Ranrapalca Mountain Ascent

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

Ranrapalca Peak, visible from Huaraz, stands as a 6,000-meter icy giant with a striking shape. It is the only technical 6,000-meter climb in Quebrada Ishinca, alongside peaks like Urus, Ishinca, and Tocllaraju.

At sunset, the view from Vallunaraju’s moraine camp unveils Ranrapalca’s magnificent pink and orange hues, resembling a folded sheet of sapphire or pink opal.

Located between the Cojup and Ishinca canyons, its ridge extends from Vallunaraju to Palcaraju. It is flanked by Ocshapalca (steep and difficult) and Ishinca (accessible and friendly). The name comes from the Quechua words "ranra" (rocky terrain) and "pallca" (bifurcated).

Ranrapalca offers multiple routes, with the Northeast and North routes being the most popular. The North route is the most technical and demanding, ideal for climbers seeking a rigorous challenge.

Tour highlights

Summiting Ranrapalca Peak (6,162m)

A challenging and rewarding technical climb through rock, ice, and crevasses, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca.

Scenic Trek Through Ishinca Canyon

Hike through lush valleys, glacier-fed rivers, and towering Andean peaks, passing by stunning sights like Tocllaraju, Palcaraju, and Ishinca.

Unforgettable High-Altitude Camping

Experience remote bivouac camps with spectacular sunsets, nights under the stars, and warm, delicious meals prepared by our expedition cook.

Route details

Our expedition begins in Huaraz, where we will pick you up from your hotel in private transportation. We will travel north through the Huaylas Valley to Paltay village, then head east to Pashpa village.

At Pashpa, our donkey driver and donkeys will be ready to transport the logistic equipment to the campsite. The hike to Ishinca Base Camp follows a scenic trail through Ishinca Canyon, where we will admire lush vegetation and a glacier-fed river.

After 3 hours of hiking, we will get our first views of the Palcaraju Massif, followed by the majestic Tocllaraju snowy peak. Finally, after 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive at our campsite.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, and dinner
Transfer by car: 2 hours
Estimated hiking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: +1250m (3100m to 4350m)

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

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.

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 begin the climb Ranrapalca, 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 previously climbed peaks such as Yanapaccha, Huarapasca or Janyaraju.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

4 nights

Tour conditions

Included

сertified Mountain Guide IFMGA / IVBV / UIAGM (english, spanish);
сertified chef;
private transportation: Huaraz - Pashpa 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

5 days

4 nights