Urus Mountain Climb

Difficulty

Extreme

Comfort

Basic

Located in the Cordillera Blanca, Urus Mountain (part of the Chinchey Massif) rises with three summits—Urus East (5,420m), Central (5,495m), and West (5,450m). It’s a favorite acclimatization climb before tackling 6,000m peaks like Tocllaraju.

Meaning "Brain" or "Marrow" in Quechua, Urus is the closest peak to Ishinca Valley, allowing climbers to start their ascent right from camp. Its ever-changing moraine makes the climb unpredictable, but the reward is spectacular panoramic views of Palcaraju, Tocllaraju, Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca, Copa, and Akilpo.

A must for any Andean adventure!

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

Admire a Scenic Trek

Enjoy a hike through Ishinca Canyon, offering stunning views of lush vegetation, glacier rivers, and towering peaks like Palcaraju and Tocllaraju

Stunning Glacier Views

Witness the glacier rivers and the changing landscape, including the striking Tocllaraju and Ishinca glaciers, setting the perfect backdrop

Summit Achievement

Experience the thrill of summiting Urus Mountain (5,420m), with spectacular panoramic views of Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Tocllaraju, Copa, and others

Route details

Your adventure begins in Huaraz, where we will pick you up from your hotel in private transportation. Traveling north through the Huaylas Valley, we reach Paltay village, then turn east toward Pashpa village, where our donkey driver and donkeys will be ready to transport the logistics equipment.

The 4 to 5-hour hike takes us through the scenic Ishinca Canyon, with views of glacier rivers, lush vegetation, and the Palcaraju Massif. As we continue, the Tocllaraju Mountain comes into view, guiding us to our final destination: Ishinca Base Camp (4,350m).

🔹 Lodging: Mountain tents
🔹 Meals: Box lunch, lunch, and dinner
🔹 Transfer time: 2 hours by car
🔹 Hiking time: 4-5 hours (+1,250m elevation gain)

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