Mountaineering skills course in Peru
The Peruvian Andes are a climbers mecca. The vast array of snow-capped peaks has something to offer climbers of all abilities, from first timers to experienced technical mountaineers. Our Peruvian mountaineering course is set amidst the Cordillera Blanca.
For experienced mountaineers we can provide qualified local mountain guides and full back up teams.
For beginners we offer 3 day mountaineering courses. The course can be followed by guided ascents of suitable peaks, including Pisco.
We also have a 6 day mountaineering course which includes a guided ascent of Yanapaqcha (5,460m)
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Mountaineering Course
Program – day 1
We leave Huaraz for Pastoruri and head up to our campsite.
We continue up to the glacier. Introduction to the gear and mountaineering in general. During this 40-minute talk we explore the different dangers associated with the world of mountains.
Following that, you learn the 3 different knots needed during the day. Walking with crampons is next and practiced on the ice, followed by an explanation of how glaciers are formed.
We then head up on the glacier to a good steep slope where we practice self-arrest, rope team travel and snow anchors. Then we descend to camp for a hot drink, a good hot dinner and some sleep.
Day 2
We spend the morning in camp checking out belay systems, equalized anchors, haul systems - all components of the crevasse rescue system.
We head up to the glacier and put our new skills to the test at the edge of a crevasse. The entire afternoon is dedicated to crevasse rescue, one of the most common hazards of a non-technical glaciated climb.
That evening those who would like can make the 20 minute walk to visit the ice cave which extends 50 meters underneath the glacier.
Day 3
We head up to the ice for a trial climb. We wander through crevasse fields and over some technical terrain where both running and fixed belays will be used.
A surprise crevasse rescue will be performed and timed. There is an ice wall where you build a snow bollard and rappel down the 20-metre face.
We spend the remaining 3 hours vertical ice climbing using a top rope belay system. We head back to our camp, gather our equipment and head down to the bus and back to Huaraz.
Included
All technical gear, 3 meals a day, sleeping and dining tents, transport, cook, instructors 4 to 1 instructor ratio
Not included
Snacks between meals, warm clothes, 3 layers of fleece tops, thermal and fleece bottoms, waterproof outer shell - top and bottom, warm socks, water proof gloves, warm ool/fleece hat, scarf, sun glasses, sunscreen, water bottles and purification tablets, dinner on the night of the 3rd day.
Skills
Peaks of easy Ascent in the Cordillera Blanca
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Hatun Montepuncu, 5415m, 4 days
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Huarapasca, 5530m, 2 days
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Ishinca, 5534m, 3 days
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Maparaju, 5326m, 4 days
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Pastoruri, 5220m, 1 day
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Pisco, 5752m, 3 days
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Rima Rima, 5203m, 2 days
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Tuco, 5454m, 2 days
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Urus, 5420m, 2 days
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Vallunaraju, 5686m, 2 days
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Yanapaccha, 5393m, 5 days
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Wamashraju, 5434m, 3 days
Moderately Difficult Peaks of the Cordillera Blanca
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Aquilpo, 5550m, 4 days
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Caulliraju, 5597m, 3 days
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Copa, 6173m, 4 days
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Champara, 5878m, 7 days
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Chequiaraju, 5512m, 4 days
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Hualcan, 6122m, 4 days
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Paria, 5500m, 4 days
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Raria, 5576m, 5 days
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San Juan, 5884m, 4 days
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Tocllaraju, 6052m, 4 days
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Urhuashraju, 5544m, 4 days
Technically Difficult Peaks of the Cordillera Blanca
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Huascaran, 6,768m, 6 days
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Alpamayo, 5957m, 8 days
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Caraz, 6020m, 6 days
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Cayesh, 5424m, 8 days
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Contrahierbas, 6050m, 6 days
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Chacraraju, 6180m, 8 days
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Artesonraju, 6025m, 5 days
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Quitaraju, 6036m, 7 days
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Chopicalqui, 6354m, 5 days
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Ranrapalca, 6162m, 6 days
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Santa Cruz, 6241m, 8 days
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Taulliraju, 5830m, 8 days
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Ulta, 5782m, 7 days
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Chinchey, 6309m, 7 days
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Huandoy Norte, 6393m, 6 days
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Huantsan, 6395m, 6 days
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Oxshapalca, 5881m, 6 days
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Palcaraju, 6272m, 5 days
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Pucaranra, 6156m, 7 days
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Pucahirca, 6088m, 7 days
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Piramide, 5865m, 5 days
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