3-day Nevado Pisco climb from Huaraz: 5,752m peak

Climb to 5,752 meters and stand on a glacier peak with Huascarán in view

A 3-day mountaineering trip from Huaraz to summit Nevado Pisco (5,752m) in the Cordillera Blanca, with a qualified local guide, all meals, camping and donkeys to carry equipment. Day one is a 3-hour drive and 5-hour trek to base camp; day two starts before midnight and involves 9 hours of climbing to the summit and back; day three is a 4-hour descent and 3-hour drive to Huaraz. The moderate difficulty suits mountaineering beginners and those acclimatizing for higher peaks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Transfer and trek to Refugio Pisco

• Drive to Yungay and Llanganuco valley
• Trek from Cebollapampa to Refugio Peru
• Overnight at Refugio Peru

Day 2: Climb Nevado Pisco and return

• Leave Base Camp after midnight
• Climb moraine and glacier to peak
• Enjoy summit views
• Descend back to Refugio Peru
• Optional hike to Moraine Camp
• Overnight at Refugio Peru or Moraine Camp

Day 3: Descend and return to Huaraz

• Descend from Base Camp to Cebollapampa
• Hike to highway
• Drive back to Huaraz

The experience

You arrive in Huaraz and get picked up for a private drive through the Llanganuco valley to Cebollapampa, where the trek to base camp begins. The 5-hour hike climbs to Refugio Perú at 4,680 meters, a mountain hut where you sleep the first night. The views from camp already show Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoy and Chacraraju: the peaks that frame the climb ahead.

Day two starts a little after midnight. You leave base camp and cross the moraine to reach the glacier, then climb the long slope to the saddle and finally the summit at 5,752 meters. The whole push takes about 9 hours. From the top you see Huascarán, Peru's highest mountain, and the surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. The descent back to Refugio Perú happens the same day. If the altitude or the full climb feels like too much, you can stop at Moraine Camp (4,900m) instead, a 3- to 4-hour hike from base camp, and either return to the refuge or camp there overnight.

Day three is the return. An early descent takes 4 hours to reach Cebollapampa and the highway, then a 3-hour drive brings you back to Huaraz. A qualified local guide leads the whole trip in English or Spanish, a cook prepares all meals at camp, and donkeys carry the tents, kitchen gear and climbing equipment so you carry only a day pack. You sleep in a 2-person camping tent both nights.

What’s included

• Private transport from Huaraz to Cebollapampa and back.
• a qualified local guide speaking English or Spanish.
• all meals during the 3 days.
• a cook.
• donkeys and a donkey driver to carry gear.
• 2-person camping tents.
• kitchen equipment and camping setup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 23:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

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?Book this climb if you're staying in or arriving at Huaraz without a car. The tour includes pickup from your hotel and handles all transport to base camp and back. The 3-day schedule fits a tight itinerary. If you have more time and want to acclimatize longer before the summit push, a longer trip to a higher peak may suit you better.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

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 fit do I need to be to climb Nevado Pisco?

Nevado Pisco is moderate difficulty and suits mountaineering beginners, but you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The climb involves 9 hours of high-altitude movement on day two, and the trek to base camp is 5 hours uphill on day one. Most people acclimatize during the drive and first night before the summit push.

What happens if I can't do the full climb on day two?

You can stop at Moraine Camp (4,900m) instead, which takes 3 to 4 hours to reach from base camp. From there you can return to Refugio Perú the same day, or camp at the moraine overnight if you prefer not to make the descent.

What do I need to bring, and what does the tour provide?

The tour includes a 2-person camping tent, all meals, a cook, a qualified guide, donkeys to carry gear, and kitchen equipment. You need to bring personal climbing equipment (boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex jacket and pants) or arrange to rent or purchase it separately. The guide speaks English or Spanish.

Does the price include the entrance fee to Huascarán National Park?

No, the entrance fee to Huascarán National Park is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.

What's the drive like from Huaraz to base camp?

The drive takes about 3 hours through the Llanganuco valley to Cebollapampa, traveling via the Santa River valley and Yungay. From Cebollapampa you trek for 5 hours to reach Refugio Perú at 4,680 meters.

When do I need to arrive in Huaraz to start this climb?

You need to arrive in Huaraz on day one of the tour. The drive to base camp and the trek up happen that same day, so you should be ready for pickup in the morning. Overnight in Huaraz the night before is recommended to rest before the trek.