Peru · Mountain Exploration

3-Day Coropuna Volcano Climb from Arequipa with Summit Expedition

3 Days Round trip from Arequipa Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Coropuna Volcano, the highest volcano in Peru at 6,425 meters
02 Discover the ancient petroglyphs of Toro Muerto in a desert canyon setting
03 See dinosaur footprints at Qerulpa, the "small Jurassic Park" of Arequipa
04 Ascend through dramatic Andean landscapes with views of Solimana peak
05 Reach Coropuna's summit after a glacier climb past crevasses and penitentes

Climb Coropuna, the highest volcano in Peru, on a demanding 3-day expedition from Arequipa through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes. Along the way, discover the ancient petroglyphs of Toro Muerto and dinosaur footprints at Qerulpa before ascending to high camps near Pallarcocha Lake and Coropuna Base Camp. The final summit push takes you across glacier terrain, crevasses, and penitentes to 6,425 m, where sweeping views of the surrounding Andes reward the effort. This is a challenging high-altitude adventure designed for experienced trekkers and mountaineers.

Along the way, discover the ancient petroglyphs of Toro Muerto and dinosaur footprints at Qerulpa before ascending to high camps near Pallarcocha Lake and Coropuna Base Camp.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arequipa, Majes

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arequipa to Pallarcocha Lake via Toro Muerto and Qerulpa

At 5 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa to begin the journey in a private jeep.
Descending toward the desert and then heading northwest, after 3 hours of driving we will reach the agricultural valley of Majes (600 m), our first stop.
Here, you will explore the Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, located in the middle of the desert and surrounded by imposing canyon walls.
At Toro Muerto, you will have enough time to discover more than a hundred carvings on volcanic rocks depicting human figures, animals, and plants, created by ancient Peruvian civilizations over 1,200 years ago.
Today's breakfast will be a bit later in the town of Corire (included). Our second stop is Qerulpa, known as the small Jurassic Park of the Arequipa region.
From there, we will walk for about 10 minutes to the top of a rocky hill to find dinosaur footprints on the slopes of sandy hills. According to paleontological reports, dinosaurs inhabited this remote place between 100 and 150 million years ago.
Continuing through the arid region with its incredible landscapes, we will ascend to Chuquibamba (3000 m), a beautiful green valley where we will stop for a late lunch.
Around 3:00 p.m., we must continue driving uphill to the higher-altitude area of the town to appreciate the first views of the south face of Coropuna peak.

Distance: 290 km by car

Walking time: 1 hour on foot

Route level: Moderate

Maximum altitude: 4743 m.a.s.l.

Accommodation: Tents

Camp: Pallarcocha Lake 4743 m.a.s.l.

Day 02

Pallarcocha Lake to Coropuna Base Camp

Today, breakfast is scheduled for 7 a.m., followed by the task of packing all our camping equipment.
Afterward, we will travel by vehicle for about 40 minutes to reach the final point of Coropuna (5307 m).
Around 10 a.m., we will begin the uphill hike, lasting about 2 hours over 1.92 km, to reach the second base camp (5583 m) and approach Mount Coropuna.
Today's ascent will be gradual and is considered of moderate difficulty, accompanied by beautiful landscapes and a panoramic view of Solimana peak.
After setting up the tents, we will enjoy lunch, and you will have the afternoon free to explore the area, gaining more confidence and familiarity with the imposing Mount Coropuna.

Distance: 1.92 km

Walking time: 2 hours on foot

Route level: Moderate

Maximum altitude: 5583 m.a.s.l.

Accommodation: Tents

Camp: Coropuna Base Camp 5583 m.a.s.l.

Day 03

Coropuna Summit Push and Return to Arequipa

At 1 a.m., we wake up to prepare and enjoy an energizing breakfast.
Each person is responsible for organizing their climbing equipment, including crampons, ice axe, harness, and rope (with a 43° angle).
During the first 4 hours, we will climb in the darkness, guided by the light of our headlamps, ascending the east-southeast face to reach one of the highest peaks of this imposing mountain.
The ascent involves challenging sections of small and large crevasses, testing our climbing skills to avoid falls.
Along the way, we will commonly encounter penitentes, forming an obstacle that we must overcome.
Around 5:45 a.m., the sun rises over another higher mountain near Coropuna, creating memorable moments on this climbing journey.
After 6 or 7 hours of intense climbing, we reach the summit and enjoy precious minutes contemplating the majestic Andes surrounding us.
Following the mountain guide's instructions, we begin the most challenging phase of the journey: the descent, which can be physically demanding for each participant.
We will need approximately 3 to 5 hours to descend to the base camp.
Around 2:00 p.m., after packing all the camping equipment, we begin the descent to find the jeep that will take us back to Arequipa, a journey of approximately 7 hours.
Each participant will be dropped off at their respective hotels, marking the end of our services.

Distance: 3 km to the summit and 5 km to our transportation

Walking time: 14 hours on foot

Route level: Extreme

Maximum altitude: 6425 m.a.s.l. Summit Coropuna

Where this trip takes you

Pallarcocha Lake, Toro Muerto petroglyphs, Qerulpa dinosaur footprints, Coropuna summit

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arequipa 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

High Mountain Guide
Porter
Private Transportation (4×4)
Camping Equipment (Sleeping Mats and Tents)
Kitchen Equipment
Climbing Gear such as Crampons, Ice Axes, and Safety Rope
Full Catering
Oxygen Bottle (inside the 4×4 transport)
First Aid Kit
Communication Equipment
Tent and Meals for our Guide and Porter
Sleeping Bag

What's Not Included

Daypack or hiking backpack
Food in the city
Headlamp
Personal clothing and hiking gear (waterproof pants, jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, headlamp, trekking shoes, waterproof poncho, water bottle, hats for both heat and cold, sunscreen, etc.)

