Artesonraju Adventure Expedition

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Artesonraju is one of the most stunning peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, known for its iconic pyramid shape, which inspired the logo of Paramount Pictures. Located in Peru’s Huascarán National Park, it lies between Quebrada Santa Cruz to the north and Quebrada Parón to the south.

In recent years, the mountain has gained significant popularity, particularly for its two main routes: the first follows the north ridge, accessible via Quebrada Santa Cruz, and the second ascends the southeast face, which can be reached from Parón Lake. The southeast route is more technically demanding, involving ice climbing with an elevation gain of approximately 1200m and a sustained slope of 45° to 55°, with some sections reaching over 70°.

Climbing Artesonraju is a challenging and technical endeavor involving tough ice, steep gradients, and unstable snow. It is recommended only for highly skilled climbers with advanced ice climbing experience. The summit ridge is particularly exposed due to fragile cornices

Pablo B. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Hi, I'm Pablo. I was born in Huaraz at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. I studied systems engineering and at the same time I practiced trekking on my own, after finishing my engineering career I decided to study for Official Tourist Guide and later I took a specialization course in mountaineering authorized by the Peruvian Government. During my beginnings in mountaineering I climbed important mountains such as: Huascaran, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Chopicalqui, Ranrapalca, Tocllaraju and the classic 5 thousand mountains. I traveled to Ecuador where I climbed all the volcanoes such as: Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, Cayambe, as well as Obispo Peak, the most challenging and technical mountain in Ecuador. In 2019 I climbed Aconcagua and now I lead expeditions annually. Mountaineering is my passion and work in this beautiful world.

Tour highlights

Breathtaking Summit Views

Enjoy a 360º panoramic view from the summit of Alpamayo, featuring iconic peaks, making it one of the most scenic climbs in the Cordillera Blanca.

Challenging Ascent

Tackle a technical climb with thrilling obstacles such as seracs, crevasses, and delicate ridges of rock and ice, culminating in a summit.

Scenic Descent through Santa Cruz

After summiting, descend through the stunning Quebrada Santa Cruz, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Route details

Our expedition begins in Huaraz, where we’ll pick you up at your hotel with private transportation. We’ll travel north through the Huaylas valley to Yungay, then continue to Huascarán National Park to check in and pass through Llanganuco Canyon, with views of the turquoise lakes Orconcocha and Chinancocha. We’ll ascend to the stunning Portachuelo Pass viewpoint, where we can enjoy panoramic views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoys, Pisco, and the turquoise lakes of the Llanganuco valley. Our journey continues to Vaquería village, where the donkey drivers and donkeys will assist us in transferring logistical equipment to the camp. After about 5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Tucto Camp.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Transfer by car: 3 hours
Estimated hiking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: +550 m (3700 masl to 4250 masl)
Distance: 13.5 km

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

Physical Training

Participants must be in good physical condition to join this climb. We recommend previous and constant preparation as a crucial factor to take on this challenge, then, the physical stress caused by the days of climbing will be minimized.

We strongly advise all participants to have an adequate training plan in gyms, outdoor sports, climbing peaks and ice walls, bearing weight and long day hikes.

If you would like our advice, we can provide you a training plan after evaluation of your experience in hiking and sporting activity.

Technical Climbing

You must have knowledge of glacier progression and technical climbing on ice walls. You must have a knowledge of mountain rescue, safety and equipment management. These skills allow you to optimize your safety and generate a collaborative work with our guides during the climb.

Acclimatization

Participants should have experience in altitude the last week prior to the begin the climb Artesonraju, which ensures adequate acclimatization and conditioning of the body to the altitude. It is recommended to stay above 5,000 meters above sea level.

We suggest an acclimatization program before your expedition, it can be mountains of the Cordillera Blanca with a minimum of 6 days of anticipation. We recommend acclimatization at Churup lake, then a previous climbing in peaks such as Huarapasca, Yanapaccha or Janyaraju.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

4 nights

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Áncash, Provincia de Huaraz, Huaraz

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Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

certified Mountain Guide IFMGA / IVBV / UIAGM (english, spanish);
certified chef;
private transportation: Huaraz – Vaqueria village, Cashapampa village – Huaraz;
porters for the transfer of logistic equipment from base camp to high camp;
mountaineering equipment (helmet, harness, and crampons);
donkey drivers and donkeys for the transfer of the logistic camping equipment (15 Kg per participant);
5 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, box lunch, tea time and dinner);
4 seasons tent with double occupancy;
tent kitchen, dining room and bathroom;
kitchen sets and fully-equipped dining room;
first aid kit and oxygen bottle;
permanent radio communication between the team;
satellite phone for emergencies;
boiled water to fill up your bottle every day (1 Lt.);
warm water for your personal higiene;
tips to get to Huaraz;
advice before the Expedition;
last day: lunch and farewell toast with regional food and typical Peruvian drinks.

Extras

airline ticket to Lima and back to the country of origin;
bus transportation Lima / Huaraz / Lima;
entrance ticket to Huascaran National Park: S/. 150.00 nuevos soles;
personal porters;
mountain boots;
personal tent (if you want a personal tent, the rent is S/. 30 soles per day);
extra costs for premature abandonment of the expedition;
International Medical Insurance;
accident and rescue insurance (you can ask us about the agreement we have with Global Rescue for a preferential price);
travel luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
transfer to Huaraz out of schedule, in case of premature abandonment of the expedition;
first breakfast at the beginning of the itinerary is not included;
sleeping bag -25° / -30º;
personal expenses;
hotel during your stay in Huaraz;
tips for guide / staff.

Group size

From 4 to 6 tourists

Duration

5 days

4 nights