Trip to the Pastoruri Glacier

We take a minibus from the town of Huaráz (3091 m above sea level) along the main road to the south. After Ticapampa in the small settlement of Pachacoto, we turn left in an easterly direction and begin to climb the mountains. We make photo stops.

We are not in a hurry, in the wide valley there are not only nice views of the mountain peaks, but also plant lovers.

As part of the acclimatization process, the driver introduces us to the purely natural way in which the locals fight fatigue and altitude sickness: by chewing.

We stop in the area of the occurrence of giant bromeliads Puya Raymondi. At the end of its life, the plant rises to a flower over 10 meters high. Then he dies. Spectacular.

We climb the slope around bromeliads and examine these strange plants.

Just before the Huarapasca saddle (4780 m above sea level) we turn right and climb to the new car park, from which an educational trail leads to a height of 5,000 m above sea level to the glacier. They are ready for tourists. In addition to a souvenir shop, horses are available for those who are surprised by the lack of oxygen.

According to glaciologists, Peruvian Cordillera Blanca has reportedly lost 25% of its ice in the last three decades. However, much more flowed from the Pastoruri glacier, according to various sources between 25 and 40%. However, the view of the glacier and the ice floes floating on the glacial lake is monumental. Great acclimatizati­on walk.

Not only the glacier can be seen from the observation deck. In the immediate vicinity there are several freely accessible lookout points, from which a view to the north of the nearest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca opens up to the north.

The view of the mountain peaks, covered with snow and ice, accompanies us on the way back. After all, Cordillera Blanca can also be seen from Huaráz itself. After such a nice acclimatization, we can go up, for example to the Santa Cruz Trek.