What to bring

Layered clothing: The weather can vary, so bring layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
Lightweight moisture-wicking base layer: Shirt and pants.
Insulating layer: Fleece or down jacket.
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Climbing gear: Harness, climbing boots, crampons, helmet, and gloves.
Warm clothing: Hat, gloves, neck gaiter, and scarf for cold nights and high altitudes.
Trekking boots: Comfortable and sturdy for rocky trails.
Socks: Wool socks for warmth and comfort.
Sun protection: Sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen.
Ice axe: If required.
Rope: As needed.
Carabiners and slings
Crampons: If necessary for glacier sections.
Trekking poles: Optional but useful.
Energy snacks: Trail mix, energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit.
Water bottles: At least 2-3 liters of water. A hydration system is recommended.
Electrolytes: Powder or tablets to stay hydrated at high altitude.
Personal identification: Passport or ID.
Camera: For stunning landscape photos.
Headlamp: Bring extra batteries.
First aid kit: Include any personal medications.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, and wet wipes.
Toilet paper: Keep it in a plastic bag for disposal.
Sleeping bag: Rated for cold temperatures, around -10°C or lower.
Sleeping pad: For extra insulation and comfort.
Backpack: A 40-50L backpack to carry your essentials.
Rain cover: For your backpack.
Plastic bags: For trash to help keep the environment clean.
Acclimatization: Arrive at least a day or two earlier in Arequipa or another high-altitude location to adjust to the altitude before the climb.
Guided tours: It is highly recommended to climb with an experienced guide who knows the terrain and can ensure safety during the climb.
Physical fitness: Ensure you are physically prepared for strenuous hiking, as the climb is challenging due to high altitudes and steep terrain.

This gear and preparation will help you have a safe and enjoyable climb up Coropuna Volcano.

Know before you go

Before embarking on the 3-day Coropuna climb, here are some important details to help you prepare for this exciting and challenging adventure.

Difficulty level: Climbing Coropuna is physically demanding and should not be taken lightly. The terrain is rugged and steep, and the altitude (up to 6,377 meters / 20,922 feet) can affect your body. This climb is suited for experienced trekkers and mountaineers who are comfortable with high-altitude trekking and technical glacier ascents.
Altitude and acclimatization: Coropuna Volcano is one of the highest peaks in southern Peru. Due to the altitude, altitude sickness can be a concern.
Acclimatization: Arriving at least 1-2 days before the climb in Arequipa or nearby towns is recommended for proper acclimatization. A hike to a lower peak or a trek around Colca Canyon will help your body adjust to the altitude.
Altitude symptoms: Be prepared for symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath. It is essential to stay hydrated and take it slow.
Weather conditions - daytime: The weather during the day can be warm, especially if you are in the sun. Expect temperatures around 10-20°C (50-68°F) at lower altitudes.
Weather conditions - nighttime: The temperature drops significantly, especially at higher elevations, and can reach below freezing at the summit. Pack warm clothing to protect against the cold.
Rain and snow: At higher elevations, rain or snow is possible. Always check weather forecasts before the climb.
Physical preparation: The climb involves a mix of hiking and technical climbing. You should be physically fit and prepared for long hours of hiking, including steep ascents and glacier travel.
Training: Strengthen your legs, lungs, and endurance. Physical conditioning is vital, and training for elevation is strongly recommended.
Multiple strenuous days: It is important to be prepared for multiple days of strenuous activity at high altitudes.
Guided climb: Due to the technical nature of the climb and the altitude, it is highly recommended to take a licensed mountain guide. They will provide safety, logistical support, and the necessary climbing equipment.
Book in advance: Be sure to reserve your spot at least one month before the trip. This allows your guide and logistics team to arrange the necessary supplies, such as mules, porters, a cook, and climbing gear.
Required climbing gear: Ice axe, crampons, ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and a helmet are essential for climbing on the glacier.
Required trekking gear: A waterproof jacket, warm layers, trekking boots, and poles are crucial for hiking.
Required camping gear: Sleeping bag, mat, and warm clothing are necessary for cold nights.
Personal items: Bring sunscreen, water bottles, a camera, personal medications, and toiletries.
Altitude sickness and safety: Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, which can occur above 3,000 meters. These include headache, nausea, dizziness, or loss of appetite. If symptoms worsen, it is essential to descend immediately.
Oxygen: In extreme cases, supplemental oxygen may be available, but it should be used only under the guidance of your mountain guide.
Cultural etiquette: Respect the local culture. Coropuna is located in a rural area, so be mindful of local communities and their way of life.
Leave No Trace: Carry trash bags and make sure you leave no litter behind. Dispose of waste responsibly.
What to expect on Day 1: You will arrive at the base camp after a hike from the nearest town. Expect an easy-to-moderate trek on the first day as you begin to adjust to the altitude.
What to expect on Day 2: This will be the hardest day, with the ascent to the summit of Coropuna, where you will spend the night either at the high camp or descend to a lower camp.
What to expect on Day 3: The descent will be easier but still demanding. After reaching the base camp, you will return to Arequipa or your next destination.
Transportation: Most trips to Coropuna start from Arequipa, where you can hire a vehicle to take you to the base of the mountain (about 3-4 hours from Arequipa).
Transport arrangements: Be sure to have reliable transportation arranged in advance, especially for early morning departures.
Emergency plans: Guides and support staff are trained in high-altitude rescues, and your expedition will have an emergency plan in place.
Communication: Make sure your guide has access to satellite phones for emergencies.

By preparing well and knowing what to expect, your Coropuna 3-day climb will be a rewarding experience full of adventure, breathtaking views, and the satisfaction of summiting one of the highest peaks in Peru.

Logistics