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: Strenuous
- Distance: 14.2 km
- Duration: Three days
- Max elevation: 5,752 m
- Start/end point: Cebollapampa
- Accommodation: Mountain huts
Nevado Pisco is ideal for novice mountaineers and climbers who are eager to attempt a first alpine ascent with a guide. With over 1,800 metres of elevation gain, the trek has a solid mix between strenuous rock scrambles and pleasant footpaths. The three-day ascent begins at 3,900 metres and reaches an altitude of 5,752 metres at the summit. For those who have their eyes set on more technical peaks, Nevado Pisco is recommended as a warm-up climb.
Starting from the village of Cebollapampa, a short three hour hike takes you to Pisco Base Camp at 4,700 metres, with the option to sleep in a mountain hut. Day two is your summit attempt. Departing from camp around 2 am to reach the summit for sunrise, the ascent takes four to five hours across mixed terrain. Beginning with a steep climb to the top of a moraine, the trail oscillates between gentle footpaths and strenuous scrambling until you reach the glacier. Once roped up and crampons fitted, you’ll have another three hours of moderate incline on the glacier to reach the summit. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Cordillera Blanca such as, Alpamayo, Caraz, Huascaran, Chopicalqui, and Yanapaccha.
Need to know
Although I love the freedom and adventure of trekking independently, I decided to go with a guide as I am not yet qualified to navigate glacial trekking and mountaineering equipment myself. The summit push is not extremely steep or technical, however it is still physically demanding due to the altitude. If you are considering going without a guide, prior mountaineering experience and snow condition knowledge is imperative. There are crevasses, unexpected steep sections of built-up snow that change with the season, and of course the standard risks that accompany any exposed, glacial trekking.
At a glance
Destinations
Cordillera Blanca
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel, Solo TravelPhysical Level
StrenuousSeason
May - SeptemberDuration
3 daysRelated Guides
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Nevado Pisco Summit ascent
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