YANAPACCHA – CHOPICALQUI

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Huaraz (3,090 m) – Road Curve (Km 42) – Yanapaccha Base Camp (4,800 m)

   We leave Huaraz early and drive through the stunning Llanganuco Valley, passing by the emerald lagoons of Chinancocha and Orconcocha 💚💙. At Km 42, we begin a short but steady hike to Yanapaccha Base Camp, where we set up our tents and enjoy a beautiful mountain sunset.

   • 🚐 Road Distance: 94.2 km
   • 🥾 Hike Distance: 2.7 km | Duration: 3–4 hrs
   • ⛰️ Elevation Gain: +223 m
   • 🏕️ Accommodation: Tents
   • ⏰ Start Time: 7:00 am

2. Day 2: Summit Yanapaccha (5,390 m) – Chopicalqui Base Camp (4,361 m)

   Summit day! We wake up around 2:00 am and begin our ascent. The climb includes a steep 50–60° wall (about 180m) followed by a narrow ridge with amazing views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Pisco, Huandoy, and Chacraraju 😍. After descending to base camp, we pack up and hike out to meet our transport, which takes us to the base of Chopicalqui.

   • 🥾 Hike Distance: 3.9 km (summit) + 1.4 km (to road)
   • ⛰️ Elevation Gain: +590 m / +177 m
   • 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge
   • ⏰ Start Time: 2:00 am

3. Day 3: Chopicalqui Base Camp – Moraine Camp (4,995 m)

   After breakfast, we start our climb up the moraine trail, gaining 600 meters in about 4 hours. Once at moraine camp, we set up camp and rest. This is a great spot to relax and prepare for the higher stages ahead.

   • 🥾 Hike Distance: 2 km | Duration: 3–4 hrs
   • ⛰️ Elevation Gain: +634 m
   • 🏕️ Accommodation: Tents
   • ⏰ Start Time: 8:00 am

4. Day 4: Moraine Camp – Camp 1 (5,450 m)

   Today we continue ascending. We enter the glacier and navigate around large crevasses, climbing slopes up to 40°. After about 4 hours, we reach Camp 1 and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars 🌌.

   • 🥾 Hike Distance: 3.2 km | Duration: 4 hrs
   • ⛰️ Elevation Gain: +455 m
   • 🏕️ Accommodation: Tents
   • ⏰ Start Time: 2:00 am

5. Day 5: Summit Day – Chopicalqui (6,354 m) – Return to Moraine Camp

   We wake up very early and begin our final summit push! The route along the west ridge includes steep sections exceeding 60°, offering an exciting and rewarding challenge. From the summit, we get an unforgettable panoramic view of the Cordillera Blanca 🤩. We descend back through Camp 1 to Moraine Camp for a well-earned rest.

   • 🥾 Hike Distance: 10.3 km | Duration: 10–12 hrs
   • ⛰️ Elevation: +904 m / -1,359 m
   • 🏕️ Accommodation: Tents
   • ⏰ Start Time: 1:00 am

6. Day 6: Moraine Camp – Base Camp – Return to Huaraz

   Our last day on the mountain. We descend the moraine trail to Chopicalqui base camp and continue to the road where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz. A celebratory dinner is definitely in order! 🎉

   • 🥾 Hike Distance: approx. 5.2 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs
   • ⛰️ Elevation Loss: -832 m
   • 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel
   • ⏰ Start Time: 8:00 am