Chopicalqui

Height: 6,345 m
Country:
Peru flagPeru
Chopicalqui, a hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes, beckons climbers with its elegant pyramid shape and a captivating ascent that weaves through pristine glacial landscapes. What sets this climb apart is the harmonious blend of technical challenges and stunning panoramic views, offering an enriching adventure for those drawn to the beauty of high-altitude peaks and the thrill of conquering less-explored summits.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on one of the world’s iconic climbs. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)

When to go

  • June to August

These are pictures taken while climbing Chopicalqui. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Chopicalqui, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Chopicalqui. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Chopicalqui. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
GuideInfoCost
Mountain Happinessview guides trip webpage from $500
Alpes Andesview guides trip webpage from $900
Cordillera Blanca Summitview guides trip webpage from $900
Peru Adventures Travel logoPeru Adventures Travelview guides trip webpage from $950
Andean Raju Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $1,080
Top Adrenalineview guides trip webpage from $1,500
World Wide Trekkingview guides trip webpage from $1,500
Grupo Alpamayo Tours logoGrupo Alpamayo Toursview guides trip webpage from $1,550
Andean Sunriseview guides trip webpage from $1,550
Peru Mountains Climbingview guides trip webpage from $1,910
Peruvian Mountains Adventures & Expeditions logoPeruvian Mountains Adventures & Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $2,300
RMI Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $7,400
The ascent of Chopicalqui progresses through several camps, starting from Base Camp at 4350 meters up to the Summit at 6354 meters. Key stops include Moraine Camp for initial acclimatization, followed by High Camp for further acclimatization and preparation for the summit push. Climbers must navigate glaciers and steep ice with appropriate gear.

base-camp
Base Camp

The starting point of the climb, offering a good area for acclimatization and preparation before the ascent begins. A one hour walk from the trail head. Good water.
4,350 m

high-camp
Moraine Camp

A transitional camp set on a rocky moraine; serves as a key rest stop before tackling the glacier. Water is available 15 minutes away.
4,850 m

high-camp
High camp

Located on the glacier, this camp is used for acclimatization and staging for the summit push. The terrain becomes significantly icier and requires the use of crampons and ice axes.
5,480 m

summit
Summit

The summit of Chopicalqui offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca, including nearby peaks such as Huascaran and Pisco.
6,354 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Chopicalqui. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.

From the trail head it's 45 minute walk to base camp. Useful for acclimatisation, but otherwise you can go straight to Moraine camp the first day,

Chopicalqui access - getting there

How to get to Chopicalqui

Take transport from Huaraz to Yuangay, from there its a walk up to base camp. Many trekkers come to this trailhead too, so arranging a shared taxi is also a good idea.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Chopicalqui. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Chopicalqui video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.

What you can see from the summit of Chopicalqui. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.


Chopicalqui Links

useful websites, Groups and communities

Groups / links with more info on the Chopicalqui route.