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.

Main image

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.

Cordillera Carabaya
-13.8333, -70.7500

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.

Dry season
May-September · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Clear skies, optimal trekking and climbing conditions.
Wet season
October-April · -5-8°C (23-46°F)
Frequent rain and snow at higher elevations; trails can be muddy and rivers swollen.

Weather & Climate near Cordillera Carabaya #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (172 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 11°

Weather

172 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 11°

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 11°

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 11°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-7° 12°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-10° 11°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-10° 11°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-9° 12°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5° 12°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 13°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 13°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 12°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

Nearby Attractions to Cordillera Carabaya