Chopicalqui is dubbed the easiest 6000m peak in the Cordillera Blanca making it one of the most popular mountains for adventure seekers who want to conquer their first 6000m peak. It is located between the Contrahierbas and Huascarán mountains. Its ascent is of high difficulty, which requires high altitude “glacier camping” at an altitude of 5,400m.
During the ascent to the camps, it offers us a unique view of the peaks of Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, Yanapaccha, Contrahierbas, and Huascarán North and South and from the summit it offers us spectacular views of all the adjacent snow-covered mountains. Due to the difficulty of this climb, it is necessary to be in good physical conditions.
If you want to do this type of climbing, it is necessary to acclimatize previously for several days and be in good physical/technical conditions
The itinerary is a model to follow, however, situations such as natural disasters, climate change, landslides, political unrest, strikes, demonstrations, changes in government regulations or another force majeure may cause this program to vary.
Our expedition begins from the city of Huaraz were we set off in private transportation for approximately 3 hours heading north through the Callejón de Huaylas arriving at the province of Yungay. From here we will deviate to the valley of Llanganuco, passing by the two lakes of Chinancocha (female lake) and Orconcocha (male lake). Finally, we will arrive at km 36 of the route and begin hiking approximately 1 hour to Chopicalqui Base Camp.
From Chopicalqui base camp we will hike approximately 6 to 7 hours until we reach the moraine field. During the hike we will be surrounded with a picture-perfect view of the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Huascarán, Pisco, Huandoy, Chacraraju, and Yanapaccha and not to forget the beautiful mountain sunset view from our campsite.
We start hiking 40 minutes across the moraine until we reach the glacier. From this point we must ascend the glacier approximately 5 to 6 hours until we reach high camp 5380m. Here we will setup our tents and recuperate energy before pushing for the summit tomorrow.
We will depart from high camp at around 1 am, during the ascent we will find slopes of 50-60° until we reach Chopicalqui summit. From the summit we will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains such as the Huascaran, Chacraraju, Pisco, Huandoys, and others. Soon we will begin to descend by the same route of ascent until we reach high camp or the moraine camp (optional depending on the physical condition). Approximate duration of climbing 9 to 12 hours
After a well-deserved rest, we will descend approximately 5 to 6 hours to Chopicalqui base camp.
Concluding our climb, we will hike approximately 1 hour until we reach km 36 of the route. Here, a private transport will be waiting to drive us 3 hours back to the city of Huaraz. Transfer to the hotel, end of our services.
This program is designed exclusively for private groups in order to provide you a better experience. We have local certified guides and support team at your disposal. If you have any questions regarding our packages and pricing options please feel free to contact us.
Did this climb in 2023. I don’t acclimatise well and the guide took the time to spread the climb out over an extra day. It’s a beautiful and fun climb with stunning views.
Was very pleased with the quality of the food and the comfort in the tent. Despite being on a high alpine mountain we ate fresh fish and meat and vegetables. For mountaineers this feels more like glamping than camping.
The guiding was top notch. We had a clear plan, he spoke great English and we had a lot of fun.
Looking forward to planning another climb sometime in the future
