Pastoruri Glacier

The Pastoruri Glacier extends over 8 square kilometers at an elevation of 5,250 meters in the southern part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

Since the early 2000s, the glacier has experienced a dramatic reduction, losing 22 percent of its size and 15 percent of its ice mass.

Local glaciologist Benjamin Morales Arnao conducted experiments using sawdust layers to preserve the ice volume, demonstrating limited success in maintaining glacier mass.

The glacier remains accessible through a short trail from Huaraz, with travel agencies offering daily guided tours to the terminal lake at 5,000 meters.

The glacier retreat has exposed sulfide-rich rocks, creating red-colored water ponds where acidophilic bacteria generate distinct oxidation processes.

Location: Ancash Department

GPS coordinates: -9.92000,-77.18222

Latest update: May 10, 2025 23:37