Cordillera Blanca, a spectacular mountain range in the Peruvian Andes, is a premier destination for trekkers and climbers, offering breathtaking glaciated peaks and turquoise lakes. Accessibility typically involves reaching Huaraz, the main gateway city, then arranging transport to trailheads; while public transport is available for some routes, organized tours often use private vans. For safety and permit requirements, especially on multi-day treks or climbing expeditions, engaging experienced local guides is highly recommended and often necessary, though some shorter, well-marked day hikes might be attempted solo. The optimal visiting period is the dry season, from May to September, due to more stable weather; the rainy season (October to April) brings challenging and potentially dangerous conditions. Costs vary widely, from approximately $30-70 USD for day trips to several hundreds or even thousands for multi-day treks including guides, porters, and permits. Typical visit durations range from a few days for acclimatization and short excursions to multiple weeks for extensive treks like the Santa Cruz (4-5 days) or climbing expeditions, all of which require proper physical fitness and careful acclimatization to the high altitude.