Are Covid vaccinations required?

Covid vaccinations are not required, but highly recommended.

Do I need to purchase Rescue Insurance and Travel Insurance?

We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.

Do you have an expedition doctor?

Expedition doctor, Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. While Dr. Piris does not travel with our team on all expeditions, she is in 24 communication with our expedition leaders. Dr. Piris also works with each member on his or her pre-acclimatization program.

While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

What all is included and excluded?

THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES: All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts. Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain Group camping and climbing equipment All park/climbing permits Scheduled in-country transportation Airport transfers Certified guides Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test) THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE: Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins. Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary Airport taxes Visas In-town dinners Immunizations Tips for guides or local staff Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance Hospitalization or evacuation costs Single supplement charges Excess baggage charges Alcohol Other personal expenses Antigen/PCR Covid test cost The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.

What do I need to do to confirm my reservation?

When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.

What is your international expedition cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.

Where do you get your weather forecasts?

We use a Swiss weather forecasting company. Having a quality forecast for our 8,000m peaks maximizes both our safety and our summit success.

Would you consider doing a custom expedition?

We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!

Will this trip give me the necessary experience to climb bigger, more challenging peaks?

Yes! The primary goal of our climbing schools is to give our guests the needed skills and experience to tackle bigger objectives all over the world.

Do I have enough experience for this trip?

Yes! The Climbing & Mountaineering School is an entry-level program designed to teach you all the skills you need to begin your mountain climbing career. While you do need excellent general fitness, no climbing experience is necessary.

I don’t have all the required equipment. Do you rent gear?

Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our climbing schools. Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, boots and carabiners/ cord. Please note- this equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, so please make your reservations early!

Do we sleep in a hut, or are we camping?

In Peru, we establish a base camp up while in the mountains, giving us excellent access to the high peaks. We will also spend a night in a lodge between both of our peak attempts.

Peru Climbing School

Peru Climbing School Expedition

Introductory 15 Days Peru

Join our Intro To Mountaineering course in Peru to develop high-altitude mountaineering skills in one of the most stunning mountain ranges on the planet. Small team size and a low ratio of climbers to guides (3:1) make it a perfect learning environment to learn alpine climbing skills and set yourself up for success on bigger mountains around the world.

June 14, 2025 – June 28, 2025

Inquire

Two mountaineering raising their arms in triumph while standing on a glacier at sunrise in Peru.

Peru Climbing School Introduction

Peru Climbing School Overview

Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is a captivating mountain range boasting an array of accessible five and six thousand meter peaks – there is no better place to learn the foundations of high altitude mountaineering!

Our Intro To Mountaineering course’s Base Camp in the Llanganuco Valley offers quick access to our two target peaks: Yanapaccha (17,913’/5,460m) and Pisco (18,871’/5,752m). Additionally, the surrounding glaciers and mountains provide the perfect training ground to learn high-altitude skills, such as route assessment, roped glacier travel, crampon and ice axe use, and crevasse rescue. The primary goal of the Peru Climbing School is to use these two progressively challenging peaks to equip climbers with the skills necessary to climb higher and more complex mountains. Quick access to these formidable but attainable peaks makes Peru the perfect place to learn high altitude mountaineering skills.

School is in Session

Our Peru climbing expedition begins with two days in Huaraz, the mountaineering capital of South America. We will then head into the Llanganuco Valley, using burros to assist carrying two weeks of food and equipment into our base camp. From this camp at 14,000 feet, we will utilize the surrounding glaciers and mountains to learn basic mountaineering skills. These skills will include route assessment, roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue, crampon and ice ax skills, and an understanding of high altitude physiology. In between skills sessions, we will soak up the incredible beauty of this remote valley. The main goal of our “school” programs is to obtain the mountain skills necessary to be a confident and active participant on this and other climbing teams moving forward.

Climb Yanapaccha

We will begin climbing Yanapaccha (17,913’/5,460m) after several days of acclimatization hikes, learning about glaciology, route assessment, and technical safety skills.

