Rachel is a travel writer and artist with a passion for hiking in the mountains. She has spent many months trekking in the mountains of South America, from the Peruvian Andes to the wilds of Patagonia.
- Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
- Distance: 11 km
- Duration: Two days
- Max elevation: 4,700 m
- Start/end point: Cebollapampa
- Accommodation: Mountain hut
Short and sweet with spectacular alpine scenery, Pisco Base Camp is a simple and moderate-to-strenuous (due to the altitude) trek with 800 metres of elevation gain. It’s a great option for those looking for an easier climb in higher altitude, as there are no technical rock scrambles or strenuous slogging over moraines and loose ground.
Starting in the village of Cebollapampa, the trailhead is located 2.5 hours from Huaraz. A short three hour hike of steady incline takes you to the base camp at 4,700 metres. The base camp has a comfortable yet modest mountain hut built by an Italian organisation, Mato Grosso. Surrounded by the snowy giants of the Cordillera Blanca, you’ll be treated to incredible scenery and feel fully immersed in the mountains.
Need to know
If you’re accustomed to trekking and navigating independently, have experience hiking in the high mountains, and have prior knowledge of AMS symptoms, you do not necessarily need a guide to reach Pisco Base Camp. However, if you’re new to high mountain and independent trekking, I'd strongly recommended you hire a guide.
At a glance
Destinations
Cordillera Blanca
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel, Solo TravelPhysical Level
ModerateSeason
May - SeptemberDuration
2 daysRelated Guides
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Pisco Base Camp trek
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