Here for the first time, is all the information you need about the Cordillera Blanca Mountains of Peru under one cover. Author, Brad Johnson, has personally climbed 33 of the 48 routes found in this book. His first hand knowledge of these classic climbs make this book the most reliable source of information for climbing in the Cordillera Blanca. Having spent 18 years climbing, guiding and exploring in the Cordillera Blanca, Brad Johnson has become one of the most authoritive authors on this beautiful mountain range. His photographic skills and keen eye, capture and bring to life the beauty of the mountains, people and culture found in this part of Peru.
In addition to the informational aspect of this book, Johnson also shares with us his humor, by adding twelve short stories of his personal experiences while climbing and traveling in Peru.
This is more than a guide book, it is informative, visually impacting and funny. A must buy for anyone who has ever had an interest in climbing in Peru!
From the Author
After spending my first eight years climbing in the Cordillera Blanca I came to realize that most climbers, myself included, where using several different sources for accurate climbing information. Many climbers seemed frustrated that not a single source provided both accurate route information with good photos, and good logistical information to prepare for a journey into the mountains. After much time spent studying different guidebooks and asking climbers what they looked for in a guidebook, I felt I knew enough about the Cordillera Blanca to write a guidebook that would fulfill climbers needs.
My goal was to create a book with large beautiful photos of the mountains and routes, something all previous guidebooks lacked. I also wanted to provide accurate information for all the routes I planned to include. To accomplish this I decided on climbing all of the routes myself and photograph the type of climbing found there. Of the 182 photographs in this guide all but 13 are mine.
Over the course of 8 years I succeeded in climbing 33 of the 48 routes found in this book. To get accurate information on the remaining 15 routes, I spent many hours reviewing stories written by the first ascensionists and talking with climbers who had climbed these routes.
Finally I wanted to include information on enviromental issues and explain how to accomplish the logistical problems ie; transportation, supplies, where to hire local guides, porters, cooks, and burro drivers.
I hope my book provides all the information you need. Safe climbing, Brad Johnson
About the Author
Brad Johnson made his first trip to Peru's Cordillera Blanca in 1982. Since then he has spent 18 seasons, in the Blanca, guiding climbers and trekkers. When not guiding he has managed to climb 21 different peaks in the Blanca, by 33 different routes. Born in Boulder, Colorado, and raised in a climbing family, Brad has over 35 years experience climbing around the world. His first climb to the top of Africa's 19,340-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro was made at age 14. At the age of 20, he and friends made the first ascent of the Arc Angel Ridge on Mount Foraker (17,400 feet). The following year he succeeded in the eigth ascent of the Cassin Ridge on Denali(20,320 feet) also in Alaska. In addition Brad has attempted Makalu, the world's fifth highest peak (27,826 feet) from Nepal, and K2, the worlds second highest peak (28,250 feet), from China. In 1999, he summited Cho Oyu, the world's sixth highest peak (26,910 feet), from Tibet. Over the years, Brad has participated in 17 major expeditions.
Not only is Brad a climbing expert, he is an exceptional photographer. His photos have appeared in such magazines as Rock & Ice, Climbing, Powder, Outside, Men's Health, Backpacker and National Geographic Adventure. Brad lives in Ridgway, Colorado.
