Cordillera Blanca: Get Up There

By Rob Rachowiecki

Cordillera Blanca (Rob Rachowiecki)

Looking for a challenge? When you reach the 15,500-foot-high Punta Union pass, with 360-degree views of needle-peaked, icy summits, your heavy breathing will let you know you've found it. No other Andean mountain chain can boast over 50 permanently glaciated mountain peaks of over 18,700 feet, including 22,206-foot Huascaran. This abundance of altitude is crammed into an area just 110 miles long and 12 miles wide; still, the adventurous backpacker can look forward to days and weeks of hiking past sparkling highland lakes reflecting the jagged peaks in their waters. Carry your own gear or arrange mules in the town of Huaraz.

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