18 Days/17 Nights May to August The Nevados Yanapaccha and Pisco are moderate but Chopicalqui is demanding
Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.
Peru: Expedition Nevados Yanapaccha (5450 m), Pisco (5752 m) & Chopicalqui (6354 m)
About Yanaccha Peak: Yanapaccha is found in the Llanganuco Valley, with access via the Quebrada Demanda. It is less well known and less frequented by climbers than some other peaks.
This is a moderately difficult ascent with some steep sections and crevasses, though it is ideal peak for people without much experience or for those who have not had any formal training in mountaineering. For guests without experience who want to try a challenging peak with a bit of technical climbing, we include one day of instruction on the glacier before we ascend to the summit. Our porters will help us carry tents, food, and ropes to Base Camp, but climbers carry their personal gear on the return trip.
About Pisco Peak: Pisco Peak forms part of the chain of mountains called Huandoy Massif, located in the central part of the Cordillera Blanca. Pisco is also an excellent preparation climb for those who want to undertake the larger peaks. Reaching the summit is attainable even for people without experience but who are ready for a challenge alongside more experienced climbers. It will also prepare you for more difficult ascents. From the summit you feel as if you are on top of the world.
About Chopicalqui Peak: Chopicalqui is the third peak of the Huascarán Massif, also located in the Cordillera Blanca, between the two peaks of Huascarán and Contrahierbas. With an elevation of 6,345 meters, it is the fifth highest mountain in the department (administrative region) of Ancash, and the fourth highest in the Cordillera Blanca. It is a demanding mountain with some technical climbing and this requires previous climbing experience.
Chopicalqui is appropriate for people with significant experience and alpine skills - managing rope and crampons on snow and ice walls and with good safety technique. In some years there can be steep sections of ice climbing that require the use of two ice axes and previous experience in their use is recommended.
Day 1: Flight from Europe to Lima. Overnight in the hotel
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m). The trip is 400km and takes 8 hours
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking to Laguna Wilcacoha (3725 m)
Day 4: Huaraz - Hike Trekking to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
Day 5: Huaraz - Transfer to Cebollapampa (3850 m) - Trekking Laguna 69 (4450 m) - Cebollapampa Camp
Day 6: Cebollapampa - Ascend to Yanapaccha Moraine Camp (4900 m)
Day 7: Moraine Camp - Mountaineering course on Yanapaccha Glacier (5000 m)
Day 8: Moraine Camp - Yanapaccha Summit (5460 m) - Cebollapampa (3850 m) Camp
Day 9: Cebollapampa - Trekking to Pisco Base Camp - Peru Refuge (4680 m)
Day 10: Base Camp Refugio Peru - Summit Climb Pisco Peak (5760 m) - Base Camp
Day 11: Base Camp Refugio Peru - Descend to Cebollapampa - Chopicalqui Base Camp (4350 m)
Day 12: Chopicalqui Base Camp - Ascend to Chopicalqui Moraine Camp (4900 m)
Day 13: Moraine Camp - Chopicalqui High Camp (5350 m)
Day 14: High Camp - Ascend to Chopicalqui Summit (6345 m) - Base Camp (4350 m)
Day 15: Base Camp Chopicalqui - Transfer via Quebrada Llanganuco - Huaraz
Day 16: Transfer to the Anta Airport and flight to Lima (50 minutes.) Transfer from Lima Airport to hotel. Bus optional
Day 17: Stay in Lima - Transfer to the airport
Day 18: Arrive home!
