Peru is synonymous with mountains. One of the features that most defines the unique geography of this country is, without a doubt, the Andes Mountains that cross a large part of its territory from north to south. It is an invaluable wealth that not only provides spectacular landscapes that serve as a tourist engine, but is also of vital importance for the development of the country.
Within the impressive mountain range we can find all kinds of mountains, snow-capped peaks and volcanoes that are increasingly visited by lovers of hiking, photography and adventure. And you have to reach the summit of a Peruvian Andean peak to witness the most beautiful landscapes that Peruvian geography offers; an experience that remains forever engraved in the minds and hearts of those who dare to live it.
Next, we invite you to learn about the highest and most emblematic mountains in Peru so that on your next trip you do not miss visiting them.
Located in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, in the Huaraz region, it is the highest mountain in Peru and the fifth in South America. With a height of 6,768 meters, it is one of the greatest adventure destinations in the central Andean mountain range of the country thanks to its innumerable amount of natural treasures.
Visiting Huascarán is a challenge for travelers. And if you want to fulfill the dream of reaching the top of this high mountain, you will not only have to prepare yourself physically and acclimatize to the altitude, but you will also have to be patient to wait for the ideal time to begin the adventure. It is a journey of at least four days that, although it demands a significant physical and mental demand, the final reward is very gratifying.
On the other hand, if you plan a quieter visit without major setbacks, you can enjoy the benefits offered by the Huascarán National Park. A tour of this fascinating place includes visits to important archaeological remains, sightings of multiple species of flora and fauna - such as the Puya Raimondi - and impressive turquoise lagoons; always accompanied by the beautiful natural landscape of Huascarán.
With an altitude of 6,634 meters, it is the second highest mountain in Peru. It is located in the Huayhuash mountain range, in the central Andes, and its ascent is reserved only for professional climbers, which is why it is recognized as one of the most challenging adventure destinations in the world. This is because the route to the top involves several days of demanding walking on all types of terrain and climates.
Due to this difficulty, there are few successful expeditions that have been carried out in this place. The first dates back to 1950 and was led by American mountaineers Jim Maxwell and Dave Harrah; an objective that took them two years of preparation and study. The city of Huaraz, capital of the Ancash region, is the gateway to this challenging mountain, from where climbers head to the town of Chiquián as part of the route to Yerupajá.
As in the central Andean area of Peru, in the southern regions it is also possible to find large peaks. One of them is the Coropuna volcano, whose height rises to 6,425 meters. It is located 150 km north of the city of Arequipa, in the Ampato mountain range, and its name in Quechua means "reflection on the plateau." Currently, its summit is covered with snow and ice that descends down its slopes, which gives a unique attraction to its magnificent view.
The first expedition to Coropuna was led by a team of explorers from Yale University, led by the American Hiram Bingham, who in 1911 found remains of clothing belonging to the Inca culture, which confirms that this place was frequently visited by the inhabitants who lived around the volcano at that time. If you wish to visit it, some archaeological complexes and traces of Inca roads are still visible on the slopes of the mountain.
Located in the Áncash region, like Huascarán and Yerupajá, this 6,395-meter-high snow-capped mountain is another of the tourist attractions of the Cordillera Blanca. Due to its close proximity to Huascarán, there is an ancient legend that tells that both mountains were actually a princess (Huandoy) and a young soldier (Huascarán), whose forbidden romance was punished by the God Inti - Huandoy's father - turning them into snow-capped mountains.
The mountain is made up of four peaks that are over 6,000 meters high and that are oriented to each of the cardinal points. Unlike the previous ones, climbing Huandoy presents different levels of difficulty, being suitable for people who are just starting out in mountaineering as well as for professional climbers. Of course, everyone must go through a prior acclimatization process and have the necessary equipment to avoid any setbacks.
