Huascarán National Park: Ascent to the Summits of the Snow-Capped Urus and Ishinca

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ID: GYG1245237-1914453
Category:
Country: Peru

Duration: 5 days


Description

Enjoy unique landscapes from the peaks of Urus and Ishinca. A 5-day hiking and climbing challenge awaits you, designed to push your limits in the Cordillera Blanca. Are you ready for the ascent?
Your adventure begins in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, setting off from Huaraz towards the picturesque Quebrada de Ishinca. On the first day, you'll hike through forests of quinoa trees until you reach the Ishinca Refuge at 4,350 meters. Forget about carrying excessive weight or feeling cold in camps; here you'll enjoy the comfort of a bed and hot dinners that will let you rest deeply for the challenges ahead.
On the second day, you'll face your first big challenge: Nevado Urus. You'll wake up before dawn and, after an energy-packed breakfast, you'll attack the summit. You don't have to worry about anything other than your performance, as we provide all the necessary technical equipment: from ice axe, harness and helmet to high mountain boots (we just need you to tell us your size when booking). Although it's an intense challenge, our team will teach you how to use the equipment correctly, so you don't need any prior technical experience, just excellent physical fitness.
When you reach the summit at 5,420 m, the view of the Andes will take your breath away. After the descent, the refuge will welcome you with a warm atmosphere to regain your strength. The third day will be for acclimatization and guided practice, ensuring you feel comfortable and safe with the material before the next level. The fourth day is the climax: the ascent to Nevado Ishinca (5,530 m). You'll glide over the glacier feeling the adrenaline, always backed by a professional team. After reaching the summit, you'll head back to the refuge to celebrate your achievement. On the fifth day, you'll descend into the valley with the satisfaction of having conquered two giants with maximum safety and comfort.


Your Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Pashpa – Ishinca Refuge (4,350 m)
We'll be leaving at 8:00 AM. Travel by private transport to Pashpa. We'll start the 4-5 hour hike on an easy trail surrounded by forests of quinoa trees to the refuge. Lunch on the way and dinner at the refuge.
Day 2: Nevado Urus Summit (5,420 m)
We'll wake up at 3:00 AM. It's a demanding climb up a rock and snow ridge. After 5-6 hours, you'll reach the summit overlooking Huascarán. Head back to the shelter for lunch and an afternoon of rest.
Day 3: Rest Day and Technical Practice
Relaxed morning. After lunch, we'll have a technical and practical talk on using crampons and roping up near the refuge to ensure success on the Ishinca.
Day 4: Nevado Ishinca Summit (5,530 m)
We'll be leaving at 2:00 AM. Hike to the glacier and climb on snow with moderate slopes. After 6-7 hours, you'll reach the summit. Head down to the hut for a special celebratory dinner.
Day 5: Ishinca Refuge – Pashpa – Huaraz
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then a final 3-hour descent to Pashpa, where our transport awaits to return to Huaraz (arrival approx. 2:00 PM).

Highlights

  • Epic double summit: Conquer the peaks of 2 mountains on a great expedition
  • Learn climbing techniques and master the ice with expert guides.
  • Experience the intensity of being in touch with nature. Push your limits

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
So, the mountains we're climbing aren't considered super tough.
So, what's the deal with the technique? You'll need to use your hands to move forward, plus crampons and an ice axe, and you'll be roped up for safety as you go.
Terrain: There are pretty steep snow or ice slopes (between 35° and 45°) and some easy rock sections.
Experience: This hike is perfect for mountaineers in good physical condition.
So, what should you bring? (Personal gear)
Bring layered clothes:
Base layer: T-shirt and thermal leggings (synthetic material, not cotton).
Warm layer: A fleece jacket and a light down jacket.
Waterproof layer: Bring a GORE-TEX (or similar) jacket and pants for wind and snow.
So, what else should you bring? Thin gloves, waterproof thermal gloves, thick woolen socks, a woolen beanie, and a sun hat.
So, bring UV-protection sunglasses (category 3 or 4), sunscreen, and lip balm.
Toiletries: Small towel and toiletries.
Backpack: Get a 30-40 liter backpack for your day-to-day stuff.
INCLUDED
  • Mountain Guide: Bilingual certified guide (UIAGM or ASAG), expert in safety and rescue.
  • Professional Technical Equipment: High mountain boots (indicate size when booking), crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, and ropes.
  • Full Board: 4 breakfasts, 5 box-lunch lunches, and 4 hot dinners prepared at the shelter (vegetarian/vegan options available upon request).
  • Transport: Private transfers Huaraz – Pashpa – Huaraz.
  • Cargo Logistics: Muleteers and donkeys for transporting shared equipment and your personal luggage to the refuge (maximum 15kg per person).
  • First Aid Kit: Includes a first aid kit for external use and safety protocols.
NOT INCLUDED
  • Travel Insurance: Insurance that covers high-mountain activities is strongly recommended.
  • Personal Clothing Gear: Thermal jackets, gloves, sunglasses, and an ascent backpack (review the gear list sent previously).
  • Headlamp essential for mountain ascent days
  • Gratuities: Optional for support staff and guides.
  • Important Recommendation
  • To ensure optimal acclimatization, we recommend that you have completed at least two day hikes above 4,000 meters (such as Laguna 69 or Wilcacocha) before embarking on this expedition.

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.