Mountaineering in peru

Discover the best mountain climbing and mountaineering routes in peru.

Why climb in Peru

Peru is a premier destination for mountaineers aiming to tackle 6,000-meter peaks, offering a mix of technical challenges and breathtaking scenery. The Cordillera Blanca range, part of the Andes, is home to Huascarán, Peru's highest peak at 6,768 meters. This mountain is a magnet for serious climbers due to its formidable height and the technical skill required to reach its summit. Alpamayo, though slightly lower at 5,947 meters, is often cited as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world with its stunning ice flutes and challenging climbs. These peaks, along with others like Tocllaraju (6,032 meters) and Chopicalqui (6,354 meters), provide mountaineers with a diverse array of high-altitude climbing opportunities.

In addition to the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash offers another incredible playground for high-altitude climbers. The peaks in this region, such as Yerupajá (6,634 meters) and Siula Grande (6,344 meters), are renowned for their dramatic, rugged beauty and challenging ascents. The remoteness and fewer crowds compared to the Cordillera Blanca make Huayhuash a preferred choice for those seeking solitude and a more pristine climbing environment. The combination of awe-inspiring landscapes, technical routes, and rich cultural experiences make Peru a top destination for mountaineers aiming to conquer some of the world's highest and most beautiful peaks.

Aside from world class mountaineering, there are excellent treks and of course many famous historical heritage sites to explore - not to mention great food.

 

When to climb in Peru

The best time to go climbing in Peru is:
  • May to August

The best time to go mountaineering in Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers the most stable weather conditions, with clear skies and minimal precipitation, making it ideal for high-altitude climbs. June to August is particularly favorable, as these months typically provide the best climbing conditions with lower risks of avalanches and rockfalls.

The wet season, from October to April, is generally not recommended for mountaineering due to heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions. During this time, the mountains experience frequent storms, and the increased precipitation can lead to dangerous climbing conditions such as avalanches and landslides. However, early in the wet season (October and November) and late (April) can sometimes offer brief windows of good weather.

Where to climb in Peru

Mountain climbing expeditions in Peru - Guided Peaks

The Cordillera Blanca is the most famous mountaineering region in Peru, known for its high concentration of 6,000-meter peaks. Huascarán National Park, where these mountains are located, provides a well-developed infrastructure for climbers, including numerous base camps and established routes. This range boasts over 50 peaks above 5,000 meters, with several exceeding 6,000 meters, making it a haven for high-altitude climbing enthusiasts. The scenic beauty of the Cordillera Blanca, characterized by its glaciated peaks and deep valleys, combined with challenging routes, attracts climbers from around the globe. Base yourself out of the outdoor capital Huaraz.

The Cordillera Huayhuash, located to the south of the Cordillera Blanca, offers a more remote and less frequented climbing experience. This range is known for its dramatic peaks and pristine environment, providing a stark contrast to the more popular Cordillera Blanca. Yerupajá, the second highest peak in Peru, and Siula Grande, famous for the survival story "Touching the Void," are among the notable 6,000-meter summits in this region. The Cordillera Huayhuash trek is also considered one of the most beautiful and challenging in the world, offering a unique combination of high-altitude climbing and trekking through some of the most stunning landscapes in Peru.

Around Cusco you have a few other 6s, with Ausangate and Salcantay standing out.

Lastly, in the south, you have the town of Arequipa. It has Chachani on its doorstep, and several other comparable - easy - 6s within some hours. Around here the climbs are of no technical difficulty - but great first 6000 meter ascents or used for acclimitisation before going north to Huaraz.

Climbs in Peru

There are 24 Climbs in Peru. Get an idea of what separates them here:

Most popular

The classic climbs in Peru:

climm Alpamayo
Alpamayo
 AD - D
Peru
$1,750
 5,947 m
climm Chopicalqui
Chopicalqui
 AD
Peru
$1,080
 6,345 m
climm Chachani
Chachani
 F
Peru
$100
 6,075 m
climm Huascaran Sur
Huascaran Sur
 PD - AD
Peru
$1,700
 6,768 m
climm Huascaran Norte
Huascaran Norte
 PD - AD
Peru
$2,950
 6,655 m

Lesser known

Escape the crowds and get of the beaten path in Peru with these climbs:

climm Chumpe
Chumpe
 PD
Peru
$1,340
 6,106 m

Most difficult

If you want to challenge yourself, consider these climbs in Peru:

climm Jirishanca
Jirishanca
 D - TD
Peru
$10,000
 6,094 m
climm Ranrapalca
Ranrapalca
 D
Peru
$2,350
 6,162 m
climm Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
 TD
Peru
$750
 6,259 m

