Cordillera Negra

The Cordillera Negra is a mountain range in Peru’s Ancash region that runs parallel to the higher, glaciated Cordillera Blanca to the east. It is known as the ‘Black Range’ because its peaks generally lack permanent snow and glaciers.

The range reaches high elevations above the Andean valleys, with summits and passes commonly over 4,000 metres and some peaks exceeding 5,000 metres. It offers trekking routes and viewpoints that look across the Callejón de Huaylas toward the Cordillera Blanca’s glaciated summits.

Geologically part of the Andean orogeny, the Cordillera Negra forms the western wall of the central Peruvian highlands and influences local climate and drainage patterns.

Located in the Ancash region, the range lies west of the Callejón de Huaylas and the Santa River valley, with the city of Huaraz serving as the principal regional base for access and services.

• Glacier-free ridge: Runs parallel to the Cordillera Blanca on the west side of the Callejón de Huaylas and generally lacks permanent glaciers despite high summits.
• Neighbor to the Cordillera Blanca: Provides views across the valley to the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and lies within the Ancash region of Peru.