Climb Pisco

On our next objective, we will attempt to summit Pisco (18,871’/5,752m), which is a true expedition peak. The views from the summit are those mountaineers dream of— countless jagged peaks spread out before us, with stunning sunrises and lush valleys far below. We will have truly earned our time here!

The Alpenglow Difference:

Certified Guides with Local Knowledge

Alpenglow’s Peru Climbing School will be guided by one or more of Alpenglow’s AMGA/IFMGA certified lead guides. AMGA/IFMGA (American Mountain Guides Association /International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) certification is the highest possible training available to guides, and only the most experienced and dedicated attain it. Our lead guides have all traveled and climbed extensively in South America and know the Peruvian Andes intimately. Their knowledge of Andean culture as well as the mountains, combined with their passion for teaching others to become competent mountaineers, guarantees that your experience will be one to remember! Our small team size and low ratio of climbers to guides (3:1) ensures that you stay healthy and strong, and are able to enjoy each component of your experience.

Teaching Fundamentals of Alpine Climbing

Educating mountain travelers who have a passion for climbing is a core value at Alpenglow Expeditions, and our climbing schools both in Lake Tahoe and around the globe are examples of that value put into practice. These schools are designed to take a new climber to new heights, and will help an experienced climber brush up on skills and teamwork.

Quality Logistics and Base Camp Infrastructure

When it comes to climbing in the Cordillera Blanca, quality = success. We provide the highest quality logistics possible in Peru. Comfortable bus tickets for the drive to Huaraz, porters for all of our gear, professionally trained cooks and fresh food, hangout/dining tents for base camp; you’ll find that our base camp set up is designed to set you up for success as best it can be.

Preparation

FITNESS

Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.

TECHNICAL

No technical climbing experience required.

ALTITUDE

No prior experience at altitude required.

A group of 5 mountaineers standing on the summit of a peak in Peru.

Itinerary & Map

Peru Climbing Expedition Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day
Arriving in Lima between 6pm and 12am, clients will be transported to their hotel for a good night’s sleep before departing for Huaraz the next day.
Day 2: Drive to Huaraz (10,013 feet/3,052 meters) 8 hours
Welcome to Huaraz, the climbing capital of South America! After an 8-hour bus ride from Lima to Huaraz, we will arrive at the small, beautiful Olaza’s Guest House hotel where we will rest and regroup.
Day 3: Organize and acclimatize!
We’ll spend this day going over gear and logistics for our expedition and making sure that everyone is ready to spend the next several days in the Cordillera Blanca before our first acclimatization hike. Proper acclimatization is everything in high-altitude spaces.
Day 4: Hike to Laguna Churup (14,700 feet/4,800 meters).
Today, we will hike up to Laguna Churup (14,700’/4800m), a beautiful alpine lake that will help us prepare our bodies for the mountains. We’ll also use today to make any last minute preparations.
Day 5: Drive to Llanganuco Valley to Base Camp
Time to head into the mountains. We’ll drive from Huaraz into the incredible Llanganuco Valley, surrounded by views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes. Once we establish Base Camp, we will begin to discuss and develop high-altitude mountaineering skills, such as hazard management, equipment use and care, basic climbing knots, route and weather assessment, and high-altitude physiology.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Laguna 69 (15,100’/4,602m)
A few hours spent at altitude and a few thousand feet of elevation gain do wonders for the acclimatization process.
Day 7: Move to Moraine Camp on Yanapaccha/ Skills Day
Today we will pick up Base Camp and hit the Yanapaccha trailhead, hiking to Moraine Camp (16,076’/4900m). Then, we’ll spend the afternoon learning basic glacier travel skills, including crampon and ice ax usage. This is also our first night spent at an on-trail camp.
Day 8: Skills Day on Glacier
Continued skills development on the glacier as we prepare for Yanapaccha. Today we will review the equipment and skills needed for moving over technical ground found on the mountain, including advanced crevasse rescue, self-arrest practice, glaciology, and basic avalanche awareness.
Day 9: Summit day Yanapaccha (17,913 feet/5,460 meters).
With an early morning start, we will go for the summit of Yanapaccha (17,913’/5,460m). From the top, we’ll enjoy some awe-inspiring views of our next objective: Pisco.
Day 10: Move back to Base Camp.
Today we move back to Base Camp to resupply food and gear, using the remainder of the day to rest and recover.
Day 11: Move to Pisco Base Camp (14,107 feet/4,300 meters).
Next, we will hike to Pisco Base Camp (14,107’/4,300m) at the foot of the glacier and prepare to summit.
Day 12: Move to Pisco Moraine Camp
Move from Pisco Base Camp (14,107’/4300m) to Pisco Moraine Camp (16,400’/5000m). Adding an extra camp on our ascent of Pisco allows us to move methodically up the mountain and conserve our energy for summit day.
Day 13: Summit day on Pisco (18,871 feet/5,752 meters).
Move from Pisco Base Camp (14,107’/4,300m) to Pisco Moraine Camp (16,400’/5,000m). Adding an extra camp on our ascent of Pisco allows us to move methodically up the mountain and conserve our energy for summit day.
Day 14: Hike down trailhead for pickup and return.
We will hike back down the trailhead at Cebollapampa for a van transport back down to Huaraz for a celebration dinner complete with Pisco sours (the local’s popular concoction).
Day 15: Return to Huaraz and Lima, depart from Peru
Today we’ll return to take our luxury bus ride back to Lima and catch our flights back home. All flights should depart after 11pm.

