Artesonraju Expedition

The Artesonraju Expedition combines some of the best climbing that Peru's Cordillera Blanca has to offer. We begin the expedition in the mountain town of Huaraz after a luxurious bus ride from Lima. After a few days of packing and preparation for the mountains we depart Huaraz for Quebrada Llanganuco, where we stop at Cebollapampa, and complete a spectacular day-hike to Laguna 69. From there it is on to moraine camp and then high camp on Nevado Pisco, one of the range's most enjoyable mountaineering objectives. From the summit of Pisco we enjoy spectacular views of our next goal, the inspiring Artesonraju.

Next we travel to the Paron Valley, where we begin the trek into Artesonraju basecamp. Two more camps, moraine camp and high camp, set us up for one of the most engaging summit days you will ever have the opportunity to experience. After crossing the bergschrund, gradually steepening slopes take us to the final headwall, and approximately 2000 vertical feet of 50 - 65 degee snow and ice climbing to the summit of this challenging 6000 meter peak!

Trip Highlights

• 15 day itinerary maximizes acclimatization and chance for success
• Bi-lingual guides ensure your trip runs smoothly
• Most favorable client-to-guide ratio in the industry
• Visit cultural sites around Huaraz
• Climb Artestonraju, a "short" 6000 meter peak
• Satellite phone access and pulse oximeters on all trips

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru.
Day 2: Today we travel to the high mountain town of Huaraz (9,500 ft.).
Day 3: In Huaraz, we organize equipment and food for our expedition. A short hike to some local ruins provides us with an excellent acclimatization date.
Day 4: Drive to Llanganuco Valley and set up camp at Cebollapampa (Base Camp).
Day 5: Approach moraine camp on Pisco.
Day 6: Approach high camp on Pisco.
Day 7: Summit day on Pisco, then return Cebollapampa (Base Camp).
Day 8: Pack up and drive to the Paron Valley, and make the short hike to Base Camp.
Day 9: Rest Day at Base Camp in the Paron Valley.
Day 10: Move to moraine camp on Artesonraju.
Day 11: Move to high camp on Artesonraju.
Day 12: Summit day on Artesonraju and return to moraine camp.
Day 13: Alternate Summit day in case of poor weather or return to Base Camp for celebration dinner!
Day 14: Return to Huaraz.
Day 15: Return to Lima and take an evening flight home to the US.

Additional Information

Included in Cost: An AMGA Certified or Trained Alpine Guide, who also speaks Spanish. All ground transportation, hotels, tents, and food while on the mountain. All group climbing and camping equipment.

Not Included in Cost: Food and drinks in towns, personal climbing and camping equipment, and international air fare, costs of a personal nature, extra hotels or transportation due to illness, injury, or early return.

Prerequisites: Participants should have prior, basic mountaineering experience, glacier travel, and be comfortable climbing ice up to grade WI 3. They should be comfortable with self arrest, walking in crampons, and have multi-pitch ice and rock climbing experience. If you do not possess these skills, or need review, we recommend doing a skills course with us in Colorado prior to your Peru trip.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out an International Expedition Application, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit 60 days before the trip date. Balance is due 30 days prior to trip departure date. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.