Chopicalqui and Pisco!

Join us in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru for some fantastic climbing on peaks up to nearly 6400m/21,000 ft. high. We will climb Pisco first (5752m/18,871ft), and then attempt the nearby Chopicalqui (6354m/20,846ft) second. The setting is spectacular, with these and many other jagged high peaks covered in snow, with lush meadows and grasslands below, in addition to crystal clear blue lakes. These peaks are excellent training for higher altitude climbs and are great for building upon technical climbing skills such as cramponing, rope travel, and ice axe technique. We have ample time for acclimatization and utilize high camps to position us for the summit attempts. This is one of our favorite programs in the Andes. The local Peruvians / Quechuas we work with are very positive and engaging, and we are blessed to share time with them in the mountains at our base camp and the high camps.
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Cordillera Blanca of Peru – Pisco and Chopicalqui

Date(s)
  • June 15 - 30, 2026
Cost USD 5,950 (min. group size of 4)
Deposit USD 1,800

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru [no meals included]

Day 2: Lima – Huaraz [B]

Day 3: Acclimatization Day. Huaraz 3100 m – Churup Lake 4450 m – Huaraz [B/BL]

Day 4: Huaraz – Yuraccorral 3850 m – Lake 69 – Yuraccoral [B/L/D]

Day 5: Yuraccoral 3850 m – Base Camp 4650 m – Morraine Camp [B/L/D]

Day 6: Base Camp – Summit Nevado Pisco 5752 m – Base Camp [B/L/D]

Day 7: Base Camp – Yurraccoral Mountain [B/L/D]

Day 8: Rest Day [B/L/D]

Day 9: Yuraccoral – Base camp 4350 m [B/L/D]

Day 10: Base camp 4350 m – Moraine Camp 4900 m [B/L/D]

Day 11: Moraine Camp – High Camp 5380 m [B/L/D]

Day 12: Chopicalqui Summit day! High Camp – Summit Chopicalqui 6354 m – Moraine Camp [B/L/D]

Day 13: Contingency Day [B/L/D]

Day 14: Moraine Camp – Huaraz. We pack up camp, and make the short hike to our private bus, then drive back to Huaraz where we check into our hotel and enjoy the comforts of civilization! [B/L]

Day 15: Huaraz – Lima (Private transport to airport) [B]

Meals stated in itinerary [B=Breakfast, BL=Box Lunch, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]. Vegetarian or special diets can easily be arranged in advance.

High Peaks of Peru

  • June 15 - 30, 2026
Cost: USD 5,950
Deposit: USD 1,800

Costs Include:

  • Transfer airport / hotel / airport – Lima
  • Hotel Pulman in Lima *****, 2 nights according to the program nights.
  • Double room with breakfast included
  • Private transfer Lima – Huaraz – Lima
  • Transfer/bus station/Hotel – Lima
  • Transfer hotel / bus station – Huaraz Hotel
  • Hotel Andino in Huaraz ***, 3 nights according to the program nights.Double room with breakfast included
  • Tour of Acclimatization
  • Certified Peruvian Mountain guide (UIAGM – AGMP) Ratio – Pisco 1:3 / Chopicalqui 1:2
  • Cook
  • Group porter (tents and food)
  • Donkey driver and Donkeys
  • Entrance fee National Park Huascaran
  • Private transportation Huaraz / according to the program / Huaraz
  • Complete meals during the trek program and climbing program
  • Kitchen / dinning tent
  • Cooking equipment
  • Collective technical equipment
  • Tent for 2 Person
  • Toilette tent
  • First Aid

Costs Do Not Include:

  • Bank transfer fees, if applicable
  • Airfare to Peru
  • Meals in Lima or Huaraz
  • All expenses incurred for an early departure from the expedition
  • Trip cancelation insurance or the required medical evacuation insurance
  • Personal items (see gear list)
  • Personal porter (for personal equipment). Extra cost: 75 USD per day
  • American mountain guide

Cancellation/Refund Policy

  • There are no refunds for the deposit or balance payments for this expedition. This includes but is not limited to, expeditions that conclude without reaching or making progress towards expedition objective(s) (for example, the summit) due to route conditions, weather, insufficient manpower, or any other factor outside the control of Madison Mountaineering.
  • Expedition leader has the final say on the expedition conclusion and will make all best efforts towards reaching expedition objective(s) within our margin of safety.
  • Participants that choose to leave an active expedition for any reason are not entitled to any refunds
  • Madison Mountaineering, LLC highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions
  • Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Madison Mountaineering must adhere to a stringent refund policy
  • Deposit due with registration materials
  • All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified
  • Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their funds and their place on the expedition

Note: Madison Mountaineering, LLC reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible. Deposits paid by participants acknowledge the above cancellation terms.

