Chopicalqui Summit Climb

Difficulty

Extreme

Comfort

Basic

Chopicalqui is the fourth tallest peak in the Cordillera Blanca and the fifth highest in the Peruvian Andes. It is one of the three summits of the Huascarán Massif and is situated in Yungay province, at the base of Quebrada de Llanganuco.

This mountain provides a demanding yet rewarding climb, featuring a stunning and picturesque summit. As one of the more accessible six-thousand-meter peaks, it attracts many climbers, particularly via its southwest ridge, which requires minimal technical skill and offers breathtaking views along the ascent. Reaching the top involves some technical climbing, navigating crevasses, and enduring the effects of high altitude.

Located in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, Chopicalqui’s summit boasts an exceptional panoramic view. From the top, the towering Huascarán is visible up close, while to the north, the striking cirque of the Huandoy peaks dominates the landscape. Other remarkable peaks, including Santa Cruz, Chacraraju, Hualcán, and the iconic pyramid of Alpamayo, also stand out in the distance.

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.

View Pablo`s tours

Tour highlights

Stunning Views

During the expedition, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Cordillera Blanca, including iconic Huascarán, Alpamayo, and Chacraraju.

Challenging Ascent

The climb to the summit of Chopicalqui involves navigating glacier terrain, overcoming crevasses, and tackling shorter technical sections.

Epic Glacier Crossing

The journey features an unforgettable glacier crossing, where climbers will equip themselves with ice axes, crampons, and other technical gear.

Route details

Our expedition begins in Huaraz, where we will pick you up from your hotel in private transportation. Traveling north through the Huaylas Valley, we will reach Yungay, then head east toward Quebrada Llanganuco. Along the way, we will take a 30-minute breakfast stop, followed by a brief registration at the Huascarán National Park entrance. Continuing for another 20 minutes, we will pass by the stunning Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha and Orconcocha) before arriving at Km 36 (Ancush curve), the starting point of our hike to the Chopicalqui moraine camp.

Our porters will handle the logistical equipment for the campsite. The first 30 minutes of the hike takes us through a flat area with Andean vegetation, then the trail ascends into the moraine zone. Throughout the trek, we will have breathtaking views of Huascarán behind us. After about four hours of hiking through rocky terrain, we will reach our first campsite, offering views of Chacraraju, Huandoys, Pisco, and Yanapaccha.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, and dinner
Car transfer: 2 hours
Estimated trekking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: +1600 m (from 3100 masl to 4700 masl)

Difficulty

Extreme

Only for experienced and physically fit hikers. Requires specific skills and equipment

Tour provider's comments

Physical Training

Participants must be in excellent 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, 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.

Climbing Knowledge

You must have knowledge of glacier progression, 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 Chopicalqui, which ensures adequate acclimatization and conditioning of the body to the altitude. It is recommended to stay above 5,000 masl before starting the climb.

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 the Huayhuash Trek or climbing Pisco or Vallunaraju mountains before climbing Chopicalqui.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

3 nights

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Áncash, Provincia de Huaraz, Huaraz

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

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 – Road 106, km 36 - 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);
4 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

4 days

3 nights