2-day Nevado Vallunaraju climb from Huaraz: Summit at 5,686m

You climb through the night to reach the summit before dawn.

A 2-day shared group climb of Nevado Vallunaraju (5,686 m) from Huaraz, Peru, with a qualified local guide in English or Spanish, all technical gear, meals, camping tents and porters included. Day one is a two-hour hike from the Llaca Valley to Moraine Camp at 4,900 m for acclimatization. Day two departs camp at 2–3 am to reach the summit by 8 am, then descends to the valley for the return to Huaraz. Minimum age is 18. Moderate fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Huaraz to Moraine Camp hike

• Leave Huaraz by private transport
• Hike to Moraine Camp (4900 m)
• Overnight in tents at Moraine Camp

Day 2: Summit Nevado Vallunaraju and return

• Leave Moraine Camp at 2-3 am
• Climb to Nevado Vallunaraju summit (5686 m)
• Return to Llaca Valley
• Transfer back to Huaraz

The experience

Can you climb Nevado Vallunaraju if you've never done a high-altitude peak before? Yes, that's exactly what this climb is built for. At 5,686 m, Vallunaraju sits high enough to feel like a real Andes summit but stays accessible to climbers with no prior mountaineering experience. The route from Huaraz takes you from the Llaca Valley (3,850 m) on a two-hour hike to Moraine Camp, where you spend the night in a tent and let your body adjust to the altitude before the push to the top. The pace on day one is deliberately slow. The guide keeps the group moving at a rhythm that prevents exhaustion and lets acclimatization happen naturally.

Day two starts in darkness. You leave camp at 2–3 am and climb toward the summit, reaching it by around 8 am. The timing matters: you summit early, avoid afternoon weather, and descend the same day back to the Llaca Valley where transport waits to drive you to Huaraz. The climb itself is steep and long, but the guide and porters are there to keep the pace manageable. All technical gear comes with you (boots, ice ax, crampons, harness), so you don't need to own or rent separately. Meals are cooked at camp. Breakfast fuels the summit day.

The group stays small: two climbers share one porter, which means support on the mountain and someone to help carry gear. You meet at the operator's office in Huaraz a day or two before departure to check your personal mountain gear and make sure everything fits. If you have dietary needs, let them know in advance so the kitchen can plan accordingly.

What’s included

• All technical mountaineering gear including boots, ice ax, crampons and harness.
• camping tents for two people.
• dinner and breakfast.
• a qualified local guide in English or Spanish.
• porters (one porter per two climbers).
• transport from Huaraz to the Llaca Valley and return.
• kitchen equipment and cooks at camp.
• entry tickets.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 23:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 50 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that matches your comfort level before booking. This climb suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants a real high-altitude summit without prior mountaineering experience, and the shared group format keeps costs down while the small porter-to-climber ratio ensures support on the mountain.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I know if I'm fit enough for Nevado Vallunaraju?

Moderate physical fitness is the requirement. The climb is designed for beginners to high-altitude mountaineering. The slow pace on day one and the early-morning start on day two are structured so your body can adjust. If you have cardiovascular concerns, spinal injuries, or are pregnant, this climb is not suitable.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring myself?

The climb includes all technical mountaineering gear (boots, ice ax, crampons, harness), camping tents, meals (dinner and breakfast), a qualified guide, porters, transport from Huaraz to the Llaca Valley and back, and entry tickets. You bring personal items like clothing layers, sunscreen and toiletries. The operator recommends checking your personal gear at the office before day one.

What time do we actually start climbing on day two?

You leave Moraine Camp at 2–3 am to reach the summit by approximately 8 am. The early departure lets you climb in cooler conditions and descend before afternoon weather moves in.

Is the guide fluent in English?

Yes, the guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can choose the language that works for you when you book.

How long is the hike to Moraine Camp on day one?

The hike from the Llaca Valley (3,850 m) to Moraine Camp (4,900 m) takes about two hours. The trail is steep, but the guide keeps the pace slow so you don't tire and can begin adjusting to the altitude.