Climbing
Yanapaccha Climb
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Altitud: 5,460 m / 17,913 ft
- Route: Approach from Cebollapampa to Base Camp (4,800 m)
- Availability: May – September
- Difficulty: Moderate
- People per Guide: 3 - 2
The Yanapaccha Climb is a thrilling short expedition for climbers looking to experience true alpine climbing in the Cordillera Blanca. Located near the Llanganuco Valley, this elegant snow-covered peak offers stunning glacier routes, spectacular views, and an excellent training opportunity for higher-altitude climbs.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Huaraz to Cebollapampa, followed by a trek to Base Camp at approximately 4,800 m. The next morning, the summit ascent starts before dawn, crossing icy ridges and steep snow slopes (up to 55–60°) under the guidance of professional mountain guides.
From the summit of Yanapaccha, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Chopicalqui, Chacraraju, and Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru.
Ideal for intermediate climbers or those seeking a challenging acclimatization climb, Yanapaccha combines technical excitement, safety, and breathtaking high-Andean scenery.
TIP:
- Participants must be well acclimatized and have some prior experience in hiking and mountaineering.
- The load is shared: everyone carries their own personal equipment up to Yanapaccha Base Camp.
- The included cook–porter only provides support with meals and camp setup (tents and kitchen equipment, if camping).
Itinerary
DAY 1: Huaraz – Hotel Pick-up – Base Camp (Yanapaccha Base, 4,800 m)
DEPARTURE: 7:30 a.m. from Huaraz
We depart from Huaraz in the morning, heading toward the Llaca Valley. Along the route, we pass scenic views of the Cordillera Blanca peaks and reach the Yanapaccha Base Camp at approximately 4,800 m.
Upon arrival, we set up camp and organize mountaineering and camping equipment. A brief acclimatization hike and practice with crampons, ice axes, and rope techniques are conducted. Dinner and overnight at Base Camp.
DAY 2: Base Camp – Summit Yanapaccha (5,460 m) – Return to Huaraz
DEPARTURE: 1:00 a.m.
After a light breakfast, we begin the summit push under the stars, ascending snow and ice slopes with crampons and ice axes. The climb takes approximately 5–6 hours to reach the summit of Yanapaccha (5,460 m).
After taking photos and enjoying the panoramic views, we descend back to Base Camp, break down the camp, and return to Huaraz in the afternoon, concluding the expedition.
Includes/Excludes
- Meals during the tour
- Private round-trip transportation
- Guide
- Cook–porter
- Individual or group camping equipment: personal tents, sleeping bag, insulated sleeping pad, gaiters, overboots
- Personal mountaineering equipment: helmet, harness, boots, crampons, technical ice axes, anchor rope, 4 locking carabiners, ATC device, pulley, prusik, gloves, headlamp
- Mountaineering clothing: waterproof jacket, waterproof pants
- Entrance fee to **Huascarán National Park**
- Second-layer clothing or insulating layers
- Sunglasses
- Down jackets
What to bring (Personal equipment)
Warm fleece jacket
Waterproof or windproof jacket
Insulated thermal pants
Waterproof or quick-dry pants
Gloves (preferably waterproof)
Warm hat
Buff or neck gaiter
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking poles (optional, for approach and descent)
Mountaineering boots
Crampons
Ice axe
Climbing helmet
Harness, carabiners, and basic climbing safety gear
Headlamp
Water bottle or hydration system
Snacks / energy bars
Small personal first aid kit
Lightweight toiletries
