Chopicalqui Climbing Expedition

We leave Huaraz by private transportation and travel north through the Callejón de Huaylas toward the spectacular Llanganuco Valley in Huascarán National Park.

From the Chopicalqui approach point, we begin the ascent toward Base Camp surrounded by dramatic Cordillera Blanca scenery. After reaching camp, we rest, hydrate and prepare equipment for the higher stages of the expedition.

Base Camp Altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft

After breakfast, we continue toward Moraine Camp through increasingly rugged alpine terrain.

As we gain altitude, the route becomes steeper and offers impressive views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. At camp, the guide reviews equipment and prepares the team for the transition onto glacier terrain.

Moraine Camp Altitude: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft

Today we enter the technical section of the expedition. After crossing moraine terrain, we move onto the glacier using crampons, rope and other climbing equipment.

We continue toward High Camp, where we rest and make final preparations for the summit attempt.

High Camp Altitude: 5,400 m / 17,717 ft

Summit day begins before dawn. From High Camp, we climb across glacier terrain and continue toward the Chopicalqui Southwest Ridge, negotiating snow, ice and high-altitude sections along the normal summit route.

If weather, glacier conditions and team performance allow, we reach the 6,354 m / 20,846 ft summit, one of the major high-altitude objectives of the Cordillera Blanca.

After enjoying the summit views, we begin the long descent through High Camp toward Moraine Camp.

Summit Altitude: 6,354 m / 20,846 ft
Climbing & Descent Time: 10-14 hours

After breakfast, we descend through Base Camp toward the Llanganuco Valley.

Private transportation meets the team for the return journey to Huaraz, completing the Chopicalqui 6354m climbing expedition.