Mountaineering 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
Where to climb in Peru
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 21 Climbs in Peru. Get an idea of what separates them here:
Most popular
The classic climbs in Peru:
Lesser known
Escape the crowds and get of the beaten path in Peru with these climbs:
Most difficult
If you want to challenge yourself, consider these climbs in Peru:
Other climbs in Peru:
Climb difficulties in Peru
How many of each difficulty grade can you find a route for.
| French Alpine | Difficulty description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| F | Easy. Suitable for beginners, minimal technical skills required. | 3 |
| PD | Not very difficult. Some technical skills required, with moderate exposure. | 5 |
| AD | Fairly difficult. Requires good technical skills and experience, with significant exposure. | 10 |
| D | Difficult. Requires advanced technical skills and experience, with high exposure. | 5 |
| TD | Very difficult. Requires very advanced technical skills, experience, and serious commitment. | 2 |
| ED | Extremely difficult. Requires exceptional technical skills, experience, and high commitment. | 0 |
Guide costs for climbing in Peru
There are 32 guides listed for Peru. Trips range from $750 to $15,000, and average $2,888 per expedition.