Climbing at the Cordillera Huayhuash

Located in the department of Ancash, the Cordillera Huayhuash is considered by climbers to be the best of Peru's mountain areas. Huayhuash features a dozen major peaks which provide difficult climbs due to the frequency of avalanches of snow and ice. The highest peak in the area is Mount Yerupajá (6,634 meters); followed by Yerupajá Chico (6,121 meters); Jirishanca (6,094 meters); Siulá Grande (6,344 meters); Rondoy (5,879 meters); Ninashanca (5,807 meters) and Rasac (6,017 meters).

Climate: Heavy rains from December to March and a markedly dry season from May to October, where sunny days post temperatures of 25°C and freezing nights.

Access: The mountains are generally reached from the town of Chiquián (360 km northeast Lima), an ideal place to stock up on provisions.

Services: Climbers can hire guides and porters in the nearby town of Llamac, Pocpa and Pacllon. Expeditions can also be organized from the nearby city of Huaraz.