Peru Climbing School Trip Packet

Alpenglow’s Peru Guides

Our Mountaineering Course Guides

Meet some of the guides who you might be climbing with in Peru.

Equipment

Peru Climbing School Equipment List

All the gear you need for your Peru expedition.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vuarnet Ice Rounds
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Liners
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, with a removable fleece liner (so you can take the liner out and dry it at night). These gloves are used at higher altitudes and are needed to keep your hands dry, and warm. Over the cuff style is desired.
Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
Liner Socks
A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON
Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner
Hiking Socks
Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Warm Socks
A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock
Heated Socks
These are optional, but highly recommended. Bring 2 sets of batteries. Hotronics boot heaters are another option instead of heated socks, but socks are preferred by our guides.
Recommended: Sidas Sock Set V2 Uni S-1200
Hiking Shoes
These light to mid-weight shoes are for everyday use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.
Recommended: La Sportiva TX Guide
Mountaineering Boots (5,000 – 6,000m)
Should be warm single or double boots that have a stiff sole and accept a step-in crampon. The boots should be comfortable, have adequate wiggle room for your toes, and your heel should not lift more than 1/8th of an inch when walking. (If your feet run cold, we would recommend a double boot like the La Sportiva G2 Evo.) For our Introductory Climbing Schools, we have limited availability and sizes for free boot rentals. If you need rentals, please reach out to the office staff asap to ensure we have your size.
Recommended: La Sportiva G5 Evo
Waterproof Gaiters
GORE-TEX® or Schoeller® calf- high gaiters, insulated supergaiters recommended. *Gaiters are not needed if your pants and/or boots have built-in gaiters.
Recommended: Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiters (required if your boots do not have integrated gaiters)
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Lightweight Baselayer Top
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Soft Shell Jacket
More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell
Down Parka
A puffy jacket with a hood that will keep you warm during the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). However, be sure the jacket is still lightweight.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Mid-Weight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted, mid-weight and quick drying, this baselayer (or midlayer) will be suitable for ski tours to alpine ascents.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Pants
Quick Dry Shorts
Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you want to stretch / relax in Basecamp. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Trekking Pants
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose a breathable and water resistant pant.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Soft-Shell Alpine Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. They should be breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Alpine Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Pants
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
Insulated Pant
Full-length side zippers are recommended, for throwing on top of all of your layers.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stance Belay Pants
Duffel Bags
2 Duffel Bags – At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big – between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don’t recommend checking your backpack, best is to put all gear and backpack into your duffel). Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your backpack. It’s common to leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you.
