Climbing Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Santa Cruz, Huascaran, Mateo, Pisco, Huaraz, Peru

CLIMBING NEVADO ARTESONRAJU (Santa Cruz)

Overview:

This picturesque mountain is located in the Peruvian Andes in the Cordillera Blanca between the Santa Cruz valley to the north and the Parón valley to the south. It is one of the mountains considered as the Paramount logo, for the first time it was drawn by W.W. Hodkinson, a kind of doodle based on Ben Lomond Mountain in Utah. However, over the years, the search for perfection in the logo led them to use another model of the mountain. This is how they came to register the Artesonraju in Ancash, Peru; making it their official logo since December 31, 1953. From there on, the Peruvian snow-capped mountain is the protagonist of the logo.

• Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
• Maximum height: 6025 m
• Availability: June-August
• Difficulty: Difficult

FYI:

• 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.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Huaraz - Cashapampa - Llamacorral 3760 masl
Our expedition begins from the city of Huaraz where we set off in private transportation for about 3 hours until we reach the district of Cashapampa at 2,900 masl. From here, we will hike approximately 4 to 5 hours through the Santa Cruz Valley where the hiking trail is marked by the vegetation growing alongside the path until we arrive at Llamacorral campsite located at 3,760 masl. Here we will be able to set up our tents, cook a hot meal and enjoy the rest of the afternoon before getting a good night’s rest for tomorrow´s activities.

Day 02: Llamacorral - Artesonraju Base Camp 4250 masl
The day begins with a good breakfast, then we will pack our tents and gear to continue our hike approximately 5 hours, following the same trail through the Santa Cruz Valley. During the hike, we will pass by two lakes called Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The first lake was almost destroyed by a landslide but the second lake gives the valley an added beauty and serenity. We continue the trail until we arrive at the Artesonraju base camp.

Day 03: Artesonraju Base Camp 4250 masl - Moraine Camp (4800masl)
The beginning of our approach from Artesonraju base camp / Taullipampa will lead us through a not very visible zigzagged path for approximately 5 to 6 hours until we arrive at the moraine camp.

Day 04: High Camp (5100masl) - Summit (6025m) - Moraine Camp (4800masl).
Off to an early start, we will gear up and head out around 1:00 a.m. The first part of the climb is to navigate 20 minutes through the moraine field making our way over rocks until we arrive at the glacier where we will begin our ascent to the summit from the SE side. We will descent by the same route of ascent, in lines of rappel to the moraine field. 9 to 11 hours approx. (Optional: return to Artesonraju base camp).

Day 05: Moraine Camp (4800masl) - Artesonraju Base Camp 4250 masl
After packing our gear and supplies we will descend approximately 4 to 5 hours without any hurry back to Artesonraju base camp. Here we can enjoy the remainder of the day to recharge energies and get a good night´s sleep before preparing our backpacks for the return back to Huaraz.

Day 06: Artesonraju Base Camp 4250 masl) - Cashapampa (2900m) - Caraz - Huaraz.
After breakfast, we will hike about 4 to 5 hours through the entire Santa Cruz Valley until we reach Cashapampa. Here, a mode private transport will be waiting to drive us 3 hours back to the city of Huaraz.

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Recommendations:

• 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.

It includes:

• Private transportation (according to the program)
• Certified and qualified UIAGM/AGMP Mountain Guide (2 clients maximum per guide)
• Assistant guide (UIAGM candidate), with more than 2 clients
• Especializad high mountain cook
• Kitchen assistant ( big groups)- Kitchen utensils
• Food during the program (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Porter support (high mountain assistant, who transfers collective equipment to the high camps).
• Mules and muleteers support (who transport the camp equipment and personal equipment to the base camp).
• Collective first aid kit
• Collective technical equipment
• Camping equipment (kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs)
• Huascarán National Park entrance ticket/permits
• Camping tents (2 to 3 people per tent)

Not included:

• Bus or plane ticket reservation for transfer
• Hotel reservation for accommodation in Huaraz
• Acclimatization program before climbing
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
• Food and drinks during the stay in Huaraz
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal climbing equipment (harness, mountain pants, mountain jacket (Gore-Tex), mountain shoes or mixed shoes, mats, appropriate clothing, personal medication, sleeping bag, backpack, crampons, ice ax, sunglasses, etc.).
• Additional tours
• Sleeping bag (approximately -15 ° C to -20 ° C)
• Evacuation, medical and rescue costs
• Laundry service
• Personal toiletries
• Mattress
• Tips to staff
• Additional expenses not specified in this travel program

Additional Service:

• If you do not have the above-mentioned equipment, you have the option to rent it.
• If you wish to have any additional service, do not hesitate to ask.

What to bring:

• Personal First Aid Kit
• Climbing boots (compatible for crampons)
• Hiking shoes (Gore-Tex)
• Socks (we recommend bringing changes, for climbing and hiking boots)
• Spats
• Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts or T-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Regular and long underwear (over 4,000 masl)
• Light hat and wool cap.
• Water bottle
• Light/thick gloves
• Small backpack
• Strong canvas duffle bag
• Sunglasses (100% UV, dark), sunscreen, lip balm
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb.
• Climbing helmet
• Climbing harness
• Pair of climbing karabiners
• Lines for Prusik
• ATC guide
• Technical ice axes
• Sleeping bag (approximately -15 ° C to -20 ° C)
• Trekking poles
• Camera (optional)
• Marching Foods Assorted cookies (sweet and salty), dried fruits, candies, etc.

Prices & Dates:

• 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.

Note

• Receive a special discount for groups of more than 5 participants.
• Additional information is available upon request at the time of booking.