Five Activities to Enjoy in the Cordillera Blanca, the Highest in the World

Published: 25 January 2024 | Update: 18 February 2026 | Reads: 2457

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The Cordillera Blanca, located in the Ancash region of northern Peru, is widely recognized as the highest tropical mountain range on the planet. This impressive territory stretches for nearly 200 kilometers along the Callejón de Huaylas and is home to Huascaran National Park. This protected area was declared a Biosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its exceptional biodiversity and scenic beauty.

Its vast geography attracts climbers and travelers alike. More than a dozen mountains in the Cordillera Blanca are over 6,000 meters high, including the snowy peak of Huascaran (the highest point in the country) and Alpamayo, which is often called the most beautiful mountain because of its pyramid shape.

Although hikes in Cusco tend to receive the most attention due to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Ancash circuits provide a more technical, rugged, and less crowded alternative. Here, the focus is on adventure, nature, and physical challenge. Below, we present the five essential activities for exploring this giant of the Andes in 2026.

How do you get it?

Accessing the Cordillera Blanca is not a complicated journey. Currently, there are two main options for reaching this magical, enigmatic place surrounded by nature and the characteristic cold of the Peruvian Andes.

The fastest option is to take a flight from Lima, Peru's capital, to Huaraz, the capital of Áncash. This flight takes approximately one hour. From the Huaraz airport, it takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes by car to reach Huascaran National Park, the starting point for exploring the Cordillera Blanca. Another option is to take an interprovincial bus from Lima to Huaraz. This trip takes approximately eight hours, including necessary stops to use basic services, eat, and sightsee while passing through various towns along the route.

Once you reach the foot of the impressive Cordillera Blanca mountain range, you can enjoy the many natural wonders waiting to be discovered. There are over 500 lagoons and 700 glaciers here! The most popular lagoons are Lagoons 69, Conococha, Paron, and Palcacocha, among others. The most popular peaks among expert climbers are Huascaran (the highest peak in Peru at 6,757 meters), Huantsan, Huandoy, Chopicalqui and Santa Cruz.

Five Activities to Enjoy in the Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca is full of impressive and beautiful natural attractions and rises imposingly over the Peruvian landscape. Located in the Ancash region, this 200 km² mountain range is the highest in the central Andes of Peru. Without a doubt, it is one of the most visited and famous destinations in Peru due to its countless ecological treasures and the adventures it offers visitors.

Here, you will have the opportunity to experience trekking routes, river canoeing, ascents to snow-capped mountains, and mountain biking circuits. All of these activities are accompanied by beautiful landscapes intermingling the greenery of nature with the white of the glaciers, the turquoise of the lagoons, and the blue of the sky. Below, we invite you to discover some of the most popular activities in this wonderful place that can be enjoyed year-round.

Ascent to Nevado Huascaran
Climbing the world's highest tropical mountain is one of the most challenging mountaineering goals in the region. This six-day expedition is more than just a hike; it is a technical, high-mountain challenge reserved for experienced climbers who know how to use ice axes and crampons and can travel through glaciers with cracks.

The classic route begins in the town of Musho. From there, you gradually ascend to Base Camp and the high camps (Camps 1 and 2 in "The Throat"). Due to the route's physical demands and extreme altitude, you must acclimate for at least five days in Huaraz beforehand. Reaching the summit provides a panoramic view of the White and Black Mountain Ranges, but requires perfect logistics and absolute respect for the mountain.
Trekking to Laguna Paron
Paron, considered the largest lake in the White Mountain Range, offers one of the most iconic views of the region with moderate physical effort. Although vehicles can reach the shore, the true experience is the 45 minute walk to the natural viewpoint. This short but steep climb tests your endurance because of the altitude.

From this strategic vantage point, you can see the snowy peaks of the Artesonraju (6,025 m) and the Chacraraju (6,112 m), whose pyramid summits are reflected in the water. You can rent boats or kayaks to sail on the lake and see the granite walls that surround it from a different perspective. This trip is ideal for the first days of acclimatization.
Canoeing on the Santa River
To break up the routine of trekking, going down the Santa River offers an adrenaline rush. The river flows from south to north through the entire Callejón de Huaylas, creating sections of technical rapids that vary in intensity depending on the stretch chosen between Recuay, Huaraz and Caraz.

Due to the strength of the water flow, especially in the narrowest sections, this activity is classified as an intense adventure. It must be done under the supervision of certified guides and with full safety equipment. It is recommended for those who have basic rowing knowledge or are looking for intense thrills beyond regular hikes.
Mountain biking through the mountain range
The steep geography of the Callejon de Huaylas makes it an ideal location for mountain biking. Rather than a relaxing ride, you will find technical downhill and cross-country routes that require skill to navigate on rocky terrain, dirt paths, and ancient trails, all under the imposing presence of snowy peaks.

Since most of the circuits are horse trails or community routes lacking standard tourist signs, it is essential to participate in this activity with a specialized agency or local guide. This ensures safety in exposed sections and provides transport logistics and mechanical support in remote areas.
Trekking to Laguna 69
Unlike the Paron visit, this route is a true full-day physical challenge. The 6- to 7-hour round-trip hike is one of the most demanding in the region and requires good cardiovascular health due to the elevation gain.

The journey offers constant visual spectacles: you walk alongside melting streams and waterfalls under the imposing presence of the snowy peaks of Chacraraju and Pisco. Although the final zigzag climb is tiring, reaching the bright, turquoise-blue lake squeezed between vertical granite and ice walls is a reward that justifies every step.

Best Tours in Peru

There are many routes to Machu Picchu, but none are like the Inca Trail, the most famous hiking route in the Americas. After flying from Lima, Peru's capital, you will arrive in Cusco. For four days, you will walk along a path through forests and dense fog, passing by millenary stone steps, and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities. The entire time, you will enjoy majestic views.