Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is a mountaineering Mecca with 25 mountains over 6000m and more than 50 mountain peaks over 5500m.
In 2017 Penny Brothers fulfilled her ambition to climb in this spectacular range. The expedition took in Ishinca (5530m), Tocllaraju (6032m), and Alpamayo (5947m) — one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
The Expedition Highlights
The Cordillera Blanca sits in the Ancash Region of northern Peru, within the boundaries of Huascarán National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and dramatic peaks create one of the most photogenic mountaineering environments on the planet.
Ishinca (5530m) provided an excellent introduction to high-altitude glacier travel. Non-technical but demanding, the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Tocllaraju (6032m) is one of the classic climbs of the Cordillera Blanca. The Northwest Ridge provides a sustained challenge with a steeper summit pyramid of around 55 degrees.
Alpamayo (5947m) — nicknamed the most beautiful mountain in the world — delivered everything we could have hoped for. The Southwest Face is a steep fluted wall of ice and snow that demands both technical skill and commitment.
Watch the Expedition Film
The full expedition video is available on the First Light Guiding YouTube channel. It captures the landscape, the climbs, and the team experience across three extraordinary weeks in Peru.
Plan Your Own Peru Expedition
Interested in experiencing the Cordillera Blanca for yourself? We run several itineraries suited to different experience levels:
- Introductory Mountaineering — for those new to altitude
- Moderate Technical — our most popular itinerary
- Advanced Technical — including Alpamayo
- Self Mastery Through Mountaineering — combining climbing with personal development