Cordillera Blanca

The snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca are among the highest on the planet. Outside of Asia's Himalayas, the Cordillera Blanca is the highest mountain range in the world. There are some 22 peaks over 6,000m / 19,500 ft. The mountain range covers an area of 180km / 108mi long by 20km / 12mi wide. Huaraz, in the Callejón de Huaylas valley, is the main access point for most visitors.

Huascarán mountain, at 6,768m / 22,204ft, dominates the valley and towers over Huaraz. There is a paved road from Huaraz to Lima, and the journey takes about 7 hours by bus. There is currently no flight service to Huaraz.