Note: For ski expeditions such as the Ecuador Ring of Fire, you can replace one of these duffel bags with a ski/splitboard bag.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stonehauler 90L
Day Pack
Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters).
Recommended: Black Diamond Bullet 16 Pack
Climbing Pack: 50-60L
Internal frame pack that is between 50 and 60 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Speed 50L Pack
Sleeping Bag (0°F)
Rated to 0º F. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG. Many climbers also like a silk liner. For the Ecuador Climbing School: If you’re on our 9-Day (non-extension) trip, a 20º F rated bag is ok.
Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0°F
or Sea To Summit Spark Down 0°F
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
72-inch long inflatable pad required. Make sure you also purchase and bring a repair kit + bag for the sleeping pad.
Recommended: NeoAir Xtherm
Foam Sleeping Pad
Foldable foam sleeping pad for sleeping and using as a sit-pad.
Recommended: Thermarest Z-Lite Sleeping pad
Headlamps
Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.
Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450
Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325
Trekking Poles
Make sure that they are durable, lightweight + easily adjustable. These are optional, but highly recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles
Hydration System
Should carry 70-100 ounces. Must be durable and have a reliable closure system. Recommended: MSR Dromlite 2L with Hydration Tube
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Compressible 1-1.5L Bottle
Wide mouth compressible 1-1.5 liter bottle. Optional but strongly recommended. Often used as a designated pee bottle.
Recommended: Nalgene Flexible Cantene
Coffee
While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains!
Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee
Thermos
A fully insulated thermos is optional but recommended for warm drinks that help with comfort, hydration, and safety on cold days in the mountains.
Recommended: Thermos STAINLESS KING™ DRINK BOTTLE 24OZ
Helmet
An easily adjustable lightweight helmet that fits with hat and Balaclava. Make sure this is a climbing-specific helmet. *Climbing helmets are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Hybrid Ice Axe
A light technical hybrid ice axe (50-57cm) with adze.
Recommended: Black Diamond Venom Ice Axe
Ice Tool
Light ice tool with hammer attachment.
Recommended: Black Diamond Venom LT Tech Piolet
Mountaineering Crampons
Steel crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your ski or snowboard boots. Crampons are available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate
Non-locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight small carabiners are best, wire-gates are fine.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner
Belay Device
Light, easy to use + simple. Should have teeth/grooves for skinny ropes.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide Belay Device
Miscellaneous Items
- Passport (with visa, if necessary)
- 2 luggage locks (TSA compliant)
- Non-cotton underwear
- Wag bags, 1 per night camping as to leave no trace
- Stuffsacks: assorted sizes, for organizing your clothes and gear
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 (or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF 15 (or higher)
- Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, Moleskin, Pepto-bismol, Imodium, Personal Medications, Saline nasal spray)
- Toiletries
- 3-4lbs of Snack food (a variety of snack food, some whole food, some bars, some gels)
- Hand Warmers
- Face Mask
- Hand Sanitizer
- Knife
- Mountain Face Mask (optional)
- Headphones
- Powerbank (6-10K mAh good for 2-3 phone charges, weighing under 8oz)

