Climbing Yanapaccha (5,460 m / 17,913 ft) and Chopicalqui (6,354 m / 20,846 ft) in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca offers a perfect combination of progressive challenge, technical mountaineering, and breathtaking Andean scenery. Yanapaccha is an excellent objective for climbers seeking to develop glacier and ridge-climbing skills, featuring crevassed glaciers, steeper snow sections, and an exposed summit ridge with spectacular views of Huascarán and surrounding peaks. Chopicalqui, rising above 6,000 meters, represents a significant step up in altitude and technical difficulty (PD+), requiring strong physical conditioning, solid glacier travel skills, and confidence on steep ice and exposed ridges. Together, these two iconic peaks provide a well-balanced expedition that demands proper acclimatization, teamwork, and respect for the mountain environment, rewarding climbers with unforgettable views and a true high-altitude mountaineering experience.
For this type of mountaineering program, it is essential to acclimatize for several days prior to the expedition and to be in good physical and technical condition. Participants should have previous experience in high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering skills to safely enjoy the ascent.
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 42 of the route and begin hiking approximately 4 to 5 hours to the moraine camp.
We will depart from moraine camp at approximately 3 am towards the glacier which is relatively close to camp and then begin our ascent up the glacier that has a 180 m section of wall (50 – 60 °) until we reach the summit. From the summit, you can see mountains like Chacraraju, Huandoys, Pisco, and Huascarán. Return to the moraine camp. 8 to 9 hours approx.
Our return hike is mainly downhill and will take is about 3 to 4 hours until we reach Km 42. Here, a private transport will be waiting to drive us 3 hours back to the city of Huaraz.
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 expedition is designed exclusively for private groups to ensure a high-quality, personalized experience. We work with local certified guides and a professional support team dedicated to your safety and success.
For detailed pricing and availability, please contact us directly.
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