Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips
In the summer of 2014, I put together a traverse of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. One of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountain ranges, to the best of my knowledge, it was the first time that such a trek had Read More …
The Ausangate Circuit is a classic Andean trek that features glaciers, hot springs, turquoise lakes, and traverses four high altitude passes. Despite the fact that it boasts some of the finest mountain scenery in Peru, it receives only a fraction Read More …
When most people think of hiking to Machu Picchu, the first name that comes to mind is the Inca Trail. And justifiably so. For decades that classic trek was the sole focal point for anyone looking to arrive at the Read More …
Over the next six weeks, Ryan Sylva and I will be hiking a series of trails and routes in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. Read More …
High mountain ranges such as the Rockies, Andes and Himalaya offer some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities on the planet. However, walking at high altitude brings with it certain inherent risks, the most common of which is altitude sickness, Read More …
Distance: 48 miles (77km) Time: 3 days (September 4 – 6) Start: Lake Queracocha Finish: Pastoruri Glacier Day 14 Setting out from Lake Queracocha just before midday, I made my way cross country over the windswept, treeless landscape. Navigation Read More …
At a Glance Distance: 46 miles (74 km) Time: 3 days Start: Pitec Finish: Chavin Stage 3 Notes Day 11 Upon arriving back at the Pitec trailhead, I met a park ranger by the name of Pedro. Pedro the Read More …
Distance: 65 miles (105 km) Time: 5 days (including a rest day in Huaraz) Start: Pompey Returned to the CBT via a colectivo minibus from the town of Chacas. Finish: Pitec From Pitec, I got a 1 hr ride down Read More …
Note: Twenty minutes before beginning the Cordillera Blanca Traverse (CBT) in Hualcallan, I had the following conversation with an inquisitive local with a very dry sense of humor. It has been translated from Spanish to English. “Where are you headed?” Read More …
Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is one of South America’s premier multi-day treks. Turquoise lakes, high altitude passes, hot springs, towering snow capped peaks; all packed into a compact range that measures only 30 km (18.6 mi) long and 15 km Read More …
Between August 21 and September 6, 2014, I completed a traverse of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, one of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountain ranges. To the best of my knowledge, it was the first time that such a trek Read More …
Distance: 31 miles (50 km) Note: The trail was approximately 62 km when I did it in 1996, however, it has since been shortened due to the opening of a major road through to the popular Llanganuco lakes area. Average Read More …
Distance: 38 km (23.6 mi) approx. Average Time: 2 to 3 days Start / Finish : There are three alternative routes to the summit. I started and finished my hike in the village of Chiguata, due to the fact it Read More …
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km) Avg. Time: 5 hr return Start / Finish : Tingo The closest sizable town is Chachapoyas. There are regular buses that run between here and Tingo. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. I arrived in Read More …
Distance : 29.2 miles (47 km) Avg. Time : 3 days Start / Finish : Marcara / Vicos – Chacas From Huaraz there are regular bus services to both trailheads. From Marcara you can either walk or hire private Read More …
Distance : 23.6 miles (38 km) Avg. Time : 3 to 4 days Start / Finish : KM 82 – Machu Picchu Difficulty: Easy to moderate Season : Best time is between May and September. Closed in February. Maps / Read More …
Distance : 60 km Avg. Time : 4 – 5 days Start / Finish : Cabanaconde – Andagua Both trailheads are accessible by daily bus services from Arequipa. Season : May to early October. Maps / Info : Three IGN Read More …