Expedition Ishinca Valley & Huascaran, Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz

Overview

14 Days/13 Nigths
Max. Altitude: 6768 m / 22,204 ft
Route: Expedition Nevado Ishinca, Urus, Tocllaraju & Huascaran
Availability: May - August
Difficulty: Difficult
People per Guide: 3 - 2

Urus – Ishinca – Tocllaraju Mountain are located in the Cordillera Blanca and belong to the Chinchey Massif. They are located in the Ishinca Valley, chosen by many tourists for an easy acclimatization before climbing any other mountain which is higher than 6000m above sea level.

Nevado Huascaran is located in the Yungay province, Ancash department at about 70 km from Huaraz, department capital. At 6768m, it is the highest tropical Mountain in Peru, and is surrounded by peaks reaching over 5000m of height in the Cordillera Blanca sector.

PROGRAM:

We recommend you to do at least a 1-Day hike in altitude to be acclimatized before doing this tour.
We can offer you different hikes.

Huaraz - Acclimatization Churup lake

This is a very good hike to acclimatize. From Huaraz we go by car to the village of Pitec. On the way we pass several picturesque villages, such as Unchus and Llupa. At 3850 m /12,631 ft we start our easy hike up to Lake Churup with its blue colors sitting at an altitude of 4440 m /14,566 ft ling over steep rocks. And then we come back to Huaraz by the same way.

Acclimatization Wilcacocha lake

Acclimatization Uruscocha lake

Acclimatization Ahuac lake

Acclimatization Rajucolta lake

Acclimatization Laguna 69

Travel Program

Itinerary

Day 01: Huaraz – Pashpa – Base Camp 4350 m / 14,271 ft
From Huaraz we will drive to Cochapampa where our Donkey Driver will be waiting for us. From there we will start our hike, going through a forest of Quenuales trees until Base Camp. Approx. 4 hours

Day 02: Base Camp – Urus Summit 5450 m / 17,880 ft – Base Camp
We will start our ascent at 3 am by a steep ridge until we reach the glacier, before climbing along a spectacular ridge to the summit, with views of the Tocllaraju and Ranrapalca peaks among others. After the summit, we will go down to base camp. Approx. 5 hours.

Day 03: Base Camp – Ishinca Summit 5550 m / 18,208 ft – Base Camp
We will start our ascent at 3 am, taking a zigzag trail to the glacier, where we will begin our journey to the top. From there, we will have a truly panoramic view. Then, we will go down to base camp.

Day 04: Rest day
Rest day. Optional only. It is also possible to go on a 2 hour walk to Lake Milhuacocha this day.

Day 05: Base Camp – Morraine Camp 5100 m / 16,732 ft
We will hike a zigzag trail for four hours until we reach 5100m, where we set up camp.

Day 06: Morraine Camp – Tocllaraju summit 6034 m / 19,796 ft – Base Camp
We will start the ascent at 1am along a large glacier until we get to the first 50m wall (55-65°). After climbing it, we will reach a ridge with views of the Callejon de Conchucos. We will carry on to the summit where we will be rewarded with a splendid view. In the afternoon, we will descend to base camp. Approx. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 07: Base Camp – Pashpa – Huaraz
On the last day we will go on an easy trail to go back to Cochapampa and return to Huaraz with our private vehicle. Approx. 3 ½ hours.

Day 08: Rest Day in Huaraz
Free day.

Day 09: Huaraz – Musho – Base Camp 4250 m / 13,943 ft
From Huaraz we will drive to a village called Musho, where we will start our hike, first going through a forest of eucalyptus trees, until we get to base camp. We will also have donkeys and donkey drivers with us during this hike. Approx. 4 to 5 hours.

Day 10: Base camp – Camp 1 5260 m / 17,257 ft
This day we will begin our hike by crossing a large granite moraine until reaching a wide glacier, where we will get to 5260m and set up camp for the night. Approx. 5 to 6 hours.

Day 11: Camp 1 – camp 2 or George 6000 m / 19,685 ft
The hike to Camp 2 will start early in order to avoid the crossing seracs after the couloir. This is an easy trail of approx. 4 hours.

Day 12: High Camp 2 – Summit Huascaran Mountain 6768 m / 22,204 ft – High Camp 2
The hike will start at 1 am, taking a zigzag trail in order to avoid the crevices. Afterwards, we will climb narrow passages of 50 to 60° inclination. After climbing all of them, we will reach a wide glacier where we will carry on zigzagging until we reach the top. From the top, you will be able to appreciate the mountain range of the Cordillera Blanca. Then we will go down to Camp 2 to spend the night. Approx 6 to 7 hours.

Day 13: Camp 2 – Base Camp
We will take the same route as before to reach Base Camp (4250 m / 13,943 ft). Approx. 4 to 5 hours.

Day 14: Base Camp – Musho – Huaraz
We will go down to the village of Musho where our vehicle back to Huaraz will be waiting. 3 hours walk + 2.5hrs transport.

What’s included

Included:

Tour of Acclimatization
Mountain Guide (AGMP - UIAGM)
Specialised cook
Porter
Entrance fee of National Park Huascaran
First-Aid kit
Private transport between Huaraz / start and end of trek.
Complete meals during the trekking program
Donkey driver
Donkeys
Kitchen / dining tent.
Collective technical equipment
Camping equipment
Tent for 2 Person
Toilet tent

Not Included:

Travel accident and health insurance
Pick-up from the station and transfer to the Hotel reserved for you in Huaraz.
Transfers from the airport / hotel / airport - Lima
Hotel accommodation in Lima.
Tour of the city
Transfer from the station to the hotel / station / hotel - Lima
Bus ticket Huaraz / Lima,
Hotel accommodation in accordance with tour program.
Food and drink in Lima and Huaraz
Travel luggage and Travel cancellation insurance
Not mentioned food and beverages
Personal Spending
Personal equipment (sleeping bag, backpack, harness, hiking pants, mountain jacket (goretex), hiking shoes, matraz, suitable clothing, personal medicine, crampons, ice axe, sunglasses, etc.)