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Vallunaraju Mountain Climb (5686m/18,654ft)

Vallunaraju Mountain Climb (5686m)

Are you an experienced hiker looking for an adventurous challenge? Climb Vallunaraju, one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed from Huaraz in only two days. This challenging trek is filled with beautiful trails, climbing up gorgeous glaciers, and surrounding scenery that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to conquer this mountain and feel a sense of accomplishment like never before. Book your trip today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

 

All about the Vallunaraju Climb (5686m/18,654ft).

Vallunaraju is one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed from Huaraz in two days. It is mainly suitable for experienced climbers and hikers. Although graded as an easy climb, the high altitude and long and steep snow slopes do make Vallunaraju a physically demanding climb. It is also necessary to carry all equipment up to Moraine Camp on the mountain. Porters carry tents, food, and climbing rope up to Moraine Camp and back, but you need to carry your own personal gear.

Requirements

You need