Nevado Mateo Summit: One-day guided ascent in Cordillera Blanca

Reach a high alpine peak on a beginner-friendly route with all the technical gear you need

A one-day guided ascent of Nevado Mateo in Peru's Cordillera Blanca, departing Huaraz at 3:00 a.m. with a certified mountain guide, technical equipment (helmet, harness, crampons, boots), and transport to Paso Punta Olimpica. The climb is technically easy and popular for acclimatization before attempting higher summits like Huascarán. You must test the mountain gear at the operator's office one day before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ascent to Nevado Mateo Summit

• Pick up at hotel at 3:00am
• Drive 2.5 hours to Paso Punta Olimpica
• Begin guided ascent to Nevado Mateo
• Hike approximately 4 hours
• Enjoy summit views of Cordillera Blanca peaks
• Drive back to Huaraz, about 2 hours

The experience

Nevado Mateo is designed for climbers new to high altitude and technical mountaineering. The route covers about 4 hours of hiking after a 2.5-hour drive from Huaraz to the trailhead at Paso Punta Olimpica (4,736 m), then ascends to the summit at 5,150 m. A certified AGOMP Peruvian mountain guide leads the climb and manages the technical sections using crampons and ice axes on the snow. The full day runs roughly 10 to 12 hours from hotel pickup to return.

All mountain equipment is provided: helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons, and La Sportiva boots or equivalent brands, plus gloves. Transport includes a permit to Huascarán National Park and a vehicle with a driver who knows the route. The guide speaks English or Spanish. You do not bring your own climbing gear: the operator supplies it, but you must visit the office the day before to fit and test everything (boots, harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet). This appointment is mandatory. You cannot join the climb without it. Personal clothing (Gore-Tex mountain pants, Gore-Tex jacket, down jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen). You provide yourself.

Groups of more than four people qualify for a special rate. Departures run daily at 3:00 a.m., so the climb fits into a single calendar day. The views from the summit take in Peru's highest peaks: Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Ulta and Contrahierbas. This ascent works well as a warm-up before attempting more demanding summits in the range.

What’s included

• Certified high mountain guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• mountain equipment including helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons and La Sportiva boots.
• tourist transport with permit to Huascarán National Park.
• hotel pickup at 3:00 a.m. and return transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 23:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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 6 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups and solo climbers fit this tour equally well. The certified guide manages the technical sections, so experience level does not matter. Book this one if you want to test yourself at altitude before committing to a higher peak, or if you prefer a guided ascent where all the gear and logistics are arranged in advance.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

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.

Can I climb Nevado Mateo if I've never done high-altitude mountaineering before?

Yes. Nevado Mateo is technically easy and designed for beginners. The guide manages the rope work and technical sections, and the altitude (5,150 m) is moderate for acclimatization before attempting Peru's higher peaks.

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

The operator provides helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons, boots and gloves. You bring personal clothing: Gore-Tex mountain pants and jacket, down jacket, hat, gloves, UV-protected sunglasses and sunscreen. You must also bring a first aid kit.

Why do I have to test the mountain gear before the climb?

Testing the boots, harness, crampons, ice axe and helmet at the office one day prior ensures proper fit and that you know how to use each piece safely. This appointment is required. You cannot join without it.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The tour departs your hotel at 3:00 a.m. and runs 10 to 12 hours total, including a 2.5-hour drive to the trailhead, about 4 hours of hiking to the summit, and the return journey.

What mountains can I see from the Nevado Mateo summit?

From 5,150 m, you see Huascarán (Peru's highest peak), Chopicalqui, Ulta and Contrahierbas across the Cordillera Blanca.

Do groups get a discount?

Yes. Groups of more than four people qualify for a special offer on the per-person rate.