Peru, Cordillera Blanca - self-guided hikes
MCS AlexClimbOptions for independent or solo travel in the mountains of Peru - Cordillera Blanca.
Regarding the topic of solo mountaineering or solo hiking in the mountains, I have already expressed my opinion in a separate article in the Safety in the mountains section.
Nevertheless, many of my friends, who do not have sufficient flexibility in choosing dates, or with a limited budget, still prefer independent travel to the group organized programs. How to make it so, that the violation of the basic safety rules in the mountains would be at least less dangerous and would not lead to undesirable consequences.
First of all, you need to understand and reasonably assess the risks associated with the proposed route, the level of your training, the availability of an appropriate set of clothing, navigation equipment, the necessary camping gear and emergency communication channels in case of an unforeseen situation.
Which is absolutely undiscussable - any route options in the mountains, associated with the need to organize belay, overcome technical obstacles or objectively dangerous areas, are completely unacceptable for solo hikes or trips.
Thus, routes in the remote areas, passing through large deserted areas without marked trails, through crevassed glaciers, routes along the avalanche slopes, crossings of mountain rivers - all these options should not be considered if you are going to the mountains alone or in a weak independent group.
On the other hand, conditionally favorable conditions for independent trips in the mountains can be called:
- the presence of marked trails on the route
- availability of emergency radio channels and (or) stable coverage of the area by cellular operators
- high popularity of the area and presence of other groups on the routes
These factors are not a guarantee of your safety in the mountains. In any case, regardless of their presence, going on a route alone, you expose yourself to significantly higher risks than in an organized group.
Returning to the declared topic of this section - the specifics of mountain travel in the Cordillera Blanca. The peculiarity of this region of Peru is that there is a well-developed tourist infrastructure. The main routes are qualitatively marked and, during the season (May - September), are actively visited by tourist groups. There are comfortable shelters on the routes, where you can get basic paid services - accommodation, meals, advice on the state of the route, organizing transportation, etc.
The most of the tourists are mostly English-speaking, therefore, even if you do not speak Spanish, if necessary, you can find a way to communicate. The main part of the tourist audience on routes in the Cordillera Blanca are commercial groups. This business format is very developed in the area, so if necessary, you can always translate the “independent” format into a more comfortable and safe type of a trip. Naturally, doing this on the route or at the last moment that will cost more than with timely planning.
Of the most accessible and safe options for independent hiking in the Cordillera Blanca, I can list the following routes:
Trekking to the lagoon 96
From 3800 to 4600, without an overnight stay from Huaraz to Huaraz, or with one night in a tent on Lake Yanganuco - that one is on of the most popular routes in the Cordillera Blanca
Trekking to Ishinka base camp
From 3800 to 5200, with one or two overnight stays in a tent or Ishinka shelter on the Ishinka glade 4300 (I recommend not to go to any climbing routes outside the marked trails)
Trekking to Alpamayo Base Camp
From 3800 to 4300, two or three nights in a tent
Trekking Santa Cruz
From 3800 to 4800 via the Punta Union pass, three or four nights in a tent
Trekking to Huascaran Base Camp
Two days from 3200 to 4700, with an overnight stay at the Don Bosco shelter 4700. No independent attempts to the slope above the shelter are allowed.
GPS Tracks and way points of these routes I can send on request.
In any case, to travel on these routes alone or in a weak group, you should follow the basic safety rules: have a detailed understanding of all parts of the route, including access to the beginning of the route. To have a navigation equipment, tracks and way points, coordinates of the overnight stays, thoughtful options for quick evacuation from the route.
It is advisable to register with the local police (definitely they will not be happy with your solo plans) and have a contact with an "accident commissioner" - a trusted person in Peru or outside, preferably a Spanish speaker, who will be aware of all the details of your plan and, who in case of emergency (your failure to return from the route within the agreed time) initiates the start of your rescue search.
Please use this information with caution - not forgetting that even the simplest routes in the mountains can suddenly turn out to be more difficult and dangerous than you expect.
The author of the text and photos Alex Trubachev
Climbing guide and expert on the mountain regions of Peru and Bolivia
MCS EDIT 2023