Peru Expedition
Join NRMG for a true, world-class expedition in Peru. Climb Urus East (17,880ft), Ishinca (18,143ft), and Tocllaraju (19,796ft) in the Peruvian Andes. Visit the bustling metropolis of Lima, take in the stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca range in Huaraz, and climb 3 of the world's most iconic mountains. This adventure is a true expedition, with donkeys used to access our basecamp, 6 nights at over 14,000ft, and a night spent in tents at 17,552ft. If you are looking for a world-class expedition, look no farther.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Lima
Today we arrive in Lima. After a long flight we will grab our bags, jump in a cab, and head over to our hotel for some rest before a long bus ride to Huaraz the next day. Hotel (no meals included)
Day 2: Travel to Huaraz
Today we begin our expedition. After breakfast, we will take a 8 hour bus ride to the city of Huaraz where our adventure begins. We will shuffle our gear into our hostel and spend some time exploring the city. Hostel (no meals included)
Day 3: Visit and short hike to Wilcacocha Lake 12,300 ft.
We leave Huaraz and drive southwards along the main road. Ten minutes later we reach the trailhead at Chiwipampa. Almost immediately, the trail starts ascending steeply towards the village of Santa Cruz, which is located in the Cordillera Negra. We walk on upwards past traditional Quechua homes and fields where the local people cultivate potatoes, wheat, beans and corn. After approximately two hours of hiking, we reach the picturesque lake and granted magnificent views of the Cordillera Blanca. Our efforts are amply rewarded with some of the most impressive panoramic views of the region. A rapid descent brings us back to the main road from where we catch our transport back to Huaraz. Hostel. (B)
Day 4: Hike to Churup Lake 14,599 ft.
The hike to Churup Lake is a fantastic acclimatization hike. Drive up on the dirt road to the parking place at Pitec (not a village, but a few farmhouses), along drive we pass through traditional village of Unchus and Llupa with its traditional adobe houses and rich farmlands. After checking with the Huascaran Park range, start ascending following the path over the long ridge. After about 1 ½ hour you reach a steep and rocky part, to the left of the water fall. From there, you reach Lake Churup after 45 minutes climb. Then as you arrive to the lake will be impressed for the beautiful view of the lake and landscape surrounded. Take pictures, relax and have box lunch, enjoying the nature. Then return on the same way back to Pitec and then we will drive back to Huaraz. Hostel. (B/BL)
Day 5: Huaraz – Pashpa Village - Base Camp Ishinca 14,271 ft.
We will leave Huaraz in the morning and we will drive towards Pashpa where we will meet the donkey drivers and start our trip. From this village we will walk up through Ishinca ravine among trees and bushes proper of this part of Cordillera Blanca, getting to base camp after 4 hours, where we´ll spend the first night in the refuge 14,271 ft. (B/BL/D)
Day 6: Base Camp, easy day
Short hike and preparation for the next days. (B/L/D)
Day 7: BC – Climb Urus East 17,880 ft. – BC
We will start hiking our ascent at 3 am by a steep ridge until we reach the glacier, before climbing 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/Refuge. Approx. 5 hours. (B/BL/D)
Day 8: Base Camp – Ishinca Summit 18,143 ft. – Base Camp
Very early, we leave from the campsite towards to Ishinca Lake (4900m). Then we will climb on the moraine, after we will reach the glacier and the final slope that go to the summit. Our aim is to be early on top to enjoy the sunrise and the great views to the other peaks. After a good break on the summit, we go back to the base camp/refuge. This day is about 9 to 12 hours depending on fitness. (B/BL/D)
Day 9: Rest day
This day will be for resting. We will arrange and dry mountain equipment and we will prepare everything to begin the next stage of the expedition that will be a little bit more demanding than the previous days. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Base Camp – High Camp Tocllaraju 17,552 ft.
