Situated in the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range, Mount Huascarán rises to 6,768 m above sea-level. The deep ravines watered by numerous torrents, the glacial lakes and the variety of the vegetation make it a site of spectacular beauty. It is the home of such species as the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.

This park includes the Cordillera Blanca, the highest Tropical chain of mountains in the world, and is located in the department of Ancash, provinces of Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz, Recuay, Bolognesi, Pomabamba, Huari, Mariscal Luzuriaga and Asunción. It has a surface of 340,000 hectares.

Huascaran, National Park Tours (Contac Us)

Puya Raymondi

We can find the Puya (Puya Raimondi), there are queñual forests (Polylepis sp.) which make up the high andean plateau. There are 8 types and 10 different species of mammals as: wild cat (Oncifelis colocolo), the andean cat (Oreailurus jacobita), the spectaded bear (Tremarctos orriatus), the taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis) and the vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). There are some birds in the park as: the andean condor ( Vltur gryphus) the pato de los torrentos (Merganetta armata), the partridge (Tinamotis pentlandii); between others.

The park has a very rich flora, fauna, and beauty landscapes. Some of this peaks and lagoons which are very popular around the world. The Huascaran is the highest mountain in Peru - 6,768 m.a.s.l. this park presents seven microclimates where more than 779 species of flowers (304 types and 104 families) live.

Huascaran, National Park Tours (Contac Us)

Traveller´s information:

 Location: Recuay, Huaraz, Carhuaz, Yungay and Huaylas provinces in Ancash.
Altitude: 3,500 - 6,768 masl (top peak of Peru: Huascarán).
When to go: May to September, specially in June (dry season). Sunny days and cold nights
Access: By road from Lima (7h) or Trujillo (10h) to Huaraz, or by dirt road from Casma (7h). Huaraz is located at the feet of the national park. Entrances by the Lake LLanganuco (1h) or Sector Carpa (1h30m) (near Pastoruri). Access is possible by other ravines and lakes. Starting point for climbers or hikers is usually 4 hours from Huaraz.
Lodging: The best hotels are located in Huaraz. Basic ones in the towns along the Callejón de Huaylas (Santa valley). There are some basecamps and refuges in the national park.
Requirements: If travelling by scientific purposes, you need an special permission from INRENA. If go for climbing, you must have an authorised guide and must register with the park managing. High skills in climbing and first aids are required for andinism expeditions. All visitors are subject of strict rules to protect the biodiversity there. Entry fee.
Others: If going only for trekking, ask for maps and trail recommendations. First acclimatize one or two days before your hiking. You can visit some areas of the park by road/bike or take a tour from any agency located in Huaraz.

Huascaran, National Park Tours (Contac Us)