Mount Ishinca (5,530 m)

Climb Mount Ishinca (5,530 m) in 3 days: a challenging glacier peak recommended as a 2nd mountain for those starting out in mountaineering.

Intro · First 5,000 mDemand: High

Duration

3 days

Max altitude

5,530 m

Season

Apr-Dec

Duration

3 days

Max altitude

5,530 m

Season

Apr-Dec

From Huaraz

1.5 h

Easy access, eternal glory. Mount Ishinca, 5,530 m a.s.l.

Looking for a rewarding alpine glacier climb surrounded by massive 6,000-meter peaks? Mount Ishinca (5,530 m / 18,143 ft) is widely recommended as an ideal second mountain for those starting out in mountaineering and Andean climbing. Situated in the renowned Ishinca Valley, it delivers an authentic high-altitude climbing experience with rolling snowfields and dramatic close-ups of Mount Tocllaraju and Ranrapalca.

Departing from the pastoral village of Pashpa, we hike through ancient quenual forests and mountain rivers to establish camp at the expansive Ishinca Base Camp (4,350 m). On summit morning, navigate past the turquoise waters of Lake Ishinca and across the rocky moraine onto the open glacier. Roped up with crampons and ice axes, climb gradual snow slopes and a scenic final crest to stand atop the summit just as the morning light ignites the neighboring peaks.

The ideal challenge for climbers who have already summited Mount Mateo and are ready for their second mountain ascent in a 3-day base camp format. With our official high-mountain guides maintaining strict 1:2 safety ratios, pack mules handling heavy gear, and nourishing hot meals prepared daily, your Andean climbing dream is in expert hands.

5,530 m glacier peak recommended as a 2nd mountain for beginners

Located in the Ishinca Valley, the heart of mountaineering in Huaraz

Spectacular front-row views of giants like Tocllaraju, Ranrapalca, and Palcaraju

Official specialized mountain guides with strict 1:2 ratio

Itinerary

3 days · 18h hiking · 2 nights overnight at camp

Day 1

Huaraz - Pashpa - Ishinca Valley Base Camp (4,350 m)

Departure at 7:00 AM from Huaraz by private vehicle to the village of Pashpa (3,400 m). Meet muleteers and pack animals. A 4 to 5-hour hike ascending alongside the Ishinca river through quenual forests brings us to Base Camp (4,350 m). Hot dinner in the mess tent and overnight.

3,052 → 4,350 m5 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 2

Base Camp - Moraine - Mount Ishinca Summit (5,530 m) - Base Camp

Summit push at 2:00 AM. Ascend past Lake Ishinca to the rocky moraine (2.5 hours). Step onto the glacier and rope up to climb 35° to 40° snow slopes to reach the summit (5,530 m) at sunrise. Spectacular panoramic views of Tocllaraju and Ranrapalca. Descent back to Base Camp for lunch and relaxation.

4,350 → 5,530 → 4,350 m9 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 3 · Summit

Base Camp - Pashpa - Return to Huaraz

Breakfast at camp while muleteers load the duffel bags onto pack animals. A pleasant 3.5-hour downhill hike back to Pashpa. Board our private vehicle and return to Huaraz by ~1:30 PM.

4,350 → 3,052 m4 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Private round-trip tourist transportation (Huaraz – Pashpa – Huaraz).

Official tourism guide specialized in high mountain (safety ratio: max 2 climbers per guide).

Professional mountain cook and full camp meals (hearty breakfasts, trail lunches, afternoon teas, and nutritious hot dinners).

Muleteers and pack animals to carry tents, kitchen gear, and heavy duffels to Base Camp.

4-season mountain tents (2 climbers per tent) and dining tent with table and chairs.

Group technical gear: dynamic climbing ropes, snow pickets, and ice screws.

High-altitude medical kit, pulse oximeter, and medical oxygen tank.

Sleeping bag rated to -15 °C and insulated inflatable sleeping pad.

4-season expedition tents (2 people per tent).

Spacious dining tent with table, chairs, and full camp tableware.

Certified dynamic ropes, ice screws, and snow pickets.

Medical oxygen tank and pulse oximeter.

Not included

Huascarán National Park entrance fee (S/. 60 foreigners / S/. 30 Peruvians for 2-3 days).

Lodging or meals inside Refugio Ishinca (our package includes private tent camp).

Personal technical climbing gear (available for rent: boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet).

Mountain accident, medical, and rescue insurance.

Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers.

Rigid mountaineering boots (plastic or leather with crampon welts).

Semi-automatic or strap crampons with anti-balling plates.

Climbing harness with personal tether and 2 locking carabiners.

Cold-weather sleeping bag (recommended comfort: -10 °C to -15 °C).

Certified mountaineering helmet.

Insulated inflatable sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest type to isolate from ground dampness).

3-layer system: breathable thermal base, fleece/warm mid-layer, and waterproof shell (Gore-Tex).

Thick down jacket for summit night and camp.

30-35 L summit pack for the climb and duffel bag for pack animals.

Two pairs of gloves: thin thermal liners and thick waterproof mountaineering gloves.

Glacier glasses with category 4 UV protection and side shields.

Headlamp (at least 250 lumens) with fresh spare batteries.

1-liter stainless steel thermos for hot tea and reusable water bottle.

Warm beanie / chullo and balaclava for freezing glacier winds.

Classic alpine ice axe.

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).