 |
Useful data for the White Cordillera – Peru |
 |
| > |
Altitude:
Varies according to the zone, but on average is 5 000 masl.
|
| > |
Climate:
It is said that in the tropical mountain ranges, “there are no seasons during the year, but days that contain all four.” In the White Cordillera, the sun shines brightly but the air is brisk in the morning, with a climate equivalent to spring. After midday, the heat climbs to its highest, and visitors must seek the shade, as in the summer. In the afternoon, the small cumulus clouds formed throughout the morning reach their fullest extent and the sun shines obliquely, giving an autumnal climate. When the sun goes down, which occurs very rapidly in the tropics, the environment becomes very cold: this is the “winter” moment.
|
| > |
With the receding of the glacier, the Cordillera loses two meters of snow every year, changing the face of the mountains, the approaches to them and, as a result, the way to tackle them. Large masses of seracs (blocks of compact snow) break off from the high mountains.
|
| > |
Rains at above 4 500 masl normally take the form of snow. Andean snow generally adheres well to very sharp slopes and tends to form cornices on the ridges near the leeward (downwind) summit. It is very unusual for cornices to be found on both sides of the ridge. Another characteristic feature of the region is the formation of fluted or staggered walls of snow.
The consequences of the orientation of the different mountain faces, because of their location in the Southern Hemisphere, change with respect to the northern region.
|
| > |
It is important to obtain information from the local people about the state of the roads and the difficulty of the route. It is important to remember, however, that the local people judge time and distance differently. The usual answer of “aquicito nomás” (near here) can mean long hours of walking at great heights or on steep slopes.
|
| > |
Do not uproot or cut live plants or light a fire in the highland forests.
|
| > |
Do not change the direction of signposts on the paths.
|
| > |
Do not hunt or fish during the off-season (off-season for trout).
|
| > |
Always let the local authorities or local mountain climbers’ association know when you are starting up the mountains.
|
| > |
Never climb or start on treks alone.
|
|
Always bring your trash back down the mountain because leaving it there could cause dangerous pollution.
|
| > |
In the highlands:
Sun block and warm clothing are recommended. Height sickness can attack at above 2 500 masl. Take precautions: rest the first day, drink plenty of liquids and avoid heavy meals.
|
| > |
Visiting periods:
- May to September
This is the only period for climbing high mountains. As the dry period of the year coinciding with winter and because of the proximity to the equator, there are between 30 and 50 minutes less of daylight each day. It freezes over at heights above 4 500 masl. July is the best month for mountaineering because the strong winds from the North start to blow in August.
-September to December
Equivalent to the Northern spring, this period is appropriate for climbing lower mountains and for trekking. The rains make a gradual appearance, generally after midday, due to the formation of rain clouds during the morning. The showers are short-lived and sometimes are accompanied by lightning. They clear up very rapidly, leaving clear skies and star filled nights.
-December to May
This is the rainy season. It pours almost every day for two or three hours in the afternoon, although prolonged fine drizzles are not unusual. As in the previous season, the rainfall generally takes the appearance of heavy showers. This is not an appropriate period for mountain climbing. Only on days when it does not rain is it possible to walk across a ravine. The streams that are almost dry in winter swell and become impossible to cross.
|
|
|
