Expedition overview
05 days
6,350 M /20,890 ft
D
We guide from end of May to end of August
Private service only
MOUNT CHOPICALQUI (6,354 m / 20,841 ft) with (AD) Difficulty, it is considered the fourth-highest classical peak in the Cordillera Blanca and is located between Huascarán Sur and Huascarán Norte. Visible from Huaraz. Chopicalqui is famous for its spectacular snow formations, including the iconic “Mushroom” snow crest near the summit. From the top, climbers are rewarded with an extraordinary 360-degree panorama of dozens of glaciated peaks across the Cordillera Blanca—one of the finest summit views in the Andes. The normal route follows the Southwest Ridge, ascending the crest between Chopicalqui and Huascarán. Although technically moderate, the climb is physically demanding and requires solid mountaineering skills. Proper acclimatization is essential to ensure a safe and successful ascent. Chopicalqui offers a stunning and exciting alpine experience and is often considered an excellent first (or second or third) 6,000-meter peak for climbers seeking a classic high-Andean adventure.
- Day 1: Huaraz – Transfer with Private Transportation to Curva de Chopi 4,200 M / 13,820 ft – Trek to Chopicalqui Base Camp 4,300 M /14,150 ft
- Day 2: Chopicalqui Base camp – ascend Morena Camp at 4,900 M / 16,076 ft
- Day 3: Morena Camp – Ascend to High Camp at 5,300 M /17,435 ft
- Day 04: High Camp – Attempt Summit Chopicalqui 6,350 M /20,840 ft – High Camp – Morena Camp – Base Camp.
- Day 05: Base Camp – Trek to Chopicalqui Curve – Transfer with Private Transportation to Huaraz
Optionnal
Is it for me?
- Ideal for intermediate & advanced-level climbers.
- This beautiful peak is perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable mountain experience and an exciting high-altitude journey.
- Best suited for experienced and adventurous climbers who can adapt to higher altitudes and longer expeditions, as it requires excellent physical condition and proper acclimatization.
Restrictions
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Not suitable for first-time climbers
- Not recommended for climbers with heart conditions.
- Not suitable for climbers with knee problems, as the climb requires good physical fitness and endurance.
Adicional notes:
Experience Required & Some Important Notes
- Please note: The Chopicalqui expedition starts and ends in Huaraz. Please refer to the travel program for detailed information on how to travel to Huaraz.
- This program: Is Not suitable for first-time climbers
- Physical conditions: A good level of physical fitness, strong mental stamina, and the ability to perform intense physical activity for several consecutive days are required.
- Participants Requirements: Participants must be prepared for approximately six hours of physical exertion per day and be able to carry a 20 kg (44 lb.) backpack
- Previous mountaineering experience is required, and prior backpacking experience is highly recommended
- Altitude: High-altitude climbing affects everyone differently, and reduced performance is common. To support proper acclimatization, climbing days are generally kept short, and rest days are prioritized. Our gradual acclimatization program helps climbers progressively regain strength and improve performance.
- Basic mountaineering skills are required for this program.
- These summits are suitable for intermediate and advanced-level climbers.
- Trek & Climb Schedule: We will be active in the mountains for approximately 05 days, with an average of 4–5 hours of hiking per day. On summit days, however, the ascent and descent activities may take approximately 10–17 hours.
- Overnight camps will be at elevations between 4,000 m / 13,160 ft and 5,300 m / 17,435 ft, the highest camp on the expedition. therefore, Proper acclimatization and suitable physical preparation are required
- Huaraz is at 3,050m/10,030 ft. Because of this, we highly recommend staying in Huaraz a few days before trekking departure to get a good acclimatization.
- We highly recommend spending at least 2- or 3-days doing day hikes around Huaraz to allow for a gradual acclimatization process to the altitude and to help avoid altitude sickness.
- DON’T let fear of altitude sickness stop you from enjoy your climbing expedition. Altitude sickness is an illness caused by exposure to low air pressure, which many people experience at high altitudes. Exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimated, can cause it, but with proper preparation, & gradual ascend you can be ready for the climbing expedition.
- Guiding Ratio: In Peru, we climb with a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio to ensure the individual attention needed during training and throughout the climbs.
- During the climbing expeditions: we will provide 4 meals per day (breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner), freshly prepared by our chefs during the approach trek to the base camps. On climbing days between Base Camp, Moraine Camp, and the high camps, 3 meals per day (breakfast, snack, and dinner) will be provided and prepared by our chefs.
Acclimatization Hikes
Proper acclimatization to altitude is essential before undertaking any Climbing expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca or Cordillera Huayhuash, in order to avoid loss of energy or altitude-related illnesses. Climbing above 5,000 meters is physically demanding, even when the terrain is not steep or highly technical. For any peak-climbing expedition in the Cordillera Blanca, we strongly recommend a minimum of 2–3 days of acclimatization before the ascent.
Acclimatization for Climbing
All climbing Expeditions programs in the Cordillera Blanca are physically demanding, as you will spend most of the time at elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 meters, with rapid altitude gain shortly after departing from Huaraz. Proper acclimatization is essential to reduce the risk of altitude-related illness.Our expeditions are carefully designed with a gradual acclimatization program to help your body adjust safely to the altitude. We recommend following the itinerary as planned. If you have extra time, arriving earlier is highly advisable so you can spend at least one full day resting and recovering from your journey before the expedition begins
We can also organize acclimatization day hikes for you—just let us know in advance.
Suggestions for Responsible Climbers
If you are planning to visit our region, making the most of your experience starts with taking care of your health. The best way to enjoy the Andes safely is by following a proper acclimatization process as soon as you arrive in this high-altitude environment. This helps prevent altitude sickness and ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. From our experience, your safety and well-being are always the top priorities, so you can feel confident and at ease while exploring far from home.
We recommend a gradual acclimatization plan such as the following:
Day 1 — Easy hikes
- Laguna Wilcacocha
- Laguna Llaca
- Laguna Parón
- Laguna Rocotuyoc
- Laguna Radian
Day 2–3 — Moderate hikes
- Laguna Churup
- Laguna 69
- Laguna Hualcacocha
Following this step-by-step approach will help your body gradually adapt to the altitude, allowing you to fully enjoy your trekking experience with greater safety and comfort.
