CLIMB CHOPICALQUI

CHOPICALQUI NEVADO (6,354 m.a.s.l.)

The Nevado Chopicalqui is the fourth elevation of the Cordillera Blanca and the fifth highest mountain in Peru, also considered the third peak of the Huascaran Massif. The mountain is located in the province of Yungay, at the end of the Quebrada de Llanganuco, the road to it goes through the beautiful turquoise lagoons: Chinancocha (female lagoon) and Orconcocha (male lagoon).

This mountain is undoubtedly one of the most challenging ascents in the Cordillera Blanca because it is an accessible six-thousander with an aesthetically attractive summit. Every year climbers choose to climb it because of its southwest ridge that presents little technical difficulty and an impressive view during the ascent route. To reach its summit one must make small climbing sections, overcome crevasses and climb under the physical effects of the six thousand.

The Nevado Chopicalqui is located in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, so its summit offers a privileged panoramic view. From its summit, the imposing maximum summit of Huascaran can be seen very close, and to the north the impressive cirque of the Huandoys, the difficult Santa Cruz, the Chacraraju, the Hualcan and the mythical Alpamayo stand out.

Technical Data

Max. Altitude:	6354 msnm – Cumbre Chopicalqui
Duration:	4 days / 3 nights
Physical Difficulty:	Moderate
Technical Difficulty:	Moderate
Season:	May – August
Location:	Cordillera Blanca
Average temperature:	Between 13 °C – 23 °C during the day / night -05 °C to -30 °C.

ITINERARY

Day 1

HUARAZ – YUNGAY – KM 36 – CAMPO MORRENA

Our expedition starts in the city of Huaraz.

The team designated by Andean Raju Expeditions for your expedition will go to your respective hotel to pick you up with private transportation. After the pick up we head north through the Callejon de Huaylas to Yungay, from this point we turn off to the east side towards the Quebrada de Llanganuco. On the way we will stop for 30 minutes for breakfast. We continue our journey and after about 10 minutes we will make another stop to check in at the Huascaran National Park control and after another 20 minutes we will go around the beautiful lagoons of Chinancocha (female lagoon) and Orconcocha (male lagoon). Finally, the transport arrives at Km 36 (ancush curve), the starting point of the hike to the Moraine camp. Our porters are responsible for the transfer of the logistic equipment to the camp. The first 30 minutes we will walk through a plain surrounded by vegetation and then we will make a small ascent until we reach the moraine zone of the trail. During the ascent we will be escorted by the imposing Huascaran. After approximately 4 hours of walking through rocky areas we will arrive to our first day of camping, from here we will be able to appreciate the Chachraju, Huandoys, Pisco, Yanapaccha.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: box lunch, lunch and dinner
Transfer by car: 4 hours approximately
Hiking time: 3 hours approximately
Difference in altitude: from 3100 masl to 4700 masl (+1600)

Day 2

CAMPO MORRENA – CAMPO ALTO CHOPICALQUI

On our second day of Expedition, we will start the day early in the morning. This day is important to get closer to our objective. We continue with our itinerary through rocky sections until we reach the glacier. At this point we will equip ourselves with the necessary gear: harness, hiking boots, helmet, crampons and an ice axe. The guides will be responsible for the roping to arrive safely to our camp. After crossing the glacier and overcoming crevasses we will arrive at our camp. During the sunset you will be able to enjoy splendid views of the sunset. Finally, when our dinner time arrives, we will eat and rest to continue with the next day’s journey.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch and dinner.
Duration of the day: 2 to 3 hours approximately.
Elevation gain: from 4700 masl to 5500 masl (+800)

Day 3

CAMPO ALTO – CUMBRE CHOPICALQUI – CAMPO MORRENA

The most awaited day has arrived, our ascent to the summit. We start the day at midnight, after our breakfast the guide will rope us and make an inspection of everything necessary for the ascent. We start the departure, we make a journey to the base of the ridge, the snow conditions are excellent, and the physical and psychological issue are crucial for the fulfillment of its objective. The ascent presents us with short stretches of climbing that we have to overcome. After approximately 8 hours we will reach the summit to enjoy an impressive panoramic view, we can appreciate the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, the most emblematic mountains of Peru: Huandoys, Chacraraju, Huascaran South and North, Alpamayo, Hualcan, Yanapaccha, Pisco, Taulliraju, Huantsan, Ranrapalca, Tocllaraju and more.

We remain at the summit for a prudent time to rest, hydrate and take pictures. Finally we make the rappels of descent by the same route of ascent, we arrive to our camp, we feed ourselves and continue our descent to the Moraine camp.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch and dinner.
Duration of the day: 10 to 12 hours approximately.
Elevation gain: from 5500 masl to 6354 masl (+854)

Day 4

CAMPO MORRENA – KM 36 – HUARAZ

The end of our expedition has arrived. After breakfast we dismantle the camp for the descent, the porters are ready to move all the logistic equipment. We head downhill until we reach Km 36. The transport is waiting for us at this point to take us to the city of Huaraz.

Type of lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 2 hours approximately
Transfer by car: 4 hours approximately
Elevation difference: from 4700 masl to 3100 masl (-1600)

Our Service Includes

Certified mountain guide UIAGM / AGPM
Private transportation
Certified cook
4 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, box lunch and dinner).
Porters for the transfer of logistic equipment to the camp.
Personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet and crampons).
4-season double occupancy tent
Complete kitchen and dining room utensils.
First aid kit.
Boiled water to fill your bottle every day.
Tips to get to Huaraz.

Our Service Does Not Include

Air ticket to Lima and to the country of origin.
Entrance ticket to Huascaran National Park (50 USD p/p).
Personal climbing equipment (hiking boots and technical ice axes).
Personal porters.
Accident and rescue insurance.
Travel luggage and trip cancellation insurance.
Personal expenses.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel.
Costs generated by the abandonment of the expedition.
Sleeping and insulating mattress.
Extra days in hotels in case of early arrivals out of schedule.
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
Transfers out of schedule to Huaraz, in case of premature abandonment of the expedition.