Day 1: Flight from Europe to Lima. Overnight in the hotel
Arrival in Lima - a large city with a population of approximately 11 million - the largest city in South America. Rest. If you wish, explore the city on your own. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m). The trip is 400km and takes 8 hours
This will be a varied and interesting voyage. The drive follows the Pan American highway north across the impressive Pacific coastal desert. Continuing toward higher terrain, we pass through the Cordillera Negra (Black Range) at Conococha Pass (4020 m) into the Santa Valley and Huaraz (3100m.) Once across the pass, you’ll see a charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, without a doubt some of the most impressive scenery in the world. You can also fly via LCPERU - flight duration 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking to Laguna Wilcacoha (3725 m)
For acclimatization we visit the Cordillera Negra, where you can see a magnificent view of the Cordillera Blanca. We’ll have a chance to see wild ducks on the beautiful lake. Wilcacocha, because of its location, is an exceptional viewpoint for the Cordillera Blanca, allowing us to identify peaks (from north to south) Huandoy, Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Hualcan, Copa,Vallunaraju, Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Churup, and many more. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 4: Huaraz - Trekking to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
The trail to Laguna Churup is one of the classic hikes of the Cordillera Blanca, challenging but a great acclimatization route. We drive to the village of Llupa, and from there begin our hike on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna (Lake) Churup. The trail narrows and steepens, but also becomes more interesting, including a small climb with fixed ropes. It is one of the most beautiful places in this varied mountain region. Churup Peak rises above the lake, a wild rocky mountain with glaciers and cliffs 5,400 meters above sea level. Here we can continue climbing and do a loop to the Churup summit trail before returning to the trailhead and back to Huaraz for the night. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 5: Huaraz - Transfer to Cebollapampa (3850 m) - Trekking Laguna 69 (4450 m) - Cebollapampa Camp
After a good breakfast we are transported in our minibus to just north of the small village of Yungay in the Santa Valley. The hike to Laguna 69 (4,450m) is the real start of the expedition, and another step in our acclimatization. We are rewarded for our efforts by fantastic views of the highest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and the deep blue lake surrounded by glaciers. It takes about 6 hours round trip to our first camp in Cebollapampa (3.850 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 6: Cebollapampa - Ascend to Yanapaccha Moraine Camp (4900 m)
After breakfast we begin to prepare our mountaineering equipment for the climb to Moraine Camp, which will take 3-3.5 hours. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 7: Moraine Camp - Mountaineering course on Yanapaccha Glacier (5000 m)
Today we have a whole day to acquire the necessary skills for crossing glaciers and ice climbing. We’ll also become more acclimated through the day. We’ll stay another night at Moraine Camp before we will climb to the summit. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 8: Moraine Camp - Yanapaccha Summit (5460 m) - Cebollapampa (3850 m) Camp
This will be our first summit! The ascent follows the west wall, the most well known way through the glacier. There are crevasse fields to cross and the last 200 meters to reach the peak are 60-65% slopes. The return to Moraine Camp requires 3-4 rappels. Continue to Cebollapampa. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 9: Cebollapampa - Trekking to Pisco Base Camp - Peru Refuge (4680 m)
We leave Cebollapampa with light luggage to move to Refugio Peru, in front of the beginning of the glacier to the northwest. The group equipment is transported by burros. A 2 ½ hour climb on a good trail brings us to Pisco Base Camp, where we overnight in the refugio. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 10: Base Camp Refugio Peru - Summit Climb Pisco Peak (5760 m) - Base Camp
After a very early breakfast we climb the moraine and glacier for 6-7 hours to the peak of Nevado Pisco. You are rewarded with magnificent view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Huandoys, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huascaran and others. Midday return to Base Camp; a total of 10-12 hours today. Overnight at the Peru Refuge. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 11: Base Camp Refugio Peru - Descend to Cebollapampa - Chopicalqui Base Camp (4350 m)
An easy 90 minute descent to the highway in Cebollapampa and then a short distance to climb to Chopicalqui Base Camp. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 12: Chopicalqui Base Camp - Ascend to Chopicalqui Moraine Camp (4900 m)
After a good breakfast and a small lunch, we climb the moraine, steep in some sections, and hike along the moraine crest to Moraine Camp. 4-5 hours. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 13: Moraine Camp - Chopicalqui High Camp (5350 m)
First we climb over the rocky moraine to the glacier. Then over the different slopes of the glacier, crossing various crevasses to camp on the glacier at High Camp. 5-6 hours. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 14: High Camp - Ascend to Chopicalqui Summit (6345 m) - Base Camp (4350 m)
Chopicalqui is a demanding mountain, and the culmination of our expedition. Climb to the summit. There are seracs and crevasses to cross and sections of technical walls to climb. On the final section we have some 8-10 meters of 75º -80º slope. Descend to High Camp or Moraine Camp and continue to Base Camp. 10-13 hours today. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 15: Base Camp Chopicalqui - Transfer via Quebrada Llanganuco - Huaraz
Today we prepare to leave early, from Moraine Camp or Base Camp to the highway, where we find our private bus. Now is the time to say goodbye to the Llanganuo Valley. Lodging at the hotel in Huaraz. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 16: Transfer to the Anta Airport and 50 minute flight to Lima, or transfer to the bus terminal for the 8 hour ride to Lima. Transfer to the hotel
Options: Flight or bus. Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 17: Stay in Lima - Transfer to the Airport
Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 18: Arrival in Europe or the country of origin
Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc. Overnight Home (-/-/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: May to August
Difficulty: The Nevados Yanapaccha and Pisco are moderate but Chopicalqui is demanding
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