Refugio de Ishinca

Description

Refugio Ishinca lies in the Ishinca valley and is the main starting point for ascents of Ishinca, Urus and Tocllaraju. The area also offers good climbing options, and from here you can undertake multi-day hikes towards the Akilpo, Cojup and Quilcayhuanca valleys, or visit laguna Milluacocha.

The trail to the refuge is particularly beautiful for its varied landscapes. At first, it passes small communities and cultivated areas before entering open grassland and continuing alongside the river. As you gain height, the landscape changes and the trail crosses sections of queñual forest, then opens again between rock walls, waterfalls and grazing areas where livestock is common.

To reach the trailhead, taking a taxi is recommended, or joining a tour heading to Ishinca or Tocllaraju and paying only for transport. You can also take a shared minibus to Puente Paltay and continue by taxi, arranging it with the driver beforehand.

Return along the same trail in the opposite direction (12 km | -788 m | 3h30 min).