The Ishinca Traverse

^{Photo: Blackbird Mountain Guides}

The Ishinca Traverse in Peru's Cordillera Blanca is an epic adventure for anyone into mountaineering. It’s not just about reaching the summits but about the whole experience—from the rugged trails to the mind-blowing views.

The route usually starts with Urus Este, which is a great warm-up. It’s not too technical but gets you acclimated while giving you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Then comes Ishinca, which is a bit more intense.

You’ll deal with steeper sections and glacier crossings that’ll get your heart racing. But the payoff is huge—the summit views of giants like Ranrapalca and Palcaraju are out of this world.

If you’re really up for it, you can go for Tocllaraju, which is a more technical climb with a pyramid-shaped peak.

Most people do the traverse clockwise, so they’re climbing the steeper parts and descending the easier slopes.

It’s smart because coming down the steep, loose dirt paths at the end of the day when you’re tired would be brutal. Just be ready for some tricky footing on the way down—it’s no joke after a long climb.

The whole trek is unforgettable. You don’t just climb mountains; you move through valleys, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes like Laguna Milluacocha.

Explore more:

• The Ishinca Traverse (trail info)

• Ishinca (short film)