Expedition Nevado Huascarán (6768 m), the highest peak of Peru

06 Days/05 Nights June to August 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.

About Huascarán Peak: Huascarán is the highest peak in Peru. This mountain has two summits: Huascarán North (6655 m) and the main summit, Huascarán South (6768 m). Many climbers dream of reaching the high summit of 6768 meters. Huascarán offers multiple routes to arrive at the highest point in Peru. Technically, the climb is not difficult, nevertheless, due to its elevation and risk of avalanches, it is a serious endeavor.

Observation: Huascarán South Summit (6,768 m)
The conditions on all mountains change every year; Huascarán is no exception. The glacier between the first and second camps is receding, and as such, some years it is a challenge to get from high camp 1 to high camp 2 due to the crevasses and the large avalanches that may fall in the primary chute. Nevertheless, an ascent of Huascarán is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of mountaineering in the Andes.

Travel Program

Itinerary:

Day 1: Huaraz - Transfer to Musho (3000 m) - Trekking to Huascarán Base Camp (4250 m)
Day 2: Huascarán Base Camp - Ascend to High Camp I (5350 m)
Day 3: High Camp I - Ascend to High Camp II (Garganta, 6000 m)
Day 4: High Camp II (Garganta, 6000 m) - Ascent to Huascarán Summit (6768 m) - Trekking descent to Base Camp
Day 5: Reserve day in case of bad weather or to sleep in High Camp II (Garganta, 6000 m)
Day 6: Base Camp - Trekking to Musho (3000 m) - Transfer to Huaraz

Detailed Program

Day 1: Huaraz - Transfer to Musho (3000 m) - Trekking to Huascarán Base Camp (4250 m)
Now the last and best mountain - the highest mountain in Peru, Huascarán. Transfer from Huaraz through the Callejón de Huaylas, the central section of the valley formed by the Santa River between the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. We arrive at the village of Musho, and load our luggage onto burros. From Musho it is a 4-5 hour hike to Huascarán Base Camp (4,250 m), from which we have a beautiful view of the Cordillera Negra. Overnight Camp (-/L/D)

Day 2: Huascarán Base Camp - Ascend to High Camp I (5350 m)
Today we‘ll climb to High Camp 1. Porters will help us carry our camping equipment and food . From this point, the southern and northern peaks of Huascarán seem close enough to touch. Dinner and lodging in tents on the glacier. At this altitude, the temperature at night falls to as low as -13°C. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 3: High Camp I - Ascend to High Camp II (Garganta, 6000 m)
Very early this morning we continue to climb over the steep section of the glacier, with crevasses, avalanches in the chutes, and an area of icefall with 50° faces requiring ice climbing. We expect to find changes to the rugged glacier because every year with the retreat of the glacier, the conditions change with regard to crevasses, bridges or new avalanches. Our porters accompany us to Camp 2 in La Garganta (“The Throat“), the saddle between the North Summit (6655 m) and the South Summit (6768 m.) We sleep in tents on the glacier. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 4: High Camp II (Garganta, 6000 m) - Ascend to Huascarán Summit (6768 m) - Trekking descent to Base Camp
Summit day! We begin our ascent very early this morning to the South Summit (6768 m) The trail takes us abruptly up, continues through many crevasses and avalanche zones until we arrive at the flat summit ridge. From here you can see all of the Cordillera Blanca, including Alpamayo to the north. The unforgettable view from the summit makes us forget all our effort to get here! After enjoying the summit and taking photos, we begin our descent back to High Camp II. If everyone still feels fine, we can descend to Base Camp (weather permitting) or stay in High Camp II. Rest one hour and begin to go down to Base Camp. Dinner and lodging in Base Camp. Time required: the ascent: 6-7 hours; descent to High Camp II: 3-4 hours; descent from High Camp II to Base Camp: 3-4 hours. Overnight Campl (B/L/D)

Day 5: Reserve day in case of bad weather or to sleep in High Camp II (Garganta, 6000 m)
Extra day in case of bad weather, or to remain in High Camp II. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 6: Base Camp - Trekking to Musho (3000 m) - Transfer to Huaraz
Our last expedition day. Early in the morning the mule/burro drivers arrive, and after the luggage is loaded, we descend to the village of Musho, a walk of 3-4 hours. From here our private transport will be waiting to take us to Huaraz, our final destination. Here we say goodbye to our local team; have a complimentary dinner at the home of Juventino Albino Caldua - a special dish called Pachamanca. Lodging in the hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What’s included

What's included

Services included in the prices:

Peruvian qualified and experienced local guide/s
All meals during the tour
Camping tents (2 persons)
Porters Nevado Vallunaraju (2 pax 1 porter)
Kitchen equipment
Cooks
Donkey driver and donkeys
Transportation as tour schedule / Huaraz

Not Included:

International flights to Lima / Peru round trip
Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure
Exit tax at the airport in Lima
Travel accident and health insurance
Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
Personal expenses
Acclimatization Tour
Entrance fees to the Huascaran National Park
Transfer from the Hotel to the airport and bus station
Domestic flight Airline ticket LC-Peru
Hotel Casa Andina 2 nights in Lima
Hotel San Sebastián 4 nights in Huaraz
Pick up at the airport in Lima to the Hote
Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
Tips