Climate Change Route: Pastoruri and the Puya Raimondii
A journey into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, where the ice speaks and ancient plants teach us how to endure with grace. This route—also known as the Climate Change Route—invites us to reflect on the retreat of the glaciers and the urgent need to protect what still surrounds and sustains us.
Full day
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Easy
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🕣 8:30–9:00 AM – Hotel pickup
On this day, we head south from the city of Huaraz, passing through the towns of Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac. From there, we take a detour into the Cordillera Blanca via the Carpa sector. Our first stop is the natural carbonated water spring, followed by a visit to PumapaShimi—the Seven-Color Lake—and the Puya Raimondii forest, home to one of the most iconic plants of the Peruvian Andes. This remarkable plant can grow up to 12 meters tall and live for approximately 100 years.
Our vehicle will drop us off at an altitude of 4,800 meters (15,750 ft), and from there we’ll hike to the Pastoruri Glacier at 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). Along the way, we’ll explore massive ice walls that reveal the dramatic retreat of the glaciers caused by global warming, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
After the tour, we return to the city of Huaraz.
Included
- Tourist transportation (hotel pickup)
- Official tour guide
- First aid kit
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Huascarán National Park (S/.15 for Peruvians, S/.30 for foreigners)
- Meals (the group will have lunch at a restaurant)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
Recommendations
- This tour is ideal for travelers interested in nature and cultural tourism in the Cordillera Blanca.
- We recommend taking an overnight bus from Lima, Trujillo, or Chimbote to arrive in Huaraz the following morning.
- Clothing should be appropriate for the season and planned activities. During the sunny Andean summer (mid-April to October), daytime temperatures can reach up to 68°F (20°C), but drop sharply at night to around 41°F (5°C). It’s recommended to bring lightweight or long-sleeved clothing for the day and warm layers for the evening.
- During the rainy season (November to April), waterproof clothing and shoes that can withstand water and cold are highly recommended.
- If you plan to engage in other outdoor activities around Huaraz—such as camping, hiking, ice climbing, or biking—be sure to wear appropriate clothing and gear.
- The program shown here is a one-day tour, but if you’d like to extend your stay, please ask about our Huaraz packages that include hotel and tours ranging from 2 to 5 days.
Important
- Enter Huascarán National Park only with the required authorization (entrance ticket).
- Respect and follow the instructions of park rangers and authorized guides.
- Stay safe—use only marked and authorized trails.
- Do not collect wild plants or animals.
- Camp only in designated shelters and authorized camping areas.
- Avoid littering. Dispose of waste only in designated areas or take it with you outside the park.
- Do not go beyond marked trail boundaries; respect and do not damage signage.
- Respect local customs—ask for permission before taking photos of local residents.
- Do not bring domestic or exotic animals, as they may harm the park’s native wildlife.
- Get informed before traveling to Huascarán National Park—know what you can do and where you can go.
- Let us handle the logistics so you can simply enjoy the experience.
- For your safety and that of your group, we strongly recommend visiting National Parks and Protected Areas with a professional guide.
Card Payments
We accept all VISA and MASTERCARD credit or debit cards via a secure link. A 5% surcharge applies for this payment method (SSL secure system).
Bank Transfer
Payment can also be made via bank transfer to our company account:
BCP. Banco de Crédito del Perú
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 375-18360690-0-08 | CCI: 00237511836069000845
Ahorro DOLARES: 375-28861110-1-93 | CCI: 00237512886111019342
BBVA Banco Continental
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 0011-0814-13-0239338238 | CCI: 011 814 000239338238 13