Duration 1 day (8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Difficulty moderate
Max altitude 5,050 m a.s.l.
Distance 3–4 km round trip
Best time to go Check with your travel agent
A tour to the Pastoruri glacier and the Puya Raimondi plants, also known as the climate change route in the Cordillera Blanca.
The tour includes a visit to the southern valley of the Callejón de Huaylas and the towns of Recuay (San Patricio Grotto), Ticapampa and Catac, before entering Huascarán National Park to visit Patococha Lake, the carbonated springs, the 7-color lake, the Puya Raimondi plants and the Pastoruri glacier.
We'll leave Huaraz heading south. We'll pass through the towns of Recuay and Ticapampa on the way to Catac, where we'll stop for coca tea. Further along the road, we'll reach the Pumapampa carbonated spring. We'll also pass Pumapashimi Lake, known as the Seven Colors spring, where local farmers believe the rainbow is born.
Along the way, we'll see the Puya Raimondi, giant Andean plants, as well as cave paintings dating back 12,000 years. Then, after hiking for 45 minutes to 1 hour, we'll reach the base of the Pastoruri glacier, at 5100 m a.s.l., where we'll enjoy the view of the glacier and take photos.
The return includes a stop in Catac, where we can have lunch. After a short rest, we'll continue back to the city of Huaraz.
The tour to the Pastoruri glacier and the Puya Raimondi plants takes place at about 5000 m a.s.l., in the Cordillera Blanca, in the Áncash region. As one of the climate change routes, you can only reach a maximum altitude of 5050 m, as Huascarán National Park has banned access to the glacier to preserve it.
Meals are arranged with the travel agency; we also recommend bringing snacks and drinks. Along the way, you can try some traditional dishes where the vehicle stops, and on the way back, the guide will arrange a stop in Catac or Recuay.
In the dry season, the Cordillera Blanca has clear, sunny days. Although the nights are clear, they're usually cold, even colder than cloudy nights. Sometimes there can be rain during the day and night, even in the dry season.
We recommend going preferably between April and September, in the dry season, when rain is minimal and you can take incredible photos of the place. In any case, this place can be visited all year round.
Generally yes, with children from age 9, as the route isn't complicated. For older adults, contact us to adapt the tour. The vehicle goes right up to the lake itself, as the tour is very easy; access is generally simple. Local people also offer horses to ride.
It's of medium difficulty and suitable for people with average fitness, but you always have to be careful with the altitude (watch what you eat or bring altitude pills). To avoid complications, it's important to acclimatize well.
