The Cordillera Blanca is a stunning range of five and six thousand meter peaks, and the Llanganuco Valley is one of a half dozen that cut deep into the center of the range. The Llanganuco Valley offers the perfect place to establish a base camp, from which we can climb three peaks. It provides countless opportunities for learning and practicing the skills essential to high altitude mountaineering while climbing progressively higher and more complex mountains.
School is in Session
Our trip begins with two days in Hauraz, the mountaineering capital of South America. We will then head into the Llanganuco Valley, using burros to assist bringing 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 and then hone basic mountaineering skills. These skills will include route assessment, roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue, crampon and ice axe 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 attempt two progressively challenging peaks. We will begin on Yanapaccha (17,913 feet/5,460 meters) after several days of acclimatization hikes, learning about glaciology, route assessment and skills building.
Climb Pisco
On our next objective, we will attempt Pisco (18,871 feet/5,752 meters), which is a true expedition peak. The views from this peak are those mountaineers dream of— countless jagged peaks spread out before us, stunning sunrises, and lush valleys far below. We will truly have earned our time here!
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! And 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.