Other climbs in Peru:

climm Artesonraju
Artesonraju
 AD - D
Peru
$1,750
 6,025 m
climm Quitaraju
Quitaraju
 AD - D
Peru
$2,600
 6,036 m
climm Tocllaraju
Tocllaraju
 AD
Peru
$1,250
 6,034 m
climm Ampato
Ampato
 F
Peru
$438
 6,288 m
climm Ausangate
Ausangate
 AD
Peru
$1,100
 6,372 m
climm Salcantay
Salcantay
 AD
Peru
$1,050
 6,271 m
climm Copa
Copa
 PD - AD
Peru
$1,850
 6,188 m
climm Coropuna
Coropuna
 F
Peru
$1,000
 6,425 m
climm Solimana
Solimana
 F
Peru
$3,000
 6,093 m
climm Misti
Misti
 F
Peru
$110
 5,825 m
climm Yayamari
Yayamari
 PD
Peru
$2,500
 6,049 m
climm Huandoy
Huandoy
 D
Peru
$15,000
 6,360 m
climm Pisco
Pisco
 PD
Peru
$1,200
 5,752 m
climm Vallunaraju
Vallunaraju
 PD
Peru
$2,600
 5,686 m
climm Yanapaccha
Yanapaccha
 AD
Peru
$280
 5,460 m

Climb difficulties in Peru

How many of each difficulty grade can you find a route for.

French AlpineDifficulty descriptionQuantity
FEasy. Suitable for beginners, minimal technical skills required.5
PDNot very difficult. Some technical skills required, with moderate exposure.7
ADFairly difficult. Requires good technical skills and experience, with significant exposure.11
DDifficult. Requires advanced technical skills and experience, with high exposure.6
TDVery difficult. Requires very advanced technical skills, experience, and serious commitment.2
EDExtremely difficult. Requires exceptional technical skills, experience, and high commitment.0

Pictures from climbing in Peru

These are pictures taken while climbing in Peru. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like.

Guides with trips in Peru

Guide costs for climbing in Peru

There are 145 guided trips listed for Peru. Trips range from $69 to $15,000, and average $1,701 per expedition.

Explore our directory of 74 guides with trips in peru

Or check out all guides in the guide directory to browse all guides in one place.
General Sales Manager, mountaineer, tour organizer and mountain guide of Peru Expeditions Tours EIRL Eric was born in 1984 in Unchus viallge – Huaraz, Peru. Very early he was inspired by the mountains from trips taken with his father and grandfather. At 18, he began working as a trekking and mountain guide and support his father Juventino with tourism. Juventino is a Mountain Guide AGMP-UIAGM from Huaraz, Peru. Eric is responsible and organized groups trekking and mountaineering in the area of logistics and security in the Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Huayhuash and South America.

Single peak Expeditions

Certificates

Peruvian Mountains one of the best trekking climbing company offers trekking in the cordillera blanca climbing expeditions in the white mountain range hiking in the cordillera huayhuash cusco machu picchu our service extend to Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina

Single peak Expeditions

ANDES ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS E.I.R.L, is a local tour operator - placed in the picturesque city of Huaraz, reliable for professional services, specializing in private services, we highly focus on day hikes, multiday-treks, mountaineering courses & climbing expeditions. Our adventure programs are well designed according to your preferences, needs, and physical, & mental level. We are a passionate team with a reputation for delivering premium travel experiences to the Cordillera Blanca & Huayhuash. fredy lliuya qualified mountaing guide (AGMP - UIAGM & IFGMA)

Single peak Expeditions

Multiple peak Expeditions

andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Alpamayo
Alpamayo
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Artesonraju
Artesonraju
$1,900
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Vallunaraju
Vallunaraju
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Tocllaraju
Tocllaraju
$1,550
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Yanapaccha
Yanapaccha
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Chopicalqui
Chopicalqui
$1,500
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Vallunaraju
Vallunaraju
andes adventure holidays Guided expedition to Alpamayo
Alpamayo
$2,280

Certificates

Ski, Rock, Ice and Alpine Guiding in California, Washington, and around the globe. We specialize in unique trips focusing on skilled mountain adventures and training programs to accomplish big objectives in the mountains. Book a trip and come climbing or skiing with us today! Blackbird is the most trusted provider of AIARE avalanche education courses in North America. We run more AIARE courses and train more students to stay safe in the backcountry than any other company in North America. We've developed our own online courses for AIARE 1 and AIARE 2 for hybrid learning.

Single peak Expeditions

Multiple peak Expeditions

Blackbird Mountain Guides Guided expedition to Mount Shuksan
Mount Shuksan
Blackbird Mountain Guides Guided expedition to Mount Baker
Mount Baker
$2,800
Namas Adventure is a premier mountaineering company, specializing in the Annapurna and Everest regions, express rapid expeditions, and challenging missions to unclimbed or remote 8000M, 7000M, and 6000M peaks. We offer thrilling adventures, comprehensive adventure courses, and unique trekking experiences. Feeling overwhelmed by the logistics, safety concerns, planning, and preparations of your mountaineering mission? We have the perfect solution for you. With over 30 years of experience, our team excels in designing, planning, and assembling the right team to create unforgettable adventure to

Single peak Expeditions

We are a tour operator with more than 10 years of experience provinding eco-friendly tours, in Arequipa, Peru. We would be honnored to have some specialist of climbling from all over the word. We are waiting for you. See you soon in Baby Lama Adventures.

Single peak Expeditions

Multiple peak Expeditions

Peru Baby Lama Guided expedition to Misti
Misti
Peru Baby Lama Guided expedition to Chachani
Chachani
$200