Cordillera Oriental

mountains, Peru

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July 2, 2026

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The Cordillera Oriental is one of the three main mountain ranges of the Peruvian Andes, which were formed by tectonic activity. This range, along with the Cordillera Occidental and Central, makes up the Andes Mountains in Peru. The Cordillera Oriental is characterized by its ruggedness and high elevations, with many peaks being snowcapped and popular for climbing. In southern Peru, the Andes transition into a high plateau region known as the Puna. The Cordillera Blanca, a notable part of the Cordillera Occidental, contains Peru's highest peak, Mount Huascarán.12

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Andes Mountains
Physiography of the Central Andes
Cordilleras Occidental, Central, and Oriental. In the Cordillera Occidental, at latitude 10° S, the deep, narrow Huaylas Valley separates two ranges, Cordillera Blanca to the east and Cordillera Negra to the west; the Santa River runs between them and cuts Cordillera Negra to drain into the Pacific. Cordillera Blanca…
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Cordilleras Occidental, Central, and Oriental. In the Cordillera Occidental, at latitude 10° S, the deep, narrow Huaylas Valley separates two ranges, Cordillera Blanca to the east and Cordillera Negra to the west; the Santa River runs between them and cuts Cordillera Negra to drain into the Pacific. Cordillera Blanca…
Read More