Artesonraju
Artesonraju Expedition
Climb Artesonraju, the “Paramount Pictures” mountain.
Artesonraju (19,767’/6,025m) is considered one of the jewels of the Cordillera Blanca. The spectacular peak is often recognized as the Paramount Pictures icon and provides an incredible climbing experience in the Cordillera Blanca. Climbing Artesonraju demands an extremely long summit day, where efficiency and fitness are essential.
Artesonraju Itinerary
- Day 1
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Arrival
Arrive in Lima between 6pm and midnight.
- Day 2
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Drive to Huaraz
Drive to Huaraz (8 hours), where we base out of Olaza’s Guest House, a small but beautiful hotel (10,000’/3,050m).
- Day 3
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Acclimatize and Organize
Acclimatize and organize in Huaraz. We’ll go on a short hike outside of Huaraz as we start our acclimatization.
- Day 4
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Drive to the End of the Road
We’ll drive to a refugio at the end of the Llaca Valley road (14,000’/4,267m). We prepare our gear for the climb and scope the complicated route through the moraine.
- Day 5
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Acclimatization Climb
Today, we climb Vallunaraju (18,655 feet/ 5,686 meters) and return to Huaraz. Vallunaraju provides us with a perfect acclimatization climb on moderate terrain, allowing us to review and practice our skills. We enjoy spectacular views all day long.
- Day 6
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Move to Llama Corral
Next, we drive to our trailhead in the village of Cashapampa (9,000’/2,743m). This 3-hour drive takes us through beautiful farming communities as we weave between the spines of the Cordillera Negra and the Cordillera Blanca. After organizing our burros, we hike with daypacks to Llama Corral (11,500’/3,505 meters), where we camp for the night.
- Day 7
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Move up to Basecamp
Today, we begin up the Santa Cruz Valley route on a mellow trail and then turn off to Artesonraju basecamp (13,944’/4,250m).
- Day 8
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Rest and Skills Day
Today we rest and work on our skills in preparation for the technical climbing on Artesonraju.
- Day 9
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Move to Moraine Camp
After another roughly 5 hours of hiking, we arrive at Moraine Camp (16,404/’/5,000m).
- Day 10
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Summit Day
Two-tool climbing takes us to the summit of this incredible peak at 19,767’/6,025m). We will need to move efficiently to successfully summit and descend by rappelling off this huge alpine route. We spend the night at Moraine Camp.
- Day 11
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Weather Window
Extra summit day for weather or rest.
- Day 12
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Descent to Basecamp
Descend to basecamp and enjoy our last sunset in the Cordillera Blanca.
- Day 13
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Return to Huaraz
Walk out to Cashapampa and return to Huaraz for a night of celebration with the team.
- Day 14
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Head Home
We depart from Huaraz back to Lima to catch our flights (after 11pm). Say goodbye to your team and head home!
