Legendary Ascents and Alpine Challenges in Peru
Conquering the Andean summits

Andean summits and high mountain challenges

Peru offers altitude enthusiasts a unique adventure playground: sparkling glaciers, sharp ridges, majestic volcanoes. From accessible climbs to the most demanding peaks, every expedition reveals the power of the Andes and the wild beauty of the highlands.

🏔️ The unmissable giants

  • Huascarán, roof of the tropical Andes
  • Alpamayo, legendary ice pyramid
  • Ausangate, guardian of the sacred peaks

🧭 The lesser-known challenges

  • Coropuna, isolated volcano of Arequipa
  • Chopicalqui, a 6,000 m peak ideal for a first experience
  • Yanapaccha, glacier training ground

"Climbing the Peruvian Andes means reaching for the sky and confronting millennia-old forces. Each conquered peak becomes an adventure etched in ice and memory."

🏔️ Most Famous Ascents in Peru

From Andean giants to legendary summits

🗻 Huascarán – The Roof of the Tropical Andes

The highest point in Peru (6,768 m), Huascarán attracts mountaineers from all over the world. Its ascent requires endurance and adaptation to altitude.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 5 to 7 days
✨ Highlights: Unique panorama, massive glacier, sporting challenge
📌 Info: Mountaineering experience essential, certified guide required.

⛰️ Alpamayo – The Most Beautiful Mountain in the World

Famous for its perfect pyramidal shape, Alpamayo (5,947 m) is a dream for mountaineers, often described as the most beautiful peak on the planet.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 5 to 6 days
✨ Highlights: Exceptional aesthetics, impressive ice walls
📌 Info: Good mastery of ice climbing techniques required.

🏔️ Ausangate – Sacred Mountain of the Quechuas

Spiritual guardian of the Andes (6,384 m), Ausangate combines physical challenge and cultural richness, in a land of glaciers and multicolored landscapes.

📍 Location: Cusco Region
⏱ Duration: 4 to 6 days
✨ Highlights: Sacred peaks, glaciers, Andean culture
📌 Info: Local guide strongly recommended, changing conditions. For this type of trek, we recommend the agency specializing in responsible tourism, Quechua Earth.

🧗 Pisco – Introduction to Mountaineering in Peru

At 5,752 m, Pisco is often chosen as the first summit for beginner mountaineers. The view from the top offers a spectacular panorama of the Cordillera Blanca.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 3 to 4 days
✨ Highlights: Panoramic view, accessible glacier, ideal for a first experience
📌 Info: Moderate level, good acclimatization recommended.

🏔️ Vallunaraju – A 5,000+ m Peak for Beginners

At 5,686 m, Vallunaraju is appreciated for its proximity to Huaraz and its easy access. A great opportunity for a first Peruvian summit.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 2 to 3 days
✨ Highlights: Views of Huaraz and nearby peaks, accessible glacier
📌 Info: Moderate level, ideal for acclimatization before higher climbs.

🌋 Chachani – One of the Most Accessible 6,000 m Peaks

At 6,057 m, Chachani is known as one of the easiest 6,000 m peaks in the world. A physically demanding climb, but without major technical difficulty.

📍 Location: Arequipa Region
⏱ Duration: 2 days
✨ Highlights: First 6,000 m, views of volcanoes, non-technical ascent
📌 Info: Good acclimatization essential despite its relative ease.

? Did you know?

Huascarán (6,768 m) is the highest peak in Peru and the 5th highest in the Americas. Its north face was the site of the world's deadliest glacier disaster in 1970: an avalanche that destroyed the city of Yungay.

🧭 Lesser-Known Ascents of Peru

Climb secret peaks far from the crowds

🧭 Chopicalqui – A 6,000-meter summit within reach

At 6,354 m, Chopicalqui is popular as a first technical 6,000-meter climb, offering excellent progression for budding mountaineers.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 4 to 5 days
✨ Highlights: First 6,000-meter experience, glacial ridges
📌 Info: Solid alpine experience recommended.

🧊 Yanapaccha – Ice climbing school

At 5,460 m, Yanapaccha is known for its ice walls, ideal for learning snow and ice techniques.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 2 to 3 days
✨ Highlights: Training, technical practice
📌 Info: Perfect for a course or training.

