Ice Climbing in Peru 2025

Peru is a great country to challenge your strength, as there are plenty of ways to conquer some of the cold, snowy peaks of the Andes. Not to mention, ice climbing in the Andes brings stunning views to those who dare and also an opportunity to meet the wild fauna of the region—Andean mountain cats, white-tailed deer, taruca deer, and even pumas.

Best Season

Generally, the best time for ice climbing in Peru is from March to October, when the weather is clear and dry with minimal risk of storms or snowfall. Consulting a guide ensures a safe and rewarding adventure tailored to the specific climate and conditions of your chosen location. A guide will not only help you navigate technical routes but also recommend the best climbing seasons, as ideal conditions vary by region.

Ice Climbing Locations in Peru

Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park, located in the Ancash region, is home to Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru and one of the tallest in South America, standing at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet). Dominating the skyline of the Cordillera Blanca, this massive peak has drawn climbers for decades. Huascarán offers steep ice walls and technical challenges, making it popular among experienced mountaineers. Although the route is not overly technical, it involves navigating vast glaciers with objective dangers like seracs and crevasses, requiring solid mountaineering experience.

Surrounding peaks, such as Cerro Cayesh and Cerro Copa, also feature excellent ice climbing routes, catering to climbers of varying skill levels. For those seeking a more beginner-friendly climb, Nevado Pastoruri provides moderate ice climbing on its glacier, making it an accessible option within the same breathtaking park.

Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca in Peru's Ancash region is a paradise for ice climbers, boasting towering peaks, over 700 glaciers, and routes suitable for all skill levels. Among its most iconic summits is Alpamayo, often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful mountains, challenging climbers with glacier routes like the renowned French Route. Nevado Pisco (5,752 meters/18,871 feet) offers a less technical climb, ideal for training, while Artesonraju (6,025 meters/19,762 feet), with its pyramid-like shape, presents a more advanced challenge.

Chopicalqui (6,345 meters/20,811 feet) provides a rewarding ascent with breathtaking views, and Tocllaraju (6,034 meters/19,791 feet) offers beginner to intermediate climbers a classic 6,000-meter experience. For those seeking easier climbs, Nevado Ishinca (5,530 meters/18,138 feet) provides a straightforward yet rewarding introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.

Cordón del Huayhuash

To the south of the Cordillera Blanca lies the Cordón del Huayhuash mountain range, straddling the Ancash and Lima regions. This dramatic alpine region is celebrated for its rugged peaks and challenging climbs, attracting experienced mountaineers from around the world. Among its most notable summits are Jirishanca (6,094 meters/19,963 feet) and Yerupajá (6,617 meters/21,680 feet), both renowned for their technical ascents and pristine glaciers, making them prime locations for ice climbing. With its striking landscapes and demanding routes, the Cordón del Huayhuash offers a thrilling experience for advanced climbers seeking to conquer some of Peru’s most formidable peaks.

Sacred Valley & Cusco Region

Further south, in the Sacred Valley and Cusco region, climbers will find a variety of peaks catering to different skill levels. Veronica (5,911 meters/19,388 feet) is a technically demanding climb, requiring a combination of rock and ice climbing skills, and rewards climbers with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley below. For those seeking a less challenging adventure, Pumahuanca (5,350 meters/17,548 feet) offers a shorter and more accessible climb, perfect for beginners or those short on time.

Nearby, Soray Peak (5,446 meters/17,862 feet) serves as an excellent introduction to mountaineering and a popular acclimatization option for climbers preparing to tackle higher peaks. Towering above the region is Salkantay (6,279 meters/20,595 feet), a formidable mountain known for its steep, icy terrain and technical demands, making it a must-visit destination for seasoned mountaineers seeking one of Peru's most iconic and challenging ascents.

Cost of Ice Climbing Trip Packages

The cost of ice climbing in Peru varies depending on the destination, duration, and services included. For instance, multi-day expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca, such as climbing Nevado Pisco or Chopicalqui, typically range between $1,500 and $2,000. These packages usually include guides, permits, accommodation, meals, and equipment. For more technical climbs like Alpamayo, a 19-day expedition can cost around $4,000, incorporating acclimatization treks and comprehensive logistics. In the Sacred Valley and Cusco regions, shorter climbs such as Soray Peak or Pumahuanca are more affordable, ranging from $500 to $1,000 for two- to three-day guided treks. While packages generally include essential services, airfare, and personal climbing gear are often excluded.

Access & Infrastructure

Reaching Peru's ice climbing destinations often begins in Lima, the country's capital, with domestic flights to nearby airports such as Huaraz for access to the Cordillera Blanca or Juliaca for the southern mountain ranges. From these hubs, climbers can continue to trek routes or glacier approaches using local transport or organized guided tours.

Many premier climbing locations are remote, requiring substantial trekking or technical approaches to reach the glacier bases. For this reason, hiring experienced guides is highly recommended to ensure safety and streamline logistics. Peru boasts a well-established community of professional climbing guides and mountaineering companies that provide services such as equipment rental, transportation, and expert assistance for accessing these stunning ice-climbing destinations.