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Duration: 1 day (1 hours)
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Distance: 1.8 miles (3 km)
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Rating: Moderate
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Elevation: 15,584-16,404 feet (4750-5000 m)
The hike to Pastoruri Glacier is short but packed with amazing, unique sites. The glacier itself is beside Pastoruri Mountain, which reaches to 17,224 feet (5,250 m). Pastoruri Glacier used to be a popular spot to walk and practice climbing, but that is no longer permitted. The glacier is one of the few in Peru, and is melting rapidly. In fact, you can literally see it melting before your eyes, as it has lost 22 percent of its size in the past 30 years. Regardless, this striking white and blue ice glacier is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and totally worth the quick hike to see it if you’re in Huaraz.
This trek launches from the city of Huaraz and you drive through Andean villages until you reach the trailhead in Huascaran National Park. From here the glacier is less than an hour away by foot, though it will take longer with the short stops that you’ll make. You will have a chance to see a small, but very pretty lake called Patococha along the way where you can practice some birdwatching. You will also see huge groupings of the unusual Puya Raimondii plant scattered along the valley. These 50 foot plants are native to the high mountains of Bolivia and Peru, and are known as the “Queen of the Andes.” Once you reach the glacier you’ll have plenty of time to gaze at its beauty and get the perfect photo before you head back to the trailhead.
Pastoruri Glacier Difficulty
The hike to Pastoruri Glacier is considered moderate. The trail is well-marked and at only 1.8 miles the hike is very short. Thought it’s a relatively easy hike, it is still very high in altitude with a max of 16,404 feet. If you do not acclimate for 2-3 days before the hike it will feel a lot of more strenuous than it is. Be sure to spend time acclimating, drink lots of water, and take your time and you should have no problem on this hike.
Highlights of Pastoruri Glacier
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Pastoruri Glacier. Pastoruri Glacier is an amazing cirque glacier located in the Cordillera Blanca. The glacier is 3.1 square miles (8 sq km) and sits at 17,200 feet above sea level. It is an amazing sight to behold, so be sure to see it before it’s gone! This glacier has lost 22% of its size in the past 35 years so it’s an honor to see this melting treasure.
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Puya Raimondii. Puya Raimondii is a very otherworldly looking plant. Growing up to 50 feet in height, this green flowering plant is the tallest species of bromeliad. You will see hundreds of them on your trek to the glacier, so be sure to snap a picture of this royal plant, nicknamed “the queen of the Andes.”
From the glaciers to the mountain passes to the subtropical jungle to ancient ruins, hiking in Peru is an absolute delight. There are times where you will frolic along marveling at the lush beauty and flowers and birds, and other times where you will take it slowly step-by-step, breath-by-breath as you make your way to a high elevation summit. Either way, each of these 27 best treks in Peru will make you stronger and add a memorable bit of natural magic to your life.
Start planning your ultimate Peru hiking trip now! Contact one of our knowledgable travel advisors who will be able to help plan the itinerary and destinations for your trekking vacation across the Andes and beyond.