5-day mountain rescue course in Huaraz: Technical skills

Train for mountain rescue at high altitude with live instructors and real-world scenarios

A 5-day technical mountain rescue course in Huaraz teaches wilderness first aid, rope systems, glacier progression, and helicopter evacuation through classroom instruction and high-altitude field training. Participants train on an indoor climbing wall, then move to Nevado Mateo Glacier at 4,900 meters and the summit at 5,150 meters, culminating in a full-scale rescue simulation with stretcher evacuation. The course includes international mountain rescue instructors, technical equipment, and a certificate ceremony. Personal climbing gear is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: WFR Refresher in Huaraz

• Attend WFR certification course
• Learn first aid for remote areas

Day 2: Technical Review and Fundamentals

• Install training center
• Inspect technical equipment
• Practice knots and rope systems
• Review operational basics

Day 3: Anchors, Pulleys, and Self-Rescue

• Train on anchor systems
• Practice mechanical pulleys
• Learn self-rescue techniques
• Simulate mountain conditions

Day 4: High-Altitude Glacier Training

• Depart early for glacier training
• Practice glacier progression
• Install ice anchors
• Perform crevasse rescue
• Train with Kong stretcher
• Practice helicopter boarding

Day 5: Rescue Simulation and Closing

• Depart early for rescue simulation
• Conduct full-scale rescue from summit
• Descend glacier and rock
• Arrive at evacuation base
• Perform helicopter extraction
• Attend closing ceremony
• Receive certificates

The experience

The course runs five consecutive days in Huaraz, starting with a Wilderness First Responder certification (8 am to 5 pm) that covers remote-area first aid and trauma response when hospital access is limited. Days two and three move to an indoor climbing wall for technical fundamentals: knot systems, rope rigging, anchor installation, mechanical pulleys, and self-rescue techniques, each day running 8 am to 6 pm. The training emphasizes efficiency, risk control, and team coordination before moving to the mountains.

Days four and five shift to the high-altitude environment. On day four, you depart Huaraz at 2 am for Nevado Mateo Glacier at 4,900 meters, where you practice glacier progression, ice anchor installation, and crevasse rescue using a Kong stretcher. Day five begins at 2 am for the summit at 5,150 meters, where a comprehensive rescue simulation runs from the peak through glacier and rock descent to the evacuation base in the Punta Olímpica area, including helicopter boarding exercises for casualty transport. The course closes at 8 pm in Huaraz with a certificate ceremony and official evaluation.

International mountain rescue instructors lead all sessions in English, Spanish, or German. The program supplies technical rescue materials including ropes, stretchers (Kong and Skedco models), a hyperbaric chamber bag, and medical equipment (oximeter, first aid kit, radio, blood pressure monitor, oxygen). Private transportation covers all scheduled movements. Starlink satellite internet keeps communication open during field days. Participants need at least moderate physical fitness. The course is not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Wilderness First Responder certification.
• technical training on rope systems, anchors, pulleys, and self-rescue on an indoor climbing wall.
• high-altitude glacier and crevasse rescue practice with Kong and Skedco stretchers.
• full-scale rescue simulation with helicopter evacuation.
• international mountain rescue instructors in English, Spanish, or German.
• medical equipment including oximeter, first aid kit, radio, blood pressure monitor, and oxygen.
• Starlink satellite internet.
• private transportation for all scheduled movements.
• five nights accommodation at Hotel Rubi.
• certificate ceremony with local authorities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to1d before

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

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

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.

Prices and times updated 5 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 course departs Huaraz at 2 am on days four and five for high-altitude glacier work, so you stay in town and travel with the group. Private transport covers all movements, eliminating the need to arrange your own access to the mountains or coordinate logistics between training sites.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

What does the Wilderness First Responder certification cover on day one?

The WFR is an international remote-area first aid course designed for guides and rescuers. Day one covers medical and trauma emergency response when hospital access is limited or delayed, running 8 am to 5 pm in Huaraz.

Where does the high-altitude training take place?

Days four and five use Nevado Mateo Glacier at 4,900 meters and the summit at 5,150 meters. Day four focuses on glacier progression and crevasse rescue. Day five includes a full rescue simulation from the summit through evacuation to the Punta Olímpica area.

What rescue equipment does the course provide?

The program supplies Kong and Skedco stretchers, ropes, a hyperbaric chamber bag, and medical gear including an oximeter, first aid kit, radio, blood pressure monitor, and oxygen. Personal climbing equipment such as boots, ice ax, crampons, and sleeping bag is optional and can be arranged at checkout.

What happens on the final day?

Day five begins at 2 am with a full-scale rescue simulation starting from the 5,150-meter summit. Participants practice stretcher evacuation through glacier and rock descent to the base, then helicopter extraction. The course closes at 8 pm in Huaraz with a certificate ceremony and presence of local authorities.