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The Cordillera Huayhuash is about 50KM to the southeast of the Cordillera Blanca. From afar, its imposing profile rese mbles that of a giant saw, with a dozen sharp summits lining a single ice-clad ridge. Situated in the Santa valley, Huaraz is a lively little town, where we spend a few days to acclimatise. From Huaraz, our two exciting treks traverse high passes from where one can fully appreciate the majesty of the Andean panorama. If you have more time, there is a possibility to book an extension to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, or to the Amazon. The compact Cordillera Huayhuash, one of the most magnificent ranges in the Andes, is the setting for our spectacular 13 day trek - one of very few to loop an entire mountain range. After a couple of days in Huaraz, to acclimatise, we head to the heart of the cordillera. A pristine wilderness is revealed, with towering snow peaks, fissured glaciers anv alleys adorned with sparkling lakes. During the trek, the range of altitudes (2,750m to 5,300m) and tropical latitude combine to reveal to us a quintessential range of Andean ecosystems. The Huayhuash massif contains seven of the highest and most dramatic summits in Peru. The clockwise circuit takes us over passes of between 4,650 and 5,000m, and offers opportunities for rewarding side-trips into remote cirques. The visitor is struck throughout by the intense quality of light that lends a breathtaking crispiness to the many views of the ranked snow peaks. These include the needle-sharp Jirishanka (6,634m), magnificent Siula (6,344m), razor back Rasac (6,017m), and steepling Yerupaja (6,634m). At the south end of the range, in the shadow of Trapecio, herds of alpaca (a type of llama) may be seen. Look out also for condors. The non-technical ascent of Suerococha (optional) is set against a stunning backdrop which features some colossal galciers.
vacations
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