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Peru · Mountain Exploration
The journey
Climb Chopicalqui, one of the classic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, on this 4-day trekking and climbing adventure from Huaraz. Follow the southwest ridge past the beautiful glacier lakes of Llanganuco Valley, camp at high altitude, and ascend steep snow and ice terraces to the 6,354 m summit. From the top, take in majestic views of surrounding peaks such as Pisco, Huandoy, Chacraraju, Contrahierbas, and Peru's highest mountain, Huascarán. With glacier scenery, alpine camps, and a demanding summit push, this is a rewarding challenge in Huascarán National Park.
From the top, take magnificent pictures of several surrounding peaks, including Pisco at 5,752 m, Huandoy at 6,395 m, Chacraraju at 6,112 m, the Contrahierbas Mountains at 6,036 m, and Peru's highest peak, Mount Huascarán at 6,768 m.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Depart from Huaraz at 6:00 am. Driving time: 3 hours. Trek time: 5 hours.
Drive north along Callejon de Huaylas until reaching the city of Yungay.
Continue toward Llanganuco Valley, passing two beautiful glacier lakes before arriving at the Chopicalqui switchback at 4,200 m.
Start walking up to Moraine Camp at 4,850 m with the support of porters.
Overnight at Moraine Camp.
Walk up with the porters, who will carry all the climbing equipment. Hike over rocky terrain to the edge of the ice, then continue climbing on an easy-slope route to reach High Camp on the southwest ridge. Climbing time: 4 hours ascent.
Overnight at High Camp.
Have breakfast very early at 1:00 am, then begin climbing up the southwest ridge over steep snow and ice.
After 6 hours of climbing, reach the summit. From the top, take magnificent pictures of several surrounding peaks, including Pisco at 5,752 m, Huandoy at 6,395 m, Chacraraju at 6,112 m, the Contrahierbas Mountains at 6,036 m, and Peru's highest peak, Mount Huascarán at 6,768 m. Climbing time: 4 hours ascent and descent.
Descend by the same route, using rappels on difficult sections, until reaching High Camp and then Moraine Camp. Enjoy your last night camping at Moraine Camp or Base Camp.
After breakfast, collect the climbing gear and walk down toward the Chopicalqui curve, where private transport will be waiting to drive you back to Huaraz. Climbing time: 4 hours walking down. Driving time: 3 hours.
The route
The fine print
Qualified Peruvian mountain guide
Cook specialized in regular and vegetarian dishes
Full first aid kit
Camping equipment (double sleeping tent, mattress, etc.)
Cooking equipment and tools (cook tent, chairs, table, and full kitchen utensils)
Climbing gear (climbing boots, crampons, harness, ice axe, rope, etc.)
Personalized service from K2 Peru Adventures
Donkey driver, allowed to handle 5 donkeys
Donkey service to transport climbing logistics
Porters to help carry collective climbing gear from Base Camp to Moraine Camp
Private transport from Huaraz - Musho / Musho - Huaraz
Climbing meals (breakfast, picnic or lunch, and dinner)
Meals with enough carbohydrates to recover lost energy during the trek, including omelette, soup, fresh fruit, meats, pasta, raze, hot drinks, and coca tea, which is ideal for altitude sickness
Climbing permits to Huascarán National Park: 65.00 soles
Alimentation in Huaraz city
Sleeping bag (adequate to -15° C)
Tips
PERSONAL CLIMBING GEAR
Climbing boots.
Polar Tec or wool gloves.
Sun hat.
Polar Tec or wool cap.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
A backpack between 40 l and 70 l.
Lightweight waterproof Gore-Tex jacket.
Lightweight waterproof Gore-Tex pants.
Water bottle.
Sun cream.
Headlamp.
Personal first aid kit.
Hiking poles.
Warm clothes.
A camera.
Sleeping bag rated to -15° C.
Personal toiletries and a small synthetic towel.
Sandals.
Chopicalqui Mountain lies to the east of the huge Huascarán Mountain and is one of the classic mountains to climb. The normal route follows the southwest ridge with steep-slope ice terraces. Close to the summit, there is an impressive ice mushroom, and from the top, you will see several majestic peaks such as Huascarán, the Huandoy group, Pisco, Chacraraju, the Hualcan Mountains, and colourful glacier lakes deep in the valleys.
Maximum altitude: 6354 m (Chopicalqui summit).
Difficulty: Difficult.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights.
Preferred time: May - September.
Average temperature: Between 13° C - 23° C during the day; at night, -05° C to -02° C; on the top, -10° C.
Book early to get special discounts.
For booking validation, deposit 40% of the total price and pay the remaining 60% upon arrival in Peru or Huaraz.
Accommodation service includes hot water, a private bathroom, a TV with cable connection, a restaurant, and a cafe shop, located downtown.
Bus service from Lima - Huaraz - Lima is available with
Logistics
Your 4 days finish where they began, in Huaraz.
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