,040 m (16,535 ft)
Min. Elevation: 3,865 m (12,680 ft)
Notes:
- Ranging from the Lago Querococha viewpoint, hike for a mile (1.6 km) down the street to the place it passes over the lake’s outlet stream. Go away the street right here, and start descending WSW alongside the watercourse’s true left facet.
- After a pair extra kilometers, ascend the ridge you’ve been paralleling and drop into Quebrada Pamparaju. Head south till you attain Quebrada Maraytaca, which you’ll ascend to the SW. After simply over 4 km, go away the valley and climb steeply SSE to an apparent go (-9.80422, -77.30218). You’ve now entered the Puya Raimondii zone, the botanical spotlight of the route.
- There are some unbelievable lakes throughout this stretch, and in effective situations, I’d extremely suggest taking a dip within the crystal clear Lago Acococha. Round its perimeter, there are many flattish rocks upon which to soak within the solar’s warming rays after your swim.
- From a route selection perspective, the ultimate determination you’ll need to make comes upon arrival in Quebrada Puchua. In 2014, the plan was to go over a col I’d recognized on the valley’s southern finish between Nevado Gajap (5,208 m) and Nevado Huayacu (5,418 m). Taking off in that path, I quickly encountered a gaggle of native shepherds who knowledgeable me that it was unpassable on account of a latest landslide. I continued to press them about its viability, however they remained adamant. I in the end accepted their recommendation and ended up taking an alternate route (see blue markers on Google Map). Issues clearly stabilized within the ensuing years, as in 2018, Dirtmonger and associates got the inexperienced gentle by locals to go over what I dubbed “Landslide Cross.” (Be aware: The choice route can be very scenic and affords some unbelievable views to the east of the Cordillera Blanca. Nonetheless, assuming it’s secure to take action, I’d suggest taking the route over Landslide Cross. There at all times appears to be locals floating about in Quebrada Puchua, so make sure to ask about present situations earlier than making your determination).
Puya Raimondii above Lago Qishqiquch (Stage 4)
Overnighting in a shepherd’s hut throughout a stormy evening (Stage 4) (Be aware: The quilt within the picture is my trusty Katatabatic Sawatch, which I’ve had for the reason that 12 Lengthy Walks journey of 2011/12, and which remains to be going sturdy greater than a decade later).
Lago Qishqiqucha (Stage 4)
Lago Acococha (4,594 m) / It was right here I took my third and ultimate swim of the CBT (Stage 4).
Heading in the direction of Punta Raria (4,801m)(Stage 4).
Descending Landslide Cross (4,951m) (Stage 4) / Picture courtesy of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva.
Yours really at Pastoruri Glacier (5,033 m) – the southern terminus of the Cordillera Blanca Traverse. The Finish.
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