Climb in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, the world’s highest tropical mountain range. This 11-day alpine expedition blends smart acclimatization, targeted skills training, and a 6,000 m summit for a true high-altitude experience in the heart of the Andes.

Arrive in Lima, shuttle to Huaraz (7–8 hrs), then hike to 13–14k’ and refresh glacier skills. Trek into the Ishinca Valley with mule support, warm up on Ishinca (~5,530 m), and position for a major objective: Tocllaraju (~6,034 m) or Ranrapalca (~6,162 m). Celebrate in Huaraz before departure.

Highlights:

• Structured progression: acclimatization hikes, skills refreshers, warm-up summit, 6,000 m objective
• Warm-up climb of Ishinca with guided glacier travel and crevasse-rescue fundamentals
• Mule-supported approaches, private transport Lima ⇄ Huaraz
• Led by experienced IFMGA guides; ideal for fit climbers with solid crampon and ice-axe skills

Plan & Prepare: For day-by-day details, see the Itinerary tab. For logistics and gear support, check What’s Included and the FAQ. Have specific goals? Contact us and we’ll tailor objectives and dates to match your fitness, skills, and the season’s conditions.

💳 Payment: All deposits are nonrefundable. Final balance is due 120 days before the trip start.

Day 1 – Arrive Lima (LIM) & Airport Hotel

• Afternoon/evening arrival in Lima.
• Meet our representative and transfer to an airport-area hotel for a restful night.
• Prep for next day’s drive to the Cordillera Blanca.

Day 2 – Private Shuttle to Huaraz (7–8 hrs) & Gear Check

• Morning departure by private vehicle; scenic 7–8 hr drive into the Andes.
• Arrive Huaraz (~10,000 ft / 3,050 m), check in, and hydrate.
• Orientation, safety briefing, and comprehensive gear check. Overnight in Huaraz.

Day 3 – Acclimatization Hike to 13–14k’

• Warm-up hike to a local lagoon/viewpoint (target 13–14k’).
• Focus on hydration, pacing, and altitude adaptation.
• Optional stroll through Huaraz markets. Overnight in Huaraz.

Day 4 – Rest, Pack & Systems Review

• Active rest and final packing for the Ishinca Valley.
• Knots, glacier travel, and communication refresher.
• Permits/logistics confirmed. Overnight in Huaraz.

Day 5 – Enter Ishinca Valley & High Camp (~14,500’ / 4,420 m)

• Private taxi to trailhead; meet burros and arrieros for gear carry.
• Trek into the Ishinca Valley and establish high camp.
• Camp setup, glacier briefing, early dinner. Overnight at high camp.

Day 6 – Acclimatization Climb: Nevado Ishinca

• Alpine start to climb Ishinca (~18,143 ft / 5,530 m), conditions permitting.
• Practice crampon technique, rope-team movement, and efficient pacing.
• Descend to camp, hydrate, recovery protocols. Overnight at high camp.

Day 7 – Rest & Glacier Skills

• Morning rest and active recovery walk.
• Crevasse-rescue fundamentals, anchors, and ice-axe/crampon drills.
• Summit strategy briefing for Tocllaraju or Ranrapalca. Overnight at high camp.

Day 8 – Move to High Camp: Tocllaraju or Ranrapalca

• Pack and reposition to the objective’s high camp.
• Route overview, fixed-line systems review, early lights out.

Day 9 – Summit Day

• Pre-dawn start for Tocllaraju (6,034 m / ~19,800 ft) or Ranrapalca (6,162 m / ~20,200 ft).
• Technical glacier and ridge sections managed by expert guides.
• Summit photos (weather allowing) and careful descent. Overnight at camp.

Day 10 – Exit to Huaraz & Celebrate

• Break camp; burros carry group gear to the trailhead.
• Private transfer back to Huaraz, hot showers, and celebratory dinner.

