Quitaraju Peak Expedition

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Quitaraju Snowy Mountain is one of the 19 towering six-thousanders of the stunning Cordillera Blanca, nestled within the Huascarán National Park in the Peruvian Andes. This majestic peak rises above the Santa Cruz massif and stands beside the world-famous Alpamayo.

Sharing nearly the same route as Alpamayo, Quitaraju features a common col and high camp, making it a popular and strategic climb. With its breathtaking panoramas and proximity to the iconic Santa Cruz peak, it is considered one of the most beautiful and frequently visited mountains in the region.

For seasoned climbers, Quitaraju offers a thrilling technical challenge, demanding skill and experience. Known affectionately as “Quita,” this peak attracts mountaineers from around the world, many of whom take on the ultimate double ascent: Alpamayo – Quitaraju, maximizing their climbing adventure in this awe-inspiring alpine paradise.

Tour highlights

Breathtaking Panoramas

Witness 360º views from the summit of Quitaraju, featuring Peru’s most iconic peaks like Huascarán, Huandoy, and Santa Cruz.

Ultimate Alpine Challenge

Tackle a technical 6,000m+ ascent, including steep 55º ice walls, glacier crossings, and high-altitude climbs.

Exclusive High-Altitude Experience

Camp at remote, breathtaking locations like Moraine Camp (4,800m) and High Camp (5,500m), where you’ll witness unforgettable sunsets over the Andes.

Route details

Your adventure begins in Huaraz, where we’ll pick you up in private transportation. We’ll travel through the stunning Huaylas Valley, passing Yungay and entering the Huascarán National Park. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise Llanganuco Lakes (Orconcocha & Chinancocha) and stop at Portachuelo Pass, where a panoramic spectacle of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoys, and Pisco awaits.

From Vaquería Village, where our donkey drivers are ready, we begin our scenic trek to Tucto Camp (approx. 5 hours).

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea, dinner
Transfer by car: 3 hours
Hiking: 4-5 hours | Elevation Gain: +550 m
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, 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, 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 start the climbing Alpamayo, 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

6 nights

Tour conditions

Included

сertified Mountain Guide IFMGA / IVBV / UIAGM (english, spanish);
сertified 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, ice axe, harness, and crampons);
5 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, box lunch, teatime and dinner);
4 seasons tent with double occupancy;
tent kitchen, dining room and bathroom;
first aid kit;
permanent radio communication between the team;
boiled water to fill your bottle every day;
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 to the Huascaran National Park (S/. 150.00 soles per person);
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

7 days

6 nights