If summiting some of the world’s grandest and most beautiful peaks is your thing then Peru is the place for you. Peru boasts an incredible 32 mountains higher than 6000m, the pinnacle of which is Huascaran at 6768m, giving experienced climbers a plethora of options. However, many of the lower mountains can be tackled by relative amateurs and there are plenty of challenging peaks for aspiring climbers.

Some of Peru's mountains can be climbed year-round but for the highest mountains June to September is the only time a summit can be attempted. For attempts at Peru's grandest peaks be sure to plan your trip well in advance as guides are required and last-minute planning can limit your options.

The range with the highest concentration of peaks (and climbers) is the Cordillera Blanca, near Huaraz. Here there are countless mountains for climbers of all ability levels. Further south are Arequipa and Cusco which are the country's second best mountaineering areas after the Cordillera Blanca.

For all three areas acclimatization periods of 4-7 days are recommended. Often these days can be filled with less-challenging day hikes giving climbers a chance to get used to the altitude as well get their legs ready for the days ahead.

Every tour company has English and Spanish guides but you will pay a little more for the English speakers. They are in high demand and the language education is expensive.

Cordillera Blanca

The Huaraz area in Peru attracts some of the world's best mountaineers each year to attempt the breathtaking peaks studding the Cordillera Blanca Range and the other less heralded ranges near by. It is unquestionably the climbing capital of Peru and has a several world-class mountains. Climbers traveling to Peru solely to conquer 6000 meter peaks often complete several in a couple of weeks. Many of mountains are located within Huascarán National Park, meaning the climbs take place in protected and unspoiled nature. The Cordillera Blanca is also considered to be one of the most accessible climbing areas in the world in addition to being one of the best places to climb.

The highest peak in the range is Huascaran (6768 m) making it a favorite of climbers. Alpamayo (5947 m) is the most climbed mountain in the Cordillera Blanca and is considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the world due to its near perfect pyramid shape.

The Ishinca Valley is another popular destination in the region because it offers climbs ranging from easy (by mountaineering standards) to difficult. The primary peaks in the Ishinca Valley are Urus (5430m), Ishinca (5530) and Tocllaraju (6034 m). Ishinca and Urus are considered easy and can be attempted year-round. Tocllaraju is rated moderate/difficult and can only be climbed from May through September.

Another favorite climb in the region is Chopicalqui (6354 m). This mushroom shaped peak is moderately difficult but from the summit treats climbers to one of the best panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca including a look straight across at Huascaran.

The climbs listed above take from 5-7 days each, depending on ability and fitness.

Huaraz and the surrounding area also host the Semana del Andinismo in June of every year. This festival, celebrating all things mountain, attracts some of the best climbers, skiers and snowboarders from around the world. They descend en masse on Huaraz for a week of intense, friendly competition with Peruvian locals and others from around the world.

Arequipa

Although it doesn't have the number of peaks the Cordillera Blanca has, Arequipa offers beginners a few choices to try out mountain climbing. The three most popular climbs in Arequipa are Volcan Misti (5825 m), Chachani (6057 m) and Ampato (6318 m).

Volcan Misti looms as a backdrop within sight of Arequipa, while the others are further away. Reaching the summit of Misti is a straightforward 2-day climb, and you will likely leaving your hotel in the morning of the first day and return the evening of the second.

Chichani is considered one of the easiest 6000 meter peaks in the world so if you simply want to notch one in your belt this is the place to do it. Like the Misti climb, this two day tour departs Arequipa in the morning of the first day whereupon you are driven up to the base of Chichani at over 5300 m. The following morning the summit trip begins early and after a full day of travel up and down the mountain you return back to Arequipa that evening.

Reaching the summit of Ampato is the most challenging of the three primary mountain climbing expeditions operating out of Arequipa. This trip requires a commitment of four days and entails many more kilometers covered on foot than the other two. Three days of intense climbing and descending and multiple camps make this climb more strenuous and reflective of a real mountain expedition than the others. The peak of Ampato has added historical significance because of Mommy Juanita, the superbly preserved Peruvian mummy that was found there in 1995.

Cusco

The two most intimidating mountaineering expeditions from Cusco are the summits of Salcantay (6271m) and Ausangate (6372m). The only time for a summit of these peaks is between June and September. Salcantay takes 8-10 days to summit while Ausangate takes at least 10 days. Neither of these climbs is appropriate for beginners and they should not be attempted without an experienced, certified guide.

Activity Info.

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