5-day Nevado Artesonraju climb from Huaraz: Paramount Peak

Climb to the summit of the mountain Paramount made famous

A 5-day mountaineering expedition from Huaraz to summit Nevado Artesonraju, the pyramidal 6,025-meter peak of the Cordillera Blanca known for its appearance in Paramount Pictures. The climb follows the North Ridge route via the northeast spur, ascending steep slopes of 40–60 degrees over approximately 8–9 hours from the moraine camp. A qualified local guide leads the expedition. Porters carry group equipment and help with logistics at altitude. All meals, camping tents, entrance fees to Huascaran National Park, and transportation from Huaraz are included. Acclimatization, personal climbing gear and tips for the local team are optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Transfer and hike to Amapampa Camp

• Breakfast in Huaraz
• Minibus to Santa Valley
• Private car to Portachuelo Pass
• Arrive at Vaqueria village
• Meet pack animals
• Short hike to Huaripampa camp
• Trek to Amapampa camp
• Overnight in tents

Day 2: Cross Punta Union Pass to Base Camp

• Breakfast at Amapampa camp
• Hike to Punta Union Pass
• Photo stop at pass
• Descend to Taullipampa Base Camp
• View Nevado Artesonraju
• Overnight in tents

Day 3: Trek to Artesonraju Moraine Camp

• Breakfast at Base Camp
• Carry personal equipment
• Climb moraine crest
• Arrive at Artesonraju Moraine Camp
• Overnight in tents

Day 4: Summit Artesonraju and descend

• Breakfast at Moraine Camp
• Climb North Ridge route
• Reach summit of Artesonraju
• Rest and take photos
• Descend to Moraine Camp
• Option to stay or descend to Base Camp
• Overnight in tents

Day 5: Descend to Cashapampa and return

• Early breakfast at Base Camp
• Hike down Santa Cruz Valley
• Arrive at Cashapampa village
• Minibus transfer to Huaraz
• Overnight in hotel

The experience

Can you actually climb Artesonraju without mountaineering experience? The answer depends on fitness and acclimatization. This expedition builds over five days: the first two days are trekking through the Santa Cruz Valley to establish your body at altitude, crossing Punta Union Pass at 4,750 meters and settling into Taullipampa Base Camp. The third day pushes higher to the Artesonraju Moraine Camp at 5,000 meters, a 4–5 hour climb through steep moraine terrain where you'll carry your own personal gear. Summit day comes on day four: the route climbs the North Ridge via the northeast spur, with slopes angled 40–60 degrees and sections requiring rappel on the descent. The ascent takes 8–9 hours. The descent 3–4 hours. If the group is tired, you stay another night at moraine camp. If everyone feels strong, you drop back to base camp the same day.

The expedition includes a Peruvian qualified guide who speaks English or Spanish, high-altitude porters (one porter per two climbers), a cook, donkey driver and pack animals to move camp supplies, all meals, camping tents for two people, and entrance fees to Huascaran National Park. Transportation runs from Huaraz via minibus to the trailhead at Vaqueria and back after the descent from Cashapampa. What you bring yourself (boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, insulated mat, and Goretex jacket and pants) can be rented separately if you don't own them. The operator recommends high physical fitness. The expedition is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy. Minimum age is 18.

The route itself splits the climb into manageable stages. Days one and two move through valleys and over passes, letting your body adjust to altitude gain. By day three, the moraine climb is steep and demanding but short, only 4–5 hours, so you arrive at camp with energy left. Summit day is early and focused: you leave moraine camp in darkness, climb the ridge in daylight, and either return to camp or descend all the way depending on how the group feels. The final day is a 6-hour trek down through the Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa, where the minibus picks you up for the drive back to Huaraz and a night in a hotel.

What’s included

• Peruvian qualified guide in English or Spanish.
• high-altitude porters (one per two climbers).
• cook and kitchen equipment.
• donkey driver and pack animals.
• all meals throughout the expedition.
• camping tents for two people.
• entrance fees to Huascaran National Park.
• transportation from Huaraz to the trailhead and back to the hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?The expedition departs from Huaraz with minibus transport to the trailhead, so you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach the mountains. You meet the guide and porters at the starting point. This setup works whether you're staying in town or arriving by bus from elsewhere in Peru.

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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 much altitude gain happens each day on this climb?

Day one reaches 4,250 meters at Amapampa Camp (roughly 400 meters above the starting point). Day two crosses Punta Union Pass at 4,750 meters and descends to Taullipampa Base Camp at 4,250 meters. Day three climbs to Artesonraju Moraine Camp at 5,000 meters. Summit day ascends from 5,000 meters to the peak at 6,025 meters (a 1,025-meter push), then descends back to either moraine camp or base camp.

What is the North Ridge route like on Artesonraju?

The North Ridge via the northeast spur climbs steep slopes angled 40–60 degrees, avoiding crevasses and seracs to the left of the ridge. The ascent takes approximately 8–9 hours from moraine camp. Conditions vary year to year, and sections of the descent use rappel. At the summit you see the neighboring peaks of Huascaran North and South, Huandoys, and Santa Cruz.

Do I need my own climbing equipment or can I rent it?

Personal climbing gear (boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, insulated mat, and Goretex jacket and pants) is not included in the expedition price. You can bring your own or arrange rental separately. The operator does not provide these items as part of the package.

What happens if the group is too tired to descend on summit day?

If participants are exhausted after reaching the peak, the expedition stays another night at Artesonraju Moraine Camp and descends the next morning. If everyone feels strong, the group usually descends all the way to Taullipampa Base Camp the same day, completing the summit and descent in one push.

Are meals provided throughout the 5 days?

Yes, all meals during the expedition are included. A cook travels with the group and prepares food at each camp. Kitchen equipment is provided as part of the expedition logistics.