The Cordillera Blanca
Wow – we though the volcanoes in Ecuador were beautiful and then we came here.
Cordillera Blanca
The perfect white glaciers, turquoise lakes and snow topped peaks of the cordillera blanca is the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen. This mountain range, near Huaraz in northern Peru, is the highest mountain range in the world after the himalayas. It has 22 peaks over 6000m, including Artesonraju, which you might recognise as it is rumoured to be the inspiration for the paramount picture mountain.
Artesonraju
We trekked from Laguna Llanganuco to Santa Cruz – 55Km over four days, including a whopping 22Km on the third day. We started past a few remote settlements where the children would rush out to greet us in the hope of getting some of our chocolate. Continued through imposing green valleys, round emerald lakes, and past freezing waterfalls, until we eventually climbed up and over the rocky Punta Union pass (4760m) where we got the best Andean views in all of Peru.
Our group, Punta Union pass
Rach had bought a new sleeping bag for our trip and was especially pleased at how small it was and how little room it took up in her ruc-sac. However, this was the first time she actually had to use it, and when we woke up on the first night to a heavy frost and a temperature of -5 she wasnt quite so pleased with her new toy. Determined to get a better nights sleep on the second night she decided to put on all the clothes that she had with her, then decided that still wasn´t enough, so started on mine!
Each day we got up at sunrise, around 5:30, but this was fine by us as we had been awake shivering for ages anyway! We finished walking in the late afternoon, in time for a relaxing cup of coca tea in the sun – who needs the beach when you can relax in the sun at the foot of a glacier ?
We both really enjoyed being in the mountains. They were really peaceful – we only saw a handful of other trekkers the whole time, and completely unspoilt. This trek was definitely the highlight of my trip so far.
All smiles before the trek started!
Laguna Llanganuco
Cordillera Blanca
Cordillera Blanca
Cordillera Blanca
Cordillera Blanca
Sun and relaxation afer the Punta Union pass
Rob, you are looking especially knackered in that last photo.
I am going to be in New York this week. Pop up if you fancy a pint. I think South America is near North America.
Those photos !! Unbelieveable !! I would have liked one of the frozen waterfall though !! Give Jefe pequena another hug for me and stop picking your feet!!! (last photo) Keep well you two x
Stunning scenary! The Inca Trail will seem like Oxford Cirus on a Saturday afternoon in comparison!
Stunning scenary! The Inca Trail will seem like Oxford Cirus on a Saturday afternoon in comparison!
Maybe, we (and 198 others!) are starting the Inca Trail tomorrow.
I’m looking again at all your wonderful photos while dad watches the rugby! You seem to be at the top of the world! Beautiful lakes and mountains but my favourites are the Silvia market – what a feast of colours. The two Bob’s at work are already packing to follow in your footsteps!! Love to you both. Mum
Hi Mum, it can take ages to up load all the photos sometimes so glad you are liking them!
Absolutely amazing pics! Rach must be FREEZING to put on your smelly socks! Hahaha x