Chopicalqui is dubbed the easiest 6000m peak in the Cordillera Blanca making it one of the most popular mountains for adventure seekers who want to conquer their first 6000m peak. It is located between the Contrahierbas and Huascarán mountains. Its ascent is of high difficulty, which requires high altitude "glacier camping" at an altitude of 5,400m.
During the ascent to the camps, it offers us a unique view of the peaks of Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, Yanapaccha, Contrahierbas, and Huascarán North and South and from the summit it offers us spectacular views of all the adjacent snow-covered mountains. Due to the difficulty of this climb, it is necessary to be in good physical conditions.
Overview:
- Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
- Maximum height: 6345 m
- Availability: June-August
- Difficulty: moderate/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 1: Huaraz - Yungay - Llanganuco Valley - Chopicalqui Bend 4200 masl. - CB Chopicalqui 4430 masl.
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.
Day 2: Chopicalqui Base Camp 4430 masl. - Chopicalqui moraine camp 4900 masl.
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.
Day 3: Chopicalqui moraine camp 4900 masl. - High camp 5300 masl.
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.
Day 4: High camp 5300 masl. - Chopicalqui summit 6345 masl. - High camp 5300 masl.
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
Day 5: High camp 5300 masl. - Chopicalqui Base Camp 4430 masl.
After a well-deserved rest, we will descend approximately 5 to 6 hours to Chopicalqui base camp.
Day 6: Chopicalqui Base Camp 4430 masl. - Huaraz.
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.
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
- Specialized 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).
- 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.