Pastoruri Glacier

Reach 5,000 m with ease: witness the majestic Pastoruri Glacier, giant Puya Raimondi plants, and the poignant Climate Change Route on a day tour.

Non-technicalDemand: Medium

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

5,000 m

Season

Jan-Dec

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

5,000 m

Hiking

From Huaraz

2.5 h

Season

Jan-Dec

Can you picture yourself standing right beside a massive glaciated ice wall at 5,000 meters without needing mountaineering experience? The day tour to Mount Pastoruri, famously known as the 'Climate Change Route', is one of the most awe-inspiring and thought-provoking excursions in Huascarán National Park. It brings you up close with ancient ice, high-altitude landscapes, and some of the rarest botanical wonders on Earth.

Traveling south through the Huaylas Valley, we stop to discover ancient rock art, the naturally carbonated effervescent springs of Puma Pampa, and the colorful mineral pools of Pumashimi. You'll also wander among a majestic sanctuary of giant Puya Raimondi plants, the iconic 'Queen of the Andes', which grow up to 12 meters tall and produce the world's largest floral bloom once every century.

From the road terminus (4,850 m), a scenic 45-minute walk along a paved trail (with local horses available for hire) leads directly to the Pastoruri glacier terminus (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) and its glacial lagoon with floating ice blocks. Backed by medical oxygen on board and certified guides setting a comfortable, safe pace, this tour offers a bucket-list high-altitude experience accessible to all active travelers.

Reach the glacier front and ice lagoon at 5,000 meters above sea level

Sanctuary of giant Puya Raimondi, the world's largest flowering plant

Effervescent carbonated spring of Puma Pampa and Pumashimi mineral pool

Paved and accessible trail to experience an Andean glacier up close

Itinerary

1 day · 3h hiking · no overnight

Day 1

Huaraz - Catac - Puya Raimondi - Pastoruri Glacier (5,000 m) - Huaraz

Departure at 8:30 AM from Huaraz driving south past Recuay and Ticapampa. Enter Huascarán National Park (Carpa sector). Visit ancient rock art, Puma Pampa carbonated springs, and the Puya Raimondi sanctuary. Arrive at the trailhead (4,850 m) and take a 45-minute walk to the Pastoruri glacier (5,000 m) to view the ice face and glacial lagoon. Return to transport, lunch in Catac, and arrival in Huaraz around 5:30 PM.

3,100 → 5,000 → 3,100 m3 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Shared round-trip tourist transportation from Huaraz (pick-up at central lodging).

Certified official tour guide (Spanish / English).

Guided visits to rock art, Puma Pampa, Puya Raimondi forest, and Pastoruri glacier.

Medical oxygen tank aboard and pulse oximeter.

Complete first aid kit.

Not included

Huascarán National Park entrance fee (S/. 30 foreigners / S/. 12 Peruvians).

Lunch at a tourist restaurant in Catac.

Optional local horse rental for the uphill walk (approx. S/. 20 - S/. 30 PEN).

Heavy warm clothing: down or thick insulated jacket, fleece, and windproof shell (temperatures near the glacier at 5,000 m can hover around freezing with wind).

Trekking shoes or sneakers with good traction.

Warm beanie / chullo and warm gloves.

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection (snow glare at 5,000 m is intense).

Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and protective lip balm.

Water bottle and coca or lemon candies for the altitude.

Cash in local currency (soles) for the Huascarán Park entrance, optional horse, and lunch.

Tips for the guide and driver.

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).