Hiking to the Huaytapallana Glacier, Peru

Outside the bustling city of Huancayo lies the impressive tropical glacier at Huaytapallana, a challenging day hike.

For $12 per person, depart Huancayo on a guided minibus tour that will take you up to the 5,200 meter glacier and back. The vehicle drops you off at around 4,800 meters above sea level, before you climb the rest under your own steam.

It’s best to spend a few days in Huancayo to acclimatize, otherwise you will really struggle. It’s lung-busting work due to a combination of the altitude and the steep climb. However, once you reach the glacier itself, your hard work is worth it.

Tour groups aren’t allowed to walk on the glacier due to the fact it is melting rapidly, but you can get up close to take pictures. The view back down the mountain is spectacular, and there are a series of lakes that make for great photos.

Make sure you wrap up warm, but with easily removable layers so you can strip down on the way up. All in all, it’s a great day and one that comes highly recommended. Peru’s tropical glaciers are melting incredibly fast, and Huaytapallana is forecast to completely disappear by 2030.