Cordillera Carabaya
Mountains Andean subrange in Puno with high alpine terrain
In Peru’s Puno region, the Carabaya range includes high peaks such as Allincapac, glacial lakes, mining towns and puna plateaus; hikers visit for high‑altitude trekking and stark Andean landscapes.
The Cordillera Carabaya is a mountain range in southern Peru forming part of the high Andes within the Puno region. The range comprises glaciated peaks, high plateaus and Andean valleys that support pastoralism and scattered mountain communities.
The area is characterized by high-altitude environments, with seasonal pastures, glacial remnants and freshwater lakes that feed downstream river systems. It has been used for traditional grazing and local mining activity in historic and modern times, and is a landscape of interest for trekking and local cultural visits.
The range lies in the Puno region of southeastern Peru and forms part of the broader Andean chain across this sector of the country. Access is typically from regional towns and rural road networks rather than major cities.
How to Get to Cordillera Carabaya #
Carabaya province is accessible from Puno (approx. 6-8 hour drive) via regional roads to towns like Macusani. From Macusani, local 4x4 transport and guides are typical for reaching high valleys and trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Cordillera Carabaya #
- If planning climbs or treks, hire local mountain guides from nearby towns like Macusani or Carabaya.
- Expect basic facilities in towns; bring cash and spare fuel for stoves if camping in remote valleys.
- Acclimatise for at least two days above 3,500 m before attempting passes or high camps.
Best Time to Visit Cordillera Carabaya #
The best window is the austral winter dry season, May-September, when weather is most stable.
Weather & Climate near Cordillera Carabaya #
Cordillera Carabaya's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -10°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (882 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (172 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).