Mount Pisco (5,752 m)

Mount Pisco (5,752 m) in 3 days: very difficult climb with a rugged, long moraine, recommended as a 3rd summit for beginners with 360° Andean vistas.

Intermediate · ProgressionDemand: Very high

Duration

3 days

Max altitude

5,752 m

Season

May-Sep

Duration

3 days

Max altitude

5,752 m

Season

May-Sep

From Huaraz

3 h

Pisco isn't just a peak: it's where you become a mountaineer.

Looking for the most iconic and panoramic alpine mountaineering experience in Peru? Mount Pisco (5,752 m / 18,871 ft) is the undisputed classic of the Cordillera Blanca. Rated as very difficult due to its demanding, extensive rocky moraine traverse before the ice, it is celebrated as the finest 360-degree viewpoint in the Andes, revealing giants like Chacraraju, Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Artesonraju, and Huascarán.

The expedition starts at Cebollapampa in Llanganuco Valley, trekking to Base Camp near Refugio Perú (4,680 m). On summit morning, navigate a rugged, extensive granite moraine for 2 demanding hours before stepping onto the glacier. Roped up with crampons, ascend crisp snow slopes and the panoramic saddle to celebrate sunrise at the summit crest.

Widely recommended as the 3rd summit for beginners who have already climbed Mount Mateo, Ichic Ulta, or Vallunaraju (or Ishinca) and want to test their stamina on mixed terrain. Backed by official high-mountain guides with strict 1:2 ratios, pack animals for heavy gear, and hearty meals, this climb delivers an unforgettable summit.

Celebrated as the most spectacular 360° viewpoint in the Cordillera Blanca

Very difficult summit recommended as a 3rd peak for beginners

Demanding 2-hour rugged moraine traverse before stepping onto the glacier

Official specialized mountain guides with strict 1:2 ratio

Itinerary

3 days · 16h hiking · 2 nights overnight at camp

Day 1

Huaraz - Llanganuco - Cebollapampa - Pisco Base Camp (4,680 m)

Departure at 6:30 AM from Huaraz driving past Llanganuco lakes to Cebollapampa (3,900 m). Meet muleteers and pack animals. Hike up 3 to 4 hours along bridle trails to Base Camp / Refugio Perú (4,680 m). Warm dinner and gear preparation.

3,052 → 4,680 m4 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 2

Base Camp - Moraine - Mount Pisco Summit (5,752 m) - Base Camp

Departure at 12:00 AM, crossing the rocky moraine for 3 to 4 hours. Onto the glacier and rope up to pass the col and climb snow ramps to the summit (5,752 m) at sunrise. Enjoy the most celebrated 360° panorama in the Andes. Careful descent back to Base Camp to rest and have lunch.

4,680 → 5,752 → 4,680 m9 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 3 · Summit

Base Camp - Cebollapampa - Return to Huaraz

Leisurely breakfast at camp. A 2.5-hour descent down the valley to Cebollapampa, farewell to our support crew, and private vehicle transfer back to Huaraz by ~2:00 PM.

4,680 → 3,052 m3 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Private round-trip tourist transportation (Huaraz – Cebollapampa – 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 hot dinners).

Muleteers and pack animals to transport tents, cookware, and luggage bags 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, benches, and full 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 Perú (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 rigid leather compatible with crampons).

Calibrated semi-automatic or strap crampons with anti-balling plates.

Climbing harness with personal tether and 2 locking carabiners.

Certified mountaineering helmet.

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

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

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

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

Thick down jacket for summit night and camp.

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

Warm beanie / chullo and balaclava for freezing col winds.

Glacier glasses with category 4 UV protection and side shields.

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

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

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).