Mateo Peak glacier hike from Huaraz: Sunrise summit with crampons

Hike steep moraine, rope up on glacier, stand on the summit before breakfast

A private glacier hike from Huaraz that starts before dawn and reaches Mateo Peak at 5,150m shortly after sunrise. You climb moraine rock for an hour, then rope in with crampons for 90 minutes on the glacier itself, with a certified mountain guide leading throughout. The full day runs about ten hours from hotel pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Summit Mateo Glacier and return

• Pickup from hotel at 3AM
• Drive 2h30 to Punta Olimpica trailhead
• Hike 1h on steep moraine rocks
• Hike 1h30 on glacier with crampons
• Summit Mateo glacier at 5150m
• Descend 1h30 from summit
• Drive back to Huaraz
• Arrive in Huaraz around noon

The experience

The day begins at 3am when a private car collects you from your hotel in Huaraz. The drive to Punta Olimpica trailhead takes two and a half hours, arriving as the first light touches the sky. Your certified mountain guide meets you there and you start hiking immediately: an hour of steep moraine rocks, then an hour and a half roped together on the glacier with crampons on your boots and a safety line connecting you to the guide. The summit sits at 5,150 meters, and you reach it shortly after sunrise.

After time on the peak, the descent takes roughly ninety minutes. You're back in the car for the drive down to Huaraz, arriving between noon and 1pm. The entire outing (pickup, drive, climb, summit, descent and return) spans about ten hours. Technical equipment including crampons and the safety rope comes with the guide. What you bring is water, snacks and layers for the cold at altitude.

What’s included

• Certified mountain guide in English or Spanish.
• private car pickup from your Huaraz hotel at 3am and return by early afternoon.
• crampons, safety rope and all technical climbing equipment.
• access to Mateo Peak at 5,150 meters.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 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 5 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Andean Summit Multiservicios S.R.L.

Is this one for you?This is a private hike with a guide managing the rope and the route, which suits someone on their first glacier and anyone who wants the security of a certified expert on the ice. If you prefer to move at your own pace without a rope or guide, this isn't the fit, but if you want the summit with professional safety and instruction, the private format and early timing make the full day possible before you're back in town for lunch.

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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.

What's the hike actually like on the glacier itself?

You're roped to your certified guide the whole time you're on the ice. The route follows the glacier for about ninety minutes with crampons strapped to your boots, moving over snow and ice toward the summit. The guide manages the rope and the pace.

Why does the hike start at 3am?

The early start gets you to the trailhead at first light and to the summit shortly after sunrise. That timing avoids afternoon weather and keeps the full day (drive, hike, descent and return) inside ten hours.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The guide supplies crampons, the safety rope, and all technical climbing equipment. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and warm layers. The temperature at 5,150 meters is well below what it is in Huaraz.

Is this suitable if I've never done a glacier hike before?

Yes. The guide is certified and stays with you the entire time on the ice. The route is straightforward, and the hike is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The main requirement is the ability to walk uphill for several hours at altitude.

What happens if weather turns bad?

The guide assesses conditions at the trailhead and on the glacier. If conditions become unsafe, the guide makes the call to turn back. You'd still pay for the full outing since the pickup, drive and guide time are already spent.