Huaraz to Pastoruri Glacier — Cordillera Blanca High Road via Pachacoto Valley
Driving to a dying tropical glacier at 16,700 ft.
Most people take the tourist bus to Pastoruri. You shouldn’t. Leave Huaraz south on the Recuay road, then peel off into the Pachacoto Valley — a wide, bone-dry quebrada flanked by puya raimondii plants that look like something from another planet and only bloom every 80-100 years. The dirt track climbs relentlessly past llama herds and stone corrals, crossing the Pampa Llamacocha at around 14,500 feet before the final push to Pastoruri Glacier at 16,700 feet. The glacier itself has lost over 40 percent of its mass since 1980 — you’ll see the old moraine lines and understand why. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can drive to a tropical glacier. Do not waste it.
Above 14,000 feet, naturally aspirated engines lose serious power and altitude sickness is a real risk — acclimatize in Huaraz for at least two days first. A stock high-clearance 4WD handles the route in dry season, but the surface is loose decomposed granite with embedded rock — low-range is useful on the descent. Permits are purchased at the Huascarán National Park entrance near Pachacoto; the fee is modest. Bring all fuel from Huaraz — there is nothing out there. Best months are May through September. Cell service drops to zero past the park gate. Bring warm layers; afternoon temperatures at the glacier can drop below freezing year-round.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 52 mi / 83.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16700 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Huaraz, Ancash |
| Land manager | Parque Nacional Huascarán / SERNANP |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | SERNANP Huascarán Park page |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD do this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can handle this route, but skid plates are strongly advised — the rock sections near the upper elevations are punishing on undercarriage. Locking diffs or a rear locker are a real advantage on the looser gravel climbs above 14,000 ft.
Is this trail passable outside of May–September?
Outside the dry season, the dirt and gravel sections through Pachacoto Valley turn into mud traps and the high passes above 15,000 ft can see snow, ice, and zero visibility. October through April is rainy season — it's not worth the gamble.
Do I need a permit to drive this route into Huascarán National Park?
Yes. Entry into Parque Nacional Huascarán requires a paid permit issued by SERNANP — fees vary for foreigners vs. nationals. Pay at the park entrance checkpoint; don't expect to sort it remotely beforehand.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The climb above Pachacoto toward the 16,700 ft terminus is the crux — loose rock, steep grades, and thin air that will make both your engine and your body work harder than expected. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk; if you haven't acclimatized at least 2–3 days in Huaraz first, this trail will humble you fast.
Is there any water or fuel between Huaraz and the glacier?
There is no fuel along the route — fill up completely in Huaraz before you leave. Water crossings exist on the trail but none of it is treated, so carry all your drinking water; the nearest reliable resupply is back in Huaraz.
Trail track
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