🌋 Coropuna – Remote volcano

Coropuna (6,425 m) is a little-frequented glaciated volcano offering a wild atmosphere and pristine high-altitude landscapes.

📍 Location: Arequipa region
⏱ Duration: 4 to 6 days
✨ Highlights: Isolation, unspoiled scenery
📌 Info: Good self-sufficiency required, more complex logistics.

⛰️ Ampato – The volcano of Juanita

At 6,288 m, Ampato is famous for the discovery of the Juanita mummy. The climb combines physical challenge and a dive into Inca history.

📍 Location: Arequipa region
⏱ Duration: 3 to 5 days
✨ Highlights: Historic site, views of neighboring volcanoes
📌 Info: Good acclimatization required.

🌋 Sabancaya – Active volcano

Sabancaya (5,976 m) is an active volcano where access is reserved for experienced expeditions due to possible eruptions.

📍 Location: Arequipa region
⏱ Duration: 3 to 4 days
✨ Highlights: Active volcano, spectacular surroundings
📌 Info: Attempt only with caution and specialized guidance.

🧭 Pariacaca – Mythical peak of the central Andes

At 5,750 m, Pariacaca is little-climbed but steeped in legends: a sacred peak for the ancient inhabitants of the central Andes.

📍 Location: Junín / Lima
⏱ Duration: 3 to 5 days
✨ Highlights: Mystical aura, Andean scenery
📌 Info: Rare expeditions, guaranteed isolation.

🧗 Siula Grande – Legendary summit

At 6,344 m, Siula Grande is famous for the incredible survival story told in Touching the Void. Reserved for experienced mountaineers.

📍 Location: Cordillera Huayhuash
⏱ Duration: 5 to 7 days
✨ Highlights: Alpine legend, spectacular glacial faces
📌 Info: Technical climb, significant isolation.

🏔️ Yerupajá – The unknown giant

At 6,635 m, Yerupajá is the second highest peak in Peru. Its slender silhouette dominates the Cordillera Huayhuash. This is a peak reserved for expert climbers.

📍 Location: Cordillera Huayhuash
⏱ Duration: 5 to 8 days
✨ Highlights: Second highest summit in the country, spectacular ice walls, Andean legend
📌 Info: Extremely technical climb, complex logistics, rarely climbed.

🏔️ Artesonraju – The iconic mountain

Artesonraju (6,025 m) captivates with its perfect pyramidal shape and steep glacial walls. It is believed to be the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo.

📍 Location: Cordillera Blanca
⏱ Duration: 4 to 6 days
✨ Highlights: Striking aesthetics, legendary Peruvian peak
📌 Info: Technical climb (ice and snow), for seasoned mountaineers.

? Did you know?

Siula Grande became famous thanks to the true story told in Touching the Void: the incredible survival of Joe Simpson after a 20-meter fall into a crevasse, in extreme conditions.

📝 Practical info and tips for your ascents

  • Acclimatization: plan at least 3 to 5 days to acclimatize before any ascent over 5,000 m.
  • Gear: mountaineering equipment is essential (crampons, ice axe, helmet, rope) for most peaks.
  • Local guide: strongly recommended, and even mandatory on certain technical routes.
  • Seasons: favor the dry season (May to September) to maximize your chances of success.
  • Respect: these mountains are sacred to the Andean people: adopt a respectful attitude towards the places and their legends.

💡 Mountaineer's tip

To reduce altitude sickness, ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol during the first days. Coca leaf (as tea or chewed) is a traditional remedy.

🗺️ Map of Major Ascents

💡 Tip

Move and zoom on the map to locate the main peaks: Cordillera Blanca, Vilcanota, Arequipa... You can also switch to satellite mode if needed.

! Climbing the Giants of the Andes

Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a lover of high altitudes, Peru’s ascents invite you to discover mythical peaks and breathtaking landscapes. Each summit is a challenge, an adventure, and an encounter with the majesty of the Andes.

"Climbing a mountain is climbing a little bit of yourself."
- Anonymous

We hope this selection of ascents has inspired you for your next expedition in Peru. Happy planning and safe climbing!

Peru Travel Guide 2025 - Tips by Peru Discovery