Peaks and Lakes

Join us for an unforgettable and challenging climbing expedition in Peru’s spectacular Cordillera Blanca. This year’s objectives—after an acclimatization hike to 14,600 ft Churup Lake—include:

• Ulta Chico (17,389 ft)
• Vallunaraju (18,655 ft)
• Chopicalqui (20,846 ft)

This is an intermediate-level mountaineering trip. Participants must already be proficient on steep snow using crampons and an ice axe. Summit days can run 12–14 hours, so strong physical conditioning is essential.
If you’re interested, join the waitlist and I’ll reach out. Please respond to the text message you receive so I know you’re active.
Our lead guide is Walter George, an IFMGA-certified guide who lives in Huaraz and guides these peaks every season.

Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – June 27
Travel to Lima (500 ft). Overnight in Lima.
Day 2 – June 28
Travel to Huaraz (10,000 ft). Overnight in Huaraz.
Hotel and meals on our own.
Day 3 – June 29
Acclimatization hike to Churup Lake (14,600 ft). Return to Huaraz.
3‑hour unguided hike.
Day 4 – June 30
Climb Ulta Chico (17,389 ft). Return to Huaraz.
Day 5 – July 1
Hike to Vallunaraju Moraine Camp (15,912 ft).
5–6 hour approach.
Day 6 – July 2
Summit Vallunaraju (18,655 ft). Return to Huaraz.
Day 7 – July 3
Rest day in Huaraz.
Day 8 – July 4
Contingency day in Huaraz (rest day, or depart early to catch the best weather window).
Day 9 – July 5
Move to Ancush Valley Base Camp (14,534 ft).
45‑minute hike. (May go directly to Moraine Camp if weather is moving in).
Day 10 – July 6
Hike to Chopicalqui Moraine Camp (16,076 ft).
5–6 hours.
Day 11 – July 7
Move to High Camp (17,650 ft).
5–6 hours.
Day 12 – July 8
Summit Chopicalqui (20,846 ft). Descend to Base Camp.
11–14 hour summit day.
Day 13 – July 9
Return to Huaraz.
Day 14 – July 10
Return to Lima.
Note: Two contingency days are built into the schedule. If not needed for weather, they become rest/short hiking days.

Cost Per Person (Based on Group Size)

• 2 people: $2,675
• 3 people: $2,164
• 4 people: $1,595
• 6 people: $1,422
• 8 people: $1,324

Included in the Trip

• Pickup at the Huaraz airport
• UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide
• Assistant guide
• Cook and all meals during mountain days
• 4‑season personal tents (2 people per tent)
• Dining, kitchen, and toilet tents at base camps
• MSR stoves
• Entrance fees for Huascarán National Park
• Donkeys and drivers for Vallunaraju approach
• Porters to Chopicalqui camps
• Private transport to Churup Lake and all mountain trailheads
• Meals during the expedition
• Basic first aid kit

Not Included

• International flights
• Domestic flights between Lima and Huaraz (approx. $200 USD); or arrive earlier and take the cheap (approx. $40 USD) 8 hour bus ride to Huaraz
• Hotels in Lima and Huaraz
• Lunch and dinner while in Lima/Huaraz
• Gear rental if needed
• Trip insurance
• Guide gratuities
• Personal expenses

Our group will discuss the trip and get more information within a WhatsApp group. If you do not already have a WhatsApp account, please create one (free) so that you can participate.