The best of both worlds in the Cordillera Blanca: the classic Santa Cruz – Llanganuco trek for acclimatisation and scenery, followed by an ascent of Pisco (5753m), one of the most rewarding beginner-suitable summits in Peru.
The trek’s blue lakes and the Punta Unión pass build the fitness and altitude you need; Pisco then offers a true mountaineering summit with magnificent close views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui and Chacraraju.
Duration
8 Days (option for 9 Days)Grade
Moderate (trek) / PD (Pisco climb)Highest Point
5753mPisco is achievable for anyone fit and well acclimatised, and the Santa Cruz trek is ideal preparation. Most years there is no technical climbing, though short steep sections or a crevasse may appear; we provide basic instruction at Base Camp. It is a genuine mountaineering experience — roped, in crampons, with an ice axe — rather than a “trekking peak”.
The Santa Cruz – Llanganuco trek is graded moderate, but altitude makes it harder than a lower walk. It provides good acclimatisation and extra fitness for the Pisco climb.
We consider Pisco medium to hard: although suitable for beginners, the 5750m altitude is physically demanding. You climb roped and in crampons with an ice axe, sometimes on steep snow. We do not regard any Cordillera Blanca peak as a “trekking peak” — all involve true mountaineering. The approach to Morena Camp is on steep, loose moraine and you carry your own gear.
Routes and conditions change year to year and month to month. Some years there are short sections of steep ice or crevasses to negotiate on Pisco. Descriptions are general only and may differ on the day.
The guide in charge of your climb is one of our local, experienced and professional UIAGM International Mountain Guides.
Review the route day by day: altitudes, distances and acclimatisation.
Distance
8.5 kmTime Window
5 hoursMax Altitude
3750mDelta Profile
A demanding first day for those short on fitness or acclimatisation.
We drive the Callejón de Huaylas to Caraz and up to Cashapampa (2900m), with a first view of Nevado Santa Cruz. A steady ascent follows the river through a steep, hot gorge before the valley opens to puna grassland and camp at Llamacorral (3750m).
More routes in the same spirit — the same range or the same kind of trip. Tap any one for the full itinerary, or write to us and we will tailor your own.
Duration
12 Days (plus a rest day in Huaraz)Best Season
May - Sept
Duration
10 Days (plus a rest day in Huaraz)Best Season
May - Sept
Duration
10 or 11 DaysBest Season
May - SeptEssential answers about this high-altitude route.
Contact our operations base in Huaraz: we sort out the prerequisites and secure your place on the expedition.
