Cordillera Blanca Vallunaraju Peak Climb (5686m)
02 days trekking – with extra day at Laguna Carhuacocha
Option for 08 days – delete the extra day at Laguna Carhuacocha
Grade:
AD- / Moderate snow slopes – some steep climbing – Beginner suitable
Highest Point:
5686m / 18655ft
Vallunaraju is one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed from Huaraz in two days. The climb is an enjoyable, moderate mountaineering adventure with great views from all aspects and sun during the climbing. Vallunaraju is suitable for both first time climbers and also experienced climbers wanting to practice various technique, crevasse rescues and ice climbing. A good peak to include at the end of your trek or for acclimatisation for climbing bigger peaks.
Although graded as a moderate climb, the high altitude and long and in places steep snow slopes do make Vallunaraju a physically demanding climb. It is also necessary to carry all equipment up to Morena Camp on the mountain on a steep trail. Porters carry tents, food, climbing rope up to Morena Camp and back, but you need to carry your own personal gear.
Good fitness and strength is required.
Note 1: Acclimatisation & Fitness
This is a VERY HARD trek and it is important that you are well acclimatised to the altitude before you depart from Huaraz to start the trek.
On the first day when you travel from Huaraz to Quartelhuain 4168m / 13675ft by road you have an altitude gain of 1100m / 3609ft in a single day and on the first day trekking you cross a pass of 4680m / 15354ft
We highly recommend three days (four nights) for acclimatisation in Huaraz, doing day hikes progressively gaining altitude to above 4000m to be well acclimatised for this trek.
If you start your trek from Quartelhuain at 4168m without sufficient acclimatisation, the risk of becoming unwell with altitude related problems during the first days of the trek is high
It is important to have good physical fitness and be able to hike up to 2 hours to the top of a high pass each day during the trek.
Trails on this trek are often steep – both ascending and descending and can be slippery & rocky in places. Trails are not formed paths and are not maintained, they are dirt trails also used by animals and are uneven underfoot.
The trail over Trapecio Pass is not a formed trail. Much of the way is route finding through tussock grasses and over moraine rock. You need to be comfortable with this type of hiking
You should NOT consider this 9 (or 8) day trek unless you have good physical fitness and are well acclimatised to the altitude.
Note 2
Walking times are average hiking times. The altitude affects people differently. Some people will be faster than the indicated times and others will be much slower.
Note 3
The Cordillera Huayhuash is becoming known to be one of the most beautiful high altitude treks in the world. Although you are trekking through a remote area, you can expect that there will also be several other groups and also independent hikers on the route
Note 4
The Huayhuash trek route is all on community owned farmland. There are small farm houses and some farm animals (cattle, sheep, horses and sometimes alpacas & llamas) all along the trekking route, included surprisingly at the top of the high passes
Note 5
All land along the Cordillera Huayhuash trekking routes is privately owned community farmland (not National Park or Government owned). The local Huayhuash communities allow trekking groups to pass through and camp on their private land and we ask that all hikers respect their goodwill in allowing us to hike in the beautiful Cordillera Huayhuash by leaving no rubbish, taking care of farm animals and respecting the local people that we will meet along the trek route and in campsites. Each community charges access and camping fees for each campsite (included in trek fee). As part of the camping fee they provide toilets in the campsites.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Huaraz (3090m / 10138ft)
Day 2 : Acclimatization days in Huaraz, three days (4 nights) doing day hikes.
Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha via Cacanan Punta Pass
Drive 1½ hours from Huaraz to the Llaca Valley 4350m. Then we climb steeply up a ridge for 2 to 3 hours to Morena Camp 5130m
Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha via Cacanan Punta
A steady and not steep on good snow slopes towards the summit . The last 60m to the summit is steeper and will feel exposed – the guide will help you with this. Return back to the road in Llaca Valley and then to Huaraz. About 10 hours to climb & descend.
Hiking Hours & Kms Hiked
Hiking hours are estimated times including rest breaks and lunch stop. Times are for our average groups based on past experience. Some people may be much faster and others slower.
Kms hiked are estimated.
Trek Roads
Access roads to and from treks are generally dirt mountain roads (not paved) and in some places can be bumpy. Road travel times are slower than you may expect for the kms travelled.
Other Climbing
Mateo
Duration: 3 days
Suitable for: Beginner Plus
Climbing Grade: PD
Summit Altitude: 5530m / 18143ft
URUS & ISHINCA
Duration: 4 or 5 days
Suitable for: Beginner Plus
Climbing Grade: PD
Summit Altitude: 5495m / 18028ft & 5530m / 18143ft
PISCO
Duration: 4 days
Suitable for: Beginner Plus
Climbing Grade: PD
Summit Altitude: 5753m / 18875ft
Contact us for more information and prices.
If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be climbing and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private Climb or would be happy to join with other people.
Print Copy / PDF trek description & more photos
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