Taking our essentials, we will leave for the high glacier camp of Tocllaraju. It usually takes about 3-4 hours to reach the camp at 17,552 ft. Enjoy the dinner while mesmerized by Tocllaraju impressive west face. We go to sleep early for the next day´s climb. (B/BL/D)
Day 11: High Camp – Summit Tocllaraju 19,796 ft. – Base Camp
Our summit day begins very early. After straighten the equipment and having a light breakfast, we will start a 8 hours ascent to the summit. We will work our way across the saddle and begin the classic ascent up the north ridge. Things get steeper as you climb with two sections of 60-80 degree snow and/or ice. Once on the Tocllaraju summit, we will rest and enjoy the view of more than 10 snow-capped mountains in the surroundings. We will go back to the High Camp to rest and then continue down to the Ishinca Base Camp/Refuge for dinner and sleep. (B/BL/D)
Day 12: Base Camp – Pashpa – Huaraz
We start the day walking down hill along the Ishinca valley arriving to the trailhead Pashpa where we aboard the transport and come back to Huaraz. We walk approximately 3 hours. Hotel. (B)
Day 13: Transport to Lima, night out
Today we grab our gear and hop back on the bus for an 8 hour bus ride back to Lima. Once we check into our hotel, we will have the chance to spend a night out on the town and celebrate our accomplishments. Hotel (no meals)
Day 14: Flights home
After a amazing adventure, we hop in a cab to the airport and take our respective flights home.
Breakfast=B, Boxed Lunch-BL, Lunch=L, Diner=D
Pricing
$2750 per person
a $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. Payments can be made in any amount up to 45 days prior to trip departure, 45 days prior to your departure the full amount is due.
Included:
All transportation to/from the mountains
All meals listed in itinerary
All accommodations
All technical gear
Park entrance fee
Tents
Free use of any of our rental gear (Down Jackets, gaiters, goggles, rain jackets, etc.) on a first come, first serve basis. (We can bring these to Peru for you, although baggage fees may apply, and sizing is best done beforehand)
Private transport during the trip (Wilcachocha, Churup, Ishinca)
Porter (for Tocllaraju, they will NOT carry your personal stuff!)
Donkeys and donkey driver to Ishinca Base Camp
Certified IFMGA guide
NRMG Guide/s
1 to 2 guide ratio for technical climbs
Not Included:
Flights to/from Lima, Peru
Transportation to/from airport and around city (cabs available)
Personal clothing
Sleeping bag/Pad
Personal camp gear (bowl, spoon, mug, etc.)
Travel insurance and rescue insurance
(Highly recommended, this is how you will get a refund if you need to cancel. Basic travel insurance coverage as low as $100 @ www.travelinsurance.com)
Extra drinks/alchoholic beverages at the Refuge
Food/Drinks while in the city
Tips
Gear List
This is the required gear list for our Peru Expedition. It is in a printable PDF file to help you check off items as you pack.
Difficulty
This is a high altitude expedition and a high level of fitness is required, all participants should be physically fit and prepared for long days in the mountains. Climbers should have previous crampon and ice axe experience. Prerequisites apply. Climbers should be able to carry a 50 pd. pack through rugged terrain for 12+ hours.
Important Information
A non-refundable $500 deposit secures your spot. Trips run rain, shine, sleet, or snow. Please do not make travel arrangements until a confirmation email is received. Any cancellations over 45 days of your adventure will receive a full refund minus the deposit. Any cancellations within 45 days of your adventure are non-refundable. We highly recommend travel and rescue insurance. If something happens, this will cover your expenses. NRMG reserves the right to dismiss any participant if they are not physically, mentally, or technically (inadequate gear) prepared. NRMG also reserves the right to dismiss anyone if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any dismissals by NRMG are not eligible for a refund. As professional mountain guides, our cancellation policy helps with our guides job security. There is no guarantee of reaching the summit, as peoples physical fitness, the weather, and the rigors of high altitude climbing can be a factor. Our job is to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone. Must sign waiver. Subject to weather. 14+ with parent/legal guardians signature required.