Located northeast of Catac District, in the Puna Natural Region, Carpa sector of Huascarán National Park, it belongs to the Pachacoto River basin, has an altitude of 5240 m.a.s.l. and the route to the snowcapped mountain is over 4100 m.a.s.l. It has a dry climate, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to -2°C.
Global warming has caused small lakes to form around it, the ice occupies an area of ??1.28 km². Its morphological type is a glacial valley and is currently retreating, a fact that is evident in the strips of rocks and bare debris in front of it. The Climate Change Route project was developed in the area of ??the Pastoruri snowcapped mountain, it is an initiative to adapt to climate change that begins in the Ticapampa district, passes through Cátac until reaching Pastoruri.
The Interpretation Center is the first in Peru with the theme of climate change in a glacial area. This route shows visitors where the glacier was located several years ago and the location of what was once an ice cave, as well as the states of the water in it. On the way to the snowy mountain you can see the Patococha lagoon, the Pumapa Shimin spring or Boca de Puma, due to the shape that is seen, the multicolored effects that are formed with the sun's rays on the waters and the algae are striking, another attraction of the place is the Carbonated Water that emanates from the depths and that jumps to a height of approximately one meter; Likewise, you can see Rock Paintings of ancient cultures in Pumapama, which were captured on rocks in the place, within its fauna we can observe that we find wild ducks, the Chirito, Tacamas, among others; and high Andean flora, the Puyas de Raimondi forest can be observed, with a height of 6 to 15 meters and a lifespan of 4 to 100 years, and the ichu as a natural pasture in the area. During the tour, visitors will be able to observe up close the evolution of the planet, natural beauty, glacial dynamics, history and challenges facing climate change.
It is located within the Huascarán National Park, which was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977 and a Natural Heritage Site of Humanity in 1985. International Safe Travel Certificate - May 2022.
To enjoy this experience in Pastoruri, you must have your entrance ticket to the Huascarán National Park:
If you only plan to visit this space, you can purchase your 1-day ticket, the value of the ticket being the following:
We also tell you that now the sale of entrance tickets to the Huascarán National Park can also be paid through electronic devices - POS (accepting Visa, American Express, Diners Club International, Mastercard, as well as virtual wallets, such as Plin, Yape and Pay).
This payment option is available at the Huaraz office (Jr. Federico Sal y Rosas N°555-Barrio Belén); and at the Carpa - Pastoruri checkpoint, cash only.
All year round
09:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
The name of this snowy mountain means Pampa at the bottom or “Pasto Adentro” in Quechua. It is considered easy to climb given how accessible it is to reach its summit. You hardly need any mountain climbing experience, but you do need the supervision of an experienced guide.
The distance between the two cities is approximately 404 km. If you decide to travel by road, the journey can take between 6 and 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the state of the roads. Remember to plan your trip in advance to enjoy a comfortable and smooth trip.»
Most travelers stay in Huaraz for 3 days and 2 nights, taking the overnight bus from Lima. If you don't have much time, I recommend 3 days in Huaraz, to take 1 day to acclimatize to the altitude and be able to enjoy at least 2 full days of excursions.
The duration of a visit to Nevado de Pastoruri varies depending on several factors, such as weather conditions, visitor preferences, and the tour itinerary. In general, it can be estimated that a typical visit can take between 4 and 6 hours.
From Huaraz to Nevado Pastoruri there is a distance of 110 kilometers. It is a very short trip of only approximately 2 hours, during the journey the traveler will be able to see the ice that little by little takes over the edge of the road.
The best time to travel to Huaraz in Peru is between May and October, as it coincides with the dry season in the Cordillera Blanca, offering optimal conditions for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring its stunning landscapes. On the other hand, the rainy season covers the months of December to March, which can make some activities and trails difficult due to rainfall. Personally, we visited Huaraz in June and it was a wonderful experience. During the day, temperatures ranged between 20-25°C, but it is important to be prepared for cooler nights, where the temperature can drop considerably.»
Daytime Temperatures: During the day, temperatures are usually pleasant, with highs ranging between 15°C and 20°C, especially in urban areas. However, at higher altitudes, daytime temperatures can be cooler.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping, especially in higher altitude areas. Minimum temperatures can reach values ??near or below 0°C.
Precipitation: This season is generally dry, with clear skies and a low probability of rain.
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures can still be cool, with highs around 15°C.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nights can be milder than in the dry season, but temperatures can still drop, especially at high altitudes.
Precipitation: This is the rainy season, with a significant increase in precipitation. Rainfall can be heaviest in January and February.
Higher Altitudes: In higher altitude areas, such as the Cordillera Blanca, temperatures can be cooler year-round, with the possibility of snowfall in any season. Remember that weather conditions can vary, and it is always advisable to check the weather forecast before traveling.
Altitude: The altitude of Nevado de Pastoruri, located in the Ancash region near Huaraz in Peru, is approximately 5,240 meters above sea level. This elevation makes it a high altitude location and as such, it is important for visitors to take precautions to gradually adapt to the altitude and avoid potential health problems associated with altitude, such as altitude sickness.
Are you preparing to live an unforgettable experience at Nevado de Pastoruri in Huaraz? Discover here vital tips and recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit to this majestic place.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