Day 11 – Depart or Add-On Objectives

• Depart Huaraz for Lima or gear up for additional climbs (e.g., Pisco, Vallunaraju).
• Custom extensions available on request.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Advanced Mountaineering Skills – Proficiency with cramponing and ice axe techniques (including self-arrest), efficient movement on 40°+ snow/ice, and competence with rope systems for belaying, rappelling, and alpine anchors.


• Glacier Travel Experience – Prior experience traveling in rope teams across crevassed glaciers, with knowledge of rope handling, spacing, and basic crevasse rescue systems.


• Excellent Fitness – Able to spend 12–16 continuous hours outside, sustaining uphill movement at ~1,000’ per hour for 1–2 hour blocks between breaks. Capable of hiking 12–15 miles while climbing 3,000–6,000’ of vertical gain in a single day. Participants with excellent fitness typically train strenuously 4–6 days per week. Be prepared for demanding summit pushes at altitude.

Pricing and Booking

• Step 1: Secure your spot with a deposit via credit card on our website or pay in full (including credit card fees) at checkout.
• Step 2: If you paid a deposit, pay the remaining trip balance by check, Zelle, or credit card (with fees). We’ll send payment instructions after your order confirmation. Final payment is due 120 days before the trip start date.

• IFMGA Certified Guide – Expert leadership, route selection, and safety management.
• In-Country Ground Transport – Private shuttle Lima ⇄ Huaraz (7–8 hrs) and trailhead transfers.
• Mule Support to Base Camps – Arrieros handle group gear to/from valley camps.
• Designated Hotel Nights – Scheduled nights in Lima/Huaraz as outlined in the itinerary.
• On-Mountain Meals – Nutritious breakfasts, dinners, and hot drinks in camp.
• Group Technical Gear – Tents, ropes, pickets, ice screws, and communal safety kit.

• International flights to/from Lima (LIM)
• Personal climbing equipment (e.g., ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet)
• Optional extra hotel nights or itinerary changes
• Travel/evacuation insurance and rescue coverage
• Guide gratuities

Optional Add-Ons:

• Extra Acclimatization or Summit Days – Add time for optimal adaptation or additional peaks.
• Gear Rentals – Limited rentals available on request; reserve in advance.
• Custom Extensions – Additional Cordillera Blanca objectives (e.g., Pisco, Vallunaraju) or cultural days in the Callejón de Huaylas.

The Cordillera Blanca requires full alpine expedition gear for glacier approaches, high camps, and 6,000 m summit pushes. Download our detailed Peru Alpine Climbing Gear List here:

🔽 Download the Cordillera Blanca Gear List

Mountaineering Gear

• Ice Axe (technical or general mountaineering, depending on objective)
• Crampons – steel, with anti-balling plates
• Climbing Harness – lightweight alpine style
• Helmet – certified for climbing/alpine use
• 3+ Locking Carabiners & 2 Non-Locking Carabiners
• Belay Device & Prusik Cord

Overnight & Camping Gear

• Sleeping Bag rated to 0°F / -18°C (high camps can be very cold)
• Sleeping Pad – inflatable or foam
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Personal Toiletries & Lightweight Towel

Clothing & Accessories

• Technical Outerwear – waterproof jacket and pants
• Insulating Layers – down or synthetic parka, fleece, and softshell
• Base Layers – moisture-wicking tops and bottoms
• Gloves – light, midweight, and insulated pairs
• Warm Hat & Sun Hat
• Sunglasses with glacier lenses & Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Buff / Neck Gaiter & Beanie
• Sturdy Mountaineering Boots (double boots recommended for 6,000 m peaks)
• Camp Shoes (lightweight sandals or trainers)

Food & Hydration

• 2–3L Hydration System (water bottles or bladder)
• Favorite high-calorie snacks (energy bars, gels, dried fruit, nuts)
• Electrolyte powder or hydration tabs

Group gear such as tents, ropes, pickets, and ice screws are provided. Personal gear must be supplied by each climber. Limited rentals may be available on request—reserve early to ensure availability.