vALLUNARAJU SUMMIT
5,686
Two days to reach one of the most beautiful peaks of the Cordillera Blanca
Your first respectable five-thousander
Nevado Vallunaraju (5,686 m) is one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed in just two days from Huaraz, without requiring any prior high-altitude technical experience.
Its quick access via the Quebrada Llaca, only 90 minutes from the city, and its well-defined glacier route make it the most complete and rewarding introductory climb in the Peruvian Andes.
Technical specifications
| Details | Specification |
|---|---|
| Expedition Name | Ascent of Nevado Vallunaraju — North Summit |
| Maximum Altitude | 5686 m / 18,655 ft |
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night (Minimum 2 days of acclimatization in Huaraz recommended) |
| Technical Difficulty | PD (Moderate). Suitable for beginners in good physical condition. No prior glacier experience required. |
| Location | Quebrada Llaca, Huascarán National Park, Cordillera Blanca, Peru |
| Season | May – October |
| Available Dates | June 27 and 28, 2026 Want a different date? Inquire about a private expedition. |
Why Vallunaraju with us?
- The most accessible glacial peak in the Cordillera Blanca: 90 minutes from Huaraz.
- Ideal for beginners and acclimatization: perfect if it’s your first snow climb, or if you’re preparing for a more demanding summit like Chopicalqui or Huascarán.
- 360° views from the summit: Huascarán (6,768m), Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Ranrapalca, and the entire city of Huaraz and the Callejón de Huaylas valley at your feet.
- You’ll have a technical high-altitude mountaineering experience: crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
- UIAGM/AGMP guide: the highest international standard of mountain guide certification, present at every step of the glacier.
- Complete 2-day expedition. Ideal for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss out on a real adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
This itinerary begins after your recommended acclimatization period in Huaraz (3100m). At least two days of prior high-altitude hiking (Laguna Churup, Laguna 69, or equivalent) is recommended.
Day 1: Huaraz (3100m) → Laca Refuge (4474m)
- Departure by private transport from Huaraz to the Llaca Valley—an approximately 90-minute journey through spectacular Andean landscapes. Registration for Huascarán National Park, lunch, and rest at the Llaca Refuge.
Day 2: SUMMIT DAY — Refuge → Vallunaraju Summit (5686m) → Huaraz
- Departure around 1:00 AM. We will ascend to Moraine Camp and then to the base of the glacier. Upon reaching the glacier, we will equip ourselves with crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and ropes, roped up with the guide.
- The ascent up the glacier is gradual, over moderately steep slopes of snow and ice. The last 60 meters before the summit are more exposed and require total concentration. Our guide will be with you every step of the way.
- Around 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., with the Andean sunrise illuminating the entire horizon, you’ll reach 5,686 meters above sea level. From the summit of Vallunaraju, you can admire Huascarán (6,768 m), Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Ranrapalca, and, on clear days, the entire city of Huaraz and the Callejón de Huaylas in all their splendor.
- Descent via the same route to Moraine Camp and then to the refuge. Private transportation back to Huaraz.
Investment and what it includes
Investment for your summit:
$550 USD per person.
Important:
- Price based on a group departure.
- Next confirmed date: June 27 and 28, 2026.
- Contact us to inquire about other scheduled dates.
- If you would like a private expedition, please contact us.
What’s Included
- UIAGM/AGMP Guide: Internationally certified Official Mountain Guide—the highest standard in the profession.
- Private transportation: Round-trip transfers from Huaraz to Quebrada Llaca.
- Group technical equipment: Climbing ropes, ice axes, ice screws, emergency communication radio, and first-aid kit.
Not Included
- Accommodation and meals at the Llaca refuge.
- Huascarán National Park entrance fee (mandatory for foreign tourists).
- International flights and accommodation in Huaraz before and after the expedition.
- Meals in Huaraz on the days before and after the expedition.
- Personal high-altitude equipment: Boots, warm technical clothing, glacier glasses, ice axe, crampons. (Available for rent from us).
- Tips.
Requirements to participate
- Good general physical condition.
- No prior experience in glacier or ice climbing is required. The guide will teach basic crampon and ice axe techniques directly in the field.
- A minimum of two days of acclimatization in Huaraz (3100m) is required before the start of the expedition. Completing at least one prior high-altitude trek (Laguna Churup, Laguna 69, or equivalent above 4000m) is recommended.
- Ability to carry your personal backpack (8-12 kg) during the ascent and descent.
- A positive attitude, willingness to follow the guide’s instructions at all times, and respect for the natural environment of Huascarán National Park are essential.
The summit of Vallunaraju awaits you.
