Cordillera Blanca Pisco Peak Climb (5753m)
04 days trekking – with extra day at Laguna Carhuacocha
Option for 08 days – delete the extra day at Laguna Carhuacocha
Grade:
PD / Moderate snow climbs – Beginner suitable
Highest Point:
5753m / 18655ft
An achievable climb for both inexperienced climbers ready for a challenge and for experienced climbers alike. Pisco is also a superb preparation climb for those tackling the big peaks. From the summit feel like you are ‘on top of the world’.
Although graded as a moderate climb, the high altitude and long and in places steep snow slopes do make Pisco a physically demanding climb. Good fitness is required.
Donkeys carry equipment to Base Camp. Porters carry tents, food, climbing rope up to Morena Camp and back, but you need to carry your own personal gear.
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 from Huaraz to Cebollapampa in Llanganuco Valley 3850m. Climb on a good path to Pisco Base Camp. 4650m 2½ hours
Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha via Cacanan Punta
Climb over moraine rocks to Morena Camp. 4900m 3 hours
Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha via Cacanan Punta
40 minutes climb on moraine to the glacier, then on the snow for about 4 to 5 hours to the summit. Return to Base Camp mid afternoon. About 10 to 12 hours total for the day.
Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha via Cacanan Punta
An easy descent down to the road at Cebollapampa 1½ hours and return to Huaraz in our private van.
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
For more Huayhuash Trek information, prices, advice and personalised advice
