Ishinca Peak Ascent

Difficulty

Extreme

Comfort

Basic

Ishinca is located in the Chinchey massif, at the base of the Chinchey Canyon. It is one of the most popular peaks in the Cordillera Blanca and lies between two massive and impressive mountains: Ranrapalca and Palcaraju.

Ishinca is considered a classic mountain for acclimatization, offering the opportunity to gain significant altitude quickly through an easy route. Unlike its neighboring peak Urus, Ishinca features a longer, scenic route across a glacier with few crevasses and penitents. Its accessible route makes it ideal for beginning mountaineers. From the summit, you can enjoy beautiful views of surrounding snow-capped peaks like Tocllaraju, Palcaraju, and Ranrapalca. It serves as an excellent acclimatization objective before tackling more challenging mountains, particularly those within the same Ishinca valley.

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

Summiting Ishinca (5,550m) – A True Alpine Adventure!

Experience the thrill of reaching the majestic summit of Ishinca, where breathtaking 360° views of Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Tocllaraju, and more.

Immersive Trek Through the Stunning Ishinca Valley

Hike through the picturesque Ishinca Canyon, surrounded by towering Andean peaks, crystal-clear glacial rivers, and lush high-altitude vegetation.

Unforgettable High-Altitude Camping Experience

Spend nights in cozy mountain tents, nestled among snow-capped giants and enjoy warm meals and share stories of the climb to the Peruvian Andes.

Route details

Your unforgettable journey begins in Huaraz, where we’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in private transportation. As we travel north through the picturesque Huaylas Valley, enjoy stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca before we arrive at Paltay village. From here, we’ll take a scenic mountain road eastward toward the charming Pashpa village, where our donkey driver and pack animals will be ready to transport our expedition gear.

The trek to Ishinca Base Camp leads us through a spectacular canyon, where we’ll walk alongside a crystal-clear glacier river and admire the unique Andean vegetation. After approximately three hours of hiking, the magnificent Palcaraju Massif and its towering peaks will come into view. As we continue along the trail, we’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the snow-capped Tocllaraju Mountain, standing majestically in the distance.

After a total of 4 to 5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our scenic campsite, surrounded by towering Andean peaks—an unforgettable place to spend the night under the stars.

🏕 Lodging: Cozy mountain tents
🍽 Meals: Box lunch, lunch, and dinner
🚗 Transfer time: 2 hours
🥾 Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
📍 Elevation gain: +1250m (from 3100m to 4350m above sea level)

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 Yanapaccha, which ensures adequate acclimatization and conditioning of the body to the altitude. It is recommended to stay above 4,000 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 3 days of anticipation. We recommend acclimatization at Churup lake or previous climbing in Huarapasca peak.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

2 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 – Pashpa 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/. 60.00 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

3 days

2 nights