Print Gear List


Base Layers

  • Synthetic Short Underwear (1-2 pair): non-cotton style underwear
  • Lightweight Long Underwear (1-2 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
  • Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
  • Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)

Mid Layers

  • Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
  • Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
  • Mid-Layer Top: lightweight layer for use over base layers
  • Lightweight Nylon Pants

Windproof/Rain Layers

  • Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
  • Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants

Insulation Layers

  • Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket with hood
  • Insulated Pants

Headwear

  • Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
  • Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
  • Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
  • Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun

Eyewear

  • Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
  • Ski Goggles: to be worn in the event of high winds – (2nd pair optional)

Gloves

  • Lightweight Synthetic Base Layer Gloves (2 pair): for wearing on warm days
  • Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
  • Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: to wear for severe cold/strong wind
  • Expedition Mitts: large enough to fit a liner glove inside

Footwear

  • Liner Socks (3 pairs)
  • Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Hiking Shoes/Boots: comfortable hiking boots
  • Gaiters

Sleeping Equipment

  • Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -20°F
  • Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: full length is preferred
  • Closed-cell Foam Pad: to be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping
  • Earplugs

Mountaineering Gear

  • Expedition Backpack: approximately 65L
  • Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc. in your pack
  • Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
  • Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
  • Trekking Poles with Snow Baskets: adjustable
  • Ice Axe: general mountaineering tool (65cm)
  • Crampons: general mountaineering crampons
  • Climbing Helmet: must be able to fit over your warm hat
  • Alpine Climbing Harness: mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops. Not a rock-climbing “sport” harness
  • Carabineers: 2 regular, 4 locking
  • Belay/Rappel Device
  • Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries

Travel Items

  • Large Duffel Bag with Lock: for transporting gear
  • Small Duffel Bag with Lock: to store items in the hotel(s) while on the climb
  • Travel Clothes and Shoes: for days in cities and towns
  • Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
  • U.S. cash: for currency exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and towns

Additional Food Items

  • Snack Food: bring a few days supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good

Other Equipment

  • Cup: plastic 16 oz. minimum cup or mug
  • Bowl: large plastic bowl for eating dinner or breakfast
  • Spoon: plastic spoon (Lexan)
  • Water Bottles (2): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
  • Water Bottle Parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
  • Water Treatment
  • Thermos (optional): 1 liter
  • Hand and Toe Warmers
  • Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
  • Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
  • Toiletry Bag: include toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizer (2 small bottles)
  • Pee Bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
  • Female Urination Device (FUD)
  • Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
  • Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, etc.
  • Medications and Prescriptions: bring personal medications, antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.
  • Handkerchiefs/Bandanas (optional)

Optional Electronics

Madison Mountaineering is recognized for well thought out strategy in leading high altitude climbing expeditions, as well as high-quality service throughout. We have two decades of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions, our reputation is excellent. We strive to make each expedition the best possible experience for our climbers and focus on our 3 primary goals of success in reaching the summit, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.

Our guides are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, having a strong grasp of technical climbing, expedition, and high altitude experience, along with strong interpersonal skills. Our teams are small and equipped with the best support available to ensure the highest chance of success. We are renowned for our comfortable base camps, high-quality food, first-rate communications, and medical support services, all of which are overseen by a professional member of our team.

Most of our climbers have either climbed with us before, been referred by a friend who has climbed with us, or met one of our teams while attempting another peak and decided to join us for their next expedition. We work hard to facilitate safe, successful, and enjoyable expeditions for all of our climbers. Our track record and past climber testimonials prove we are highly competent experts in our field and love what we do!

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