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Cordillera Huayhuash Trek with Chopicalqui and Artesonraju Peru
Expedition Details Dates and Prices

IMG Cordillera Huayhuash Peru Trek with Chopicalqui and Artesonraju Extensions

Trek through the incredible Cordillera Huayhuash this July with IMG for 10 days. Rated as one of the most beautiful trekking experiences in the world, this high altitude trek will traverse nearly 90 miles through 8 high altitude passes, the highest at an impressive 16,700'. In transit, our group will have incredible views of dozens of peaks, many over 5,000 and 6,000 meters. Along the way our group will have an option to climb a glaciated peak with incredible views of the area, Diablo Mudo, standing at 17,459'. From there, the highest and most spectacular peaks of the range present themselves in their natural splendor.

This traditional style trek is suitable for new and experienced trekkers alike and for climbers who wish to delve into a solid high-altitude trekking routine while acclimatizing for our Chopicalqui ascent, following the trek. It's a perfect choice if you've completed our Machu Picchu trek, Kilimanjaro, or if you've backpacked on some challenging overnight trips and are looking for something new to try.

For those adventurous trekkers with some climbing experience, or interested in learning some basic climbing skills, there is an option during the trek to wet their feet climbing a 5,000 meter peak, Diablo Mudo (Mute Devil). This mountain presents a rewarding option to ascend a glaciated peak, culminating with breathtaking views from its broad plateau-like summit. It is a moderate climb, requiring basic cramponing and rope travel skills.

Jason Edwards, one of IMG's most tenured guides, will lead the trip, in addition to local guides who we've worked with for years. Jason has guided in Peru over a dozen times. The trek itself is a rugged experience, following a good trail at times, which includes some rocky walking and more challenging sections. Steeper ascents and descents will take our group through the many passes, hopefully rewarded with good weather and many photographic opportunities. Unlike our Alpamayo Circuit Trek (to be run in 2017) where few people are seen, in the Huayhuash we will see a few groups along the way who also seek the incredible mountain views.

The entire trek is mule supported and the mules do the 'heavy lifting' of group and overnight personal gear, allowing team members to walk along for the entire experience with a light pack, carrying only the essentials for the day. With 8 high passes over 14,000' to nearly 16,000', our pace will be reasonable, allowing trekkers to ascend each challenge with confidence and strength. Camps will vary in altitude from near 13,000' to 14,800' for the length of the trip. Noting this, trekkers will need to be fit, healthy, and rested upon arrival in Huaraz, our base of operations (10,200'). Our hotels and camps will include double-sleeping accommodations (single upon request), and a full dining experience during the trek, complete with dining tent, a table full of condiments, tasty goodies, and chairs. Our local cooking staff will prepare a whole-foods based cuisine that will nourish the team and energize us for the following day's trek.

This trip begins in Lima, Peru. After an early arrival in Lima, we'll being our journey to Huaraz in northern Peru in a private bus, stopping along the way as needed to enjoy the 8 hour scenic drive. Air travel between Lima and Huaraz is possible, but not recommended due to the size of the airport, weather and aircraft load restrictions.

Two different seven day additions to our Cordillera Huayhuash trek are available for those trekkers with intermediate climbing skills wishing to attempt Chopicalqui (20,847') and Artesonraju (19,762'), two stunning glaciated peaks near Huaraz.

Trip Highlights

  • A nine day trek around the Northern Cordillera Blanca with two pre-trek acclimatization hikes. Our trekking is non-technical, but our travels will take us off the beaten track and into a spectacular part of the Peruvian Andes.
  • Add-on option: Climb Chopicalqui (20,847'). After the trek, take another week to climb over 6,000 meters (19,685') on the Chopicalqui extension, a mini-expedition. This is a spectacular mountain in the Cordillera Blanca, and from the summit, you will see dozens of icy-clad peaks; one of the best summit views in the range.
  • The peak of Yanapaccha (17,900'), will be used as a pre-Chopicalqui warm-up peak — an incredible climb in its own right, complete with a steep headwall that will lead our team to the spectacular summit. Trip leaders include both an IMG veteran Alpine Certified Guide and a Peruvian IFMGA Certified Guide for the best possible experience and leadership.
  • A second add-on option if available for those participants who completed the Cordillera Huayhuash trek and the Chopicalqui climb will provide an opportunity to climb ANOTHER spectacular Cordillera Blanc Peak, Artesonraju, standing at 6,025 meters, (19,700'). Without a doubt, this is one of the five most beautiful peaks in the world. Like Chopicalqui, you will be accompanied by the same trip leaders who have been with you through the trek and the previous climb. The group will have gelled into a very strong team by this point, ready to climb Artesonraju in efficient and strong style.
  • Mules and porters will transport a large part of your gear during our trip, to make the experience more enjoyable. A small cook staff will accompany the trek team.
  • Ample time to comfortably acclimatize to the higher altitude.
  • Private vehicle with driver for all transfers. Your leaders will meet you at the airport in Lima and transport you by private van/bus directly to Huaraz and back. Trip leaders supervise every step of the journey for your travel security and comfort. Transportation with the group to and from the trailheads is included, in addition to all hotels and lodging during the trip itinerary.

Prerequisites

Excellent all around fitness and previous hiking/trekking/backpacking experience, preferably at altitude is needed for the Cordillera Huayhuash trek. Compared to other treks around the world, the Cordillera Huayhuash is physically challenging because of the consistent longer hiking days with lots of elevation gain. For the optional Chopicalqui climb following the trek, basic mountaineering experience at altitude is necessary, and Artesonraju will need some steep ice and snow experience. Please see more about fitness and experience requirements in our Peru Expedition FAQ »

Trekking and Climbing in Peru with International Mountain Guides

Our expedition will be accompanied by a local veteran guide knowledgeable of the geography, history and culture of the area. During the trekking portion of our program, we will use local porters with mules to transport our gear and supplies. This permits us to enjoy the walk each day, as we move along unencumbered, free to take photos and investigate our surroundings. Meals will be served by our cook in a dining tent set up for your comfort during breakfast and dinner.

Please see the IMG Peru Trek PDF for more details on IMG's Peru Expedition.

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