Pastoruri Glacier Tour: The Climate Change Route in Huaraz
Pastoruri: A Crystal Giant on the Roof of the World
Traveling south through the Callejón de Huaylas with this tour is a transformative experience. It’s a physical and emotional transition from the towns of Recuay and Catac to the pristine beauty of the 5,100-meter altitude. Many call it “The Seven Colors Tour” because of the lagoons and carbonated springs that dot the route. This service is designed to offer you comfort and knowledge, with guides who explain the science and myth behind each geological formation. Here you will feel the true magnitude of the mountain as you contemplate Pumapashimin Lagoon, where legend says the rainbow is born.Why choose the Pastoruri Glacier Tour with Andina Travel?
Our route has been designed to offer you an educational and visually stunning experience. The geography invites you to walk along accessible trails surrounded by the largest plants in the Andes: the imposing Puya raimondii. Enjoy a nutritious boxed lunch and the opportunity to try authentic coca tea in Catac to combat the altitude. The reward is not only reaching the glacier, but also gaining a new perspective on environmental stewardship. Trust in our quality logistics and let yourself be guided by the mystique of the Pastoruri Glacier Tour in Huaraz.Itinerary
- Hotel Pick-up: We begin the day by picking you up from your hotel in Huaraz and heading south.
- Southern Villages: A short tour of Recuay and Ticapampa with a stop in Catac to acclimatize with a coca tea.
- Pumapampa: Visit the spring of carbonated water that flows from deep within the earth.
- Pumapashimin Lagoon: Discover the “Spring of Seven Colors” and learn about its mystical history.
- Puya Raimondi and Rock Art: Observe these giant plants, unique in the world, and 12,000-year-old paintings.
- Pastoruri Glacier: Arrival at the base and a gentle 45-minute hike to the edge of the glacier at 5,100 m (19,000 ft).
- Photo Time: Free time to capture the beauty of the ice and the high-mountain landscape.
- Return and Lunch: Return to Catac for an optional lunch before the end of the trip.
- Arrival in Huaraz: We conclude the service by dropping you off at your hotel or in the city center.
Include
- Transportation: Round-trip group tour transfer.
- Guiding: Official tour guide specializing in geology and the environment.
- Entrance Fees: Official entrance ticket to Huascarán National Park.
- Safety: First-aid kit with emergency oxygen.
- Meals: Nutritious boxed lunch included.
Not Included
- Lunch in Catac: Optional expense during the return stop.
- Horses: Horse rental at the base of the mountain (optional).
- Personal Expenses: Tips, additional snacks, or handicrafts.
Recommendations
- Clothing: High-altitude clothing (thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket, and gloves).
- Footwear: Hiking boots or trekking shoes with good traction.
- Protection: Sunscreen (very important), UV sunglasses, and lip balm.
- Acclimatization: Drink plenty of water and coca tea before the ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hike is of low to medium difficulty. The trail is almost flat and well-marked, but the altitude of 5,000 meters makes the oxygen thin.
The highest point at the edge of the glacier is approximately 5,100 meters above sea level.
Yes, it is one of the few easily accessible glaciers where you can get very close to the ice and snow.
It is a plant endemic to the Andes that can reach 12 meters in height and lives up to 100 years, flowering only once.
Yes, it is recommended to have spent at least one day in Huaraz before going up to Pastoruri to avoid altitude sickness.
Yes, local residents offer horseback riding services for those who don’t want to walk. The cost is additional (approx. S/ 15 – 20).
The return to the city is usually between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
There are basic services at the base of the snow-capped mountain and in the villages where we made stops (Catac).
It can be visited all year round, but the dry season (May to September) offers the best clear days.
Yes, provided they do not have serious heart or respiratory problems and are well acclimatized.
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