FAQ’s

Peru Climbing School Questions

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about climbing in Peru

: Covid vaccinations are not required, but highly recommended.
: We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
: Expedition doctor, Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. While Dr. Piris does not travel with our team on all expeditions, she is in 24 communication with our expedition leaders. Dr. Piris also works with each member on his or her pre-acclimatization program.
: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES:
All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts.
Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain
Group camping and climbing equipment
All park/climbing permits
Scheduled in-country transportation
Airport transfers
Certified guides
Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test)
THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins.
Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary
Airport taxes
Visas
In-town dinners
Immunizations
Tips for guides or local staff
Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
Hospitalization or evacuation costs
Single supplement charges
Excess baggage charges
Alcohol
Other personal expenses
Antigen/PCR Covid test cost
The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.
: When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.
: Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.
: Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high-altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
: We use a Swiss weather forecasting company. Having a quality forecast for our 8,000m peaks maximizes both our safety and our summit success.
: We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!
: Yes! The primary goal of our climbing schools is to give our guests the needed skills and experience to tackle bigger objectives all over the world.
: Yes! The Climbing & Mountaineering School is an entry-level program designed to teach you all the skills you need to begin your mountain climbing career. While you do need excellent general fitness, no climbing experience is necessary.
: Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our climbing schools. Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, boots and carabiners/ cord. Please note- this equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, so please make your reservations early!
: In Peru, we establish a base camp up while in the mountains, giving us excellent access to the high peaks. We will also spend a night in a lodge between both of our peak attempts.

Peru Climbing School Trip Packet

Testimonials

An experience that I will always cherish and never forget
“Ever since my aunt lent me a copy of ‘Touching the Void’ when I was about 10 years old, I had dreamed of going to the Peruvian Andes. The Perú climbing school was the realization of that lifelong dream. With a fantastic group of guides and fellow clients, I was able to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Cordillera Blanca while learning new skills and summiting a nearly 19,000 foot peak. It was an experience that I will always cherish and never forget.”
Nate G

Aconcagua Expedition
Intermediate Next Available
Dec 14, 2024 – Dec 27, 2024 14 Days Argentina

32.653179° S, 70.010868° W Learn More
Peak Lenin Expedition
Intermediate Next Available
July 19, 2025 – August 3, 2025 18 Days Kyrgyzstan

39.34° N, 72.88° E Learn More
Mountains Of Bolivia Expedition
Intermediate Next Available
July 19, 2025 – August 3, 2025 16 Days Bolivia

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Ama Dablam Expedition
Advanced Next Available
Oct. 21, 2024 – Nov 03, 2024 14 Days Nepal

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Pisco & Chopicalqui
Intermediate Next Available
June 28, 2025 – July 15, 2025 18 Days Peru

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More Expeditions

All Stories

Updates from the Field: Alpamayo 2024
Alpamayo is truly the mountaineer’s mountain. It’s big, it’s remote, it’s technical, and it is aesthetically stunning. A massive white, fluted pyramid makes up the main portion of climbing on the peak, and the views of the Cordillera Blanca from High Camp are unmatched. Our team is currently set to go for a staggered summit push, with some team members going up tonight (July 8th) and others tomorrow (July 9th).
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Peru Climbing School June 2024 Recap
Ready to take your climbing to the next level? Join us for the Peru Climbing School, where we immerse ourselves in the beautiful Cordillera Blanca to learn basic climbing and expedition skills while tackling two big peaks, Yanapaccha and Pisco.
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Learn Foundational Skills in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca
Situated amidst the rugged grandeur of the Peruvian Andes, the Cordillera Blanca is affectionately referred to in the climbing community as one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. With a rich history dating back decades, the Blanca has been a focal point for climbers seeking to test themselves and grow as much as it has been a training ground for burgeoning mountaineers.
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“Give Yourself the Time”: Graduating from Trekking to Climbing with Topo Mena
While ‘walking’ may sound trivial, a number of big mountains involve a lot of walking, albeit in extreme places. To talk about the journey, we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena about graduating from trekking to climbing. For beginners, he had this advice to offer: “At first, it’s important to give yourself the time to walk in the mountains and appreciate the land and the opportunity to just be there.”
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Five Expeditions Before Climbing Everest with Topo Mena
Now that Everest season is in full swing, this week we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena to talk about five expeditions that are perfect for building the experience necessary to climb the tallest mountain in the world.
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