Cordillera Blanca, Peru

Abstract

ITINERARY

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This trip combines a brush with the unique Quechua culture and an exploration of the some of the most alluring valleys in the Andes. We spend six nights in the delightful hill town of Huaraz, a bit of rock climbing, a visit to the old Inca temple of Wilkawain plus fourteen nights camping and trekking between our climbing peaks. These begin with Maparaju at 5325m and build gradually up to Tocclaraju, AD, 6032m, before winding down to lower and less explored mountains in the south of the range. We will have the opportunity to attempt several summits in this trip.

EXPEDITION PRICE

The expedition price includes the following:
Accommodation and transfers included in the itinerary
Hotels in major cities, B&B in shared rooms.
Camping; all meals (with a packed lunch)
Group climbing gear and first aid kit.
UIAGM trip leader local assistant guide (where necessary)

Not included:
International flights to Lima
taxi from airport to hotel
Holiday Insurance (must include cancellation)
Medivac Insurance
personal climbing kit and clothing;
Gratuities for hotel and expedition staff
telephone, beverages and laundry

Payment, Cancellation and Refund
To register for this expedition a deposit of USD 400 before 15 April 2008 The balance of USD 4,000 should reach us by 15 May 2008. Please insure your holiday against cancellation for medical and/or personal reasons.

INSURANCE

For this trip you must have medical evacuation and trip cancellation insurance. If you purchase them separately we recommend IHI for medical emergencies (http://www.ihi.com/). We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. Travel insurance must provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay,

VISAS

UK and EU citizen should not need a visa for entering Peru as tourist for less than 90 days.. But please check with your nearest Peruvian Embassy.

ESSENTIAL KIT LIST

Kit must be light and functional. Heavy, unsuitable and excess kit will only hinder your ascent of the mountain:

Travel:
passport + photocopy + spare passport photographs
credit cards + cash
copy of insurance certificate(s)

Bivouac:
sleeping bag (good to -10C)
sleeping bag liner
2 light sleeping mats

Sun protection
sun hat (cricket style is good)
glacier glasses or dark goggles
glacier cream and lip salve

Clothing
balaclava or ski hat
weather proof outer-shell jacket
thin gloves
ski gloves
warm mitts
light duvet jacket
glacier shirt (light, long sleeve shirt)
pile or fleece jacket
capelene or similar long sleeve shirt
weather proof outer-shell pants
pile or fleece pants
capelene or similar long johns
thin and thick socks
gaiters
mountaineering boots (to take crampons)
trainers / comfortable light trekking boots

Hardware
head torch with fresh spare batteries
light water bottle (local plastic bottle is good)
60 (min) litre rucksack
ice axe (60cm general mountaineering axe)
crampons
harness
2 locking krabs
2 non-locking krabs
1 long sling (120cm)
prussik cord (2 x 6mm dia. 2m long)
helmet
descender

First Aid
personal medical supplies
blister kit
spare glasses/lenses (for the myopic or hyperopic)

Optional Extras;
ski sticks
rock boots/chalk
compass,
map and gps
camera

Team Leader

The team will be led by UIAGM guide Victor Saunders. Victor has climbed in this region 4 times. He will be assisted by a local guide if the team size warrants it.

FOOD

We will feast on local food, but bear in mind that our essential philosophy on mountains is that “Food is fuel”. Please let us know well in advance of any special dietary requirements.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

It is imperative that expedition members are fit and strong and in good health. Please ensure that you have seen your doctor and provide us with a medical certificate that you are fit for the expedition. We must be informed of any medical conditions that may affect you during the course of the expedition. We will treat the information with full confidentiality.

SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS and EXPEDITION FIRST AID

On this expedition we will be carrying two way radios. We will also provide a basic expedition first aid kit. You should bring your own personal first aid kit.