Climate Change Route: Pastoruri Glacier and Puya Raimondi
Our Pastoruri glacier tour reaches 5,000 meters facing a glacier that bears witness to climate change in the Andes, and discovers the forests of Puya Raimondi, the largest bromeliad in the world.
A glacier that speaks of the planet's future
Summary
Pastoruri, in the south of Huascarán National Park, is one of the most visited glaciers in Peru and a visible testimony to climate change. In recent decades, it has lost much of its surface, which gave rise to the so-called Climate Change Route.
On the Pastoruri glacier tour, you visit the Puya Raimondi forest, a plant endemic to the Andes considered the largest bromeliad in the world, which can grow over ten meters tall and flowers only once in its lifetime. Also, you see natural sparkling water springs, colorful lagoons and rock paintings.
Then, from the parking area, you walk about 45 minutes to the viewpoint facing the glacier, at around 5,000 meters, where your guide explains glacial retreat and its impact on the region’s water. You can complement it with the Llanganuco Lakes or Chavín de Huántar.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Huaraz before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to the south of Huascarán National Park by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 11:00
Transfer and breakfast in Recuay
Drive through the southern Callejón de Huaylas, then breakfast.
We drive south through the Callejón de Huaylas with a breakfast stop on the way, before entering the park through the Pachacoto sector.
11:00 - 12:00
Puya Raimondi forest
The largest bromeliad in the world.
Then we explore a Puya Raimondi forest, where your guide explains the characteristics of this giant plant and its life cycle.
12:00 - 12:45
Sparkling water and lagoons
Springs and colorful lagoons.
Later, we stop at a natural sparkling water spring and at lagoons of different colors, as well as at a site with rock paintings.
12:45 - 14:15
Walk to the Pastoruri glacier
Climb to the viewpoint facing the glacier while your guide explains its retreat.
From the parking area, we walk along a paved path to the viewpoint facing the glacier, at about 5,000 meters, where you learn about the impact of climate change in the Andes.
14:15 - 15:00
Descent to the parking area
Return along the same path.
Then we descend to the parking area, where our transportation is waiting.
15:00 - 18:00
Return to Huaraz
Return by tourist transportation during the afternoon.
Finally, we return to Huaraz and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Huaraz
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to Huascarán National Park
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Breakfast and lunch
- Horse rental for the walk
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and energy snacks
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Altitude and acclimatization
The glacier viewpoint is at about 5,000 meters. Therefore, we recommend at least two days of acclimatization in Huaraz, walking very slowly and telling your guide about any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Best season
The tours operate all year. However, the best time is from May to September, the so-called Andean summer, with clear skies and better views of the snow-capped peaks.
Recommendations
Walking on the glacier or entering its caves is not allowed for safety and conservation reasons. Also, it is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions.
Gallery
FAQ
Why is it called the Climate Change Route?
Because the Pastoruri glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades; therefore, the route aims to show visitors the effects of global warming on Andean glaciers.
What is the Puya Raimondi?
It is a plant endemic to the Andes, considered the largest bromeliad in the world, which can grow over ten meters tall and flowers only once before dying.
Can I touch the glacier?
No. On the Pastoruri glacier tour, the glacier is viewed from the viewpoint for safety and conservation reasons, so walking on the ice is not allowed.
How demanding is the walk?
It is moderate, because the path is short, about 45 minutes, but it takes place at high altitude.
Are horses available?
Yes. On the Pastoruri glacier tour, horses can be rented for the walk to the glacier, although at an additional cost.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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