The Cordillera Blanca is a mountain range located in the Ancash region of Peru, forming the most extensive tropical ice-covered mountain chain in the world. It is part of the larger Peruvian Andes and is situated near the city of Huaraz. The range stretches approximately 180 kilometers in a northwesterly direction and is bounded by the Santa River valley to the west and the Marañón River to the east. It contains numerous peaks exceeding 6,000 meters in elevation, with Huascarán Sur being the highest summit in Peru at 6,768 meters. The range is characterized by its dramatic glacial scenery, including deep valleys, high plateaus, and turquoise glacial lakes. The Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses almost the entire Cordillera Blanca, protecting its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The area is a major center for mountaineering and trekking, attracting adventurers from around the globe to its challenging routes and breathtaking landscapes.