Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is one of the most rugged and heavily glaciated ranges in the Andes. Famous for its dry, sun-baked, fluted snow slopes, the range is home to Peru’s highest mountain, Huascarán, as well as famous 6000-meter peaks like Alpamayo and Artesonraju. With hundreds of peaks rising to elevations between 17,000 and 22,000 feet, the area encompasses a remarkable array of climbing challenges, from the moderate to the extreme. This expedition can be combined with Part 2: Chopicalqui.
We begin with an introduction to or review of alpine climbing, glacier travel, and expedition skills.
Following the introductory skills component, we attempt ascents of several peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, including:
- Nevado Urus Este (17,783 ft/5,420 m)
- Ishinca (18,143 ft/5,530 M)
Finally, after skills review and acclimatization, we climb Tocllaraju (19,790 ft/6,031 m).
This program is designed for those who have some fundamental alpine and glacier travel skills who would like to have a review of climbing and self-rescue technique followed by climbs of aesthetically pleasing, high altitude peaks in the midst of one of the world’s most impressive mountain ranges.
Alternatively, we offer our Cotopaxi Skills Expedition and Chimborazo Ascent in Ecuador or our Ice Field Expedition or Gorra Blanca Ascent in Patagonia.








