Rachel is a travel writer and artist with a passion for hiking in the mountains. She has spent many months trekking in the mountains of South America, from the Peruvian Andes to the wilds of Patagonia.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2.2 km
- Duration: Three to four hours
- Max elevation: 5,150 m
- Start/end point: Conchucos Valley
Short, sweet, and easily accessible, Nevado Mateo is a mild and non-technical glacier hike to the 5,150 metre summit. Mateo is ideal for first-time climbers or as a warm-up excursion for altitude acclimatisation if you’re preparing for larger peaks. While the terrain is not technically challenging, do not underestimate scrambling over rocky terrain and through potentially deep snow above 4,000 metres. It is not for the faint of heart! Rest assured that the challenge is well worth the suffering, as panoramic views of Nevado Poroquingua, Chopicalqui and the Pucahirca, Chacraraju, and Contrahierbas massifs wait at the summit.
The first portion is a solid combination of steep, exposed, rocky incline, large rock scrambles, and one precarious, exposed rock ledge, usually covered in snow and ice. There are bolts here in case you’d like to clip in for belay as an extra safety precaution. While you continue to climb you’ll be treated to epic views of Chopicalqui and Huascarán even before reaching the glacier. The glacier somewhat resembles an icefield on a 50 degree incline. Therefore, there is usually a well trodden path and snow trench, although depending on the season there can be extremely deep sections of snow just before the summit.
Need to know
Mateo is located in Huascaran National park and requires an entry fee of 30/S. If you’re experienced enough to go without a guide, make sure you arrange return transportation before leaving Huaraz. While this single day excursion is absolutely stunning, I found it strange that Mateo is marketed so heavily in Huaraz, especially among the plethora of other more complex peaks in the region. From what I observed, the majority of backpackers flock to Huaraz for the famous Laguna 69, Pastoruri Glacier, and the Huayhuash and Santa Cruz circuits. Once there, Nevado Mateo is presented as an approachable option for a first alpine experience. However, if you’re ready for more demanding ascents, do not let the abundant advertising fool you into thinking that Mateo offers something especially unique compared to other peaks. Rather, it’s just more accessible (and more easily sold) to a larger range of abilities.
Nonetheless, you’ll still be surrounded by snow capped towers and other adventurous spirits who share a love for the mountains. There is never a downside to that.
At a glance
Destinations
Cordillera Blanca
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel, Solo TravelPhysical Level
ModerateSeason
May - SeptemberDuration
1 dayRelated Guides
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Nevado Mateo glacier hike
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