Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca, or “White Range”, is South America’s most spectacular mountain region—a magnet for trekkers and alpinists. Thirty-three peaks in this section of the Andes stand above 18,000 feet. Most of these granite giants are protected within the borders of Parque Nacional Huascarán, a 13,000-square-mile alpine preserve.

The park takes its name from Peru’s highest mountain, Huascarán (22,205 feet above sea level). Watching over the park’s northern limits, UNESCO once named Alpamayo (19,511 FASL) “the most beautiful mountain in the world”.

What to do in Cordillera Blanca

Cordillera Blanca is best known for its hiking and multi-day trekking. Popular hikes include the Laguna 69, Santa Cruz Trek, Churup Lake, and visiting the Pastoruri Glacier. 

What is the Weather Like?

The climate in Peru’s Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu and Cusco, varies significantly between seasons. The wet season begins in late October and extends into April. In an average year, rain falls on 8 out of 10 days. During the drier months of May to September, the average monthly rainfall is under 2 inches. June, July, and August tend to be the sunniest months. Average humidity is around 65% to 80% year-round. Still, these are rarely torrential downpours. Even during the wettest month, January, rainfall averages only 6.1 inches for the month—about one-fifth of an inch per day.

Temperatures, however, don’t vary much throughout the year. Average highs are near 70°F in the early afternoon, although highs can reach 80°F. Overnight lows average 40°F in the wet season and mid-30°F from May to August.

To assuage the effects of the thin air , visitors are advised to rest well, avoid alcohol and eat lightly on their first day in Cordillera Blanca.

No matter when you visit, the weather in this area can surprise you. Mist and rain can be present at any time of the year. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

The Cordillera Blanca can be reached by a 1 hour 10 minute flight from Lima to Anta, near Huaraz. Please note, flight schedules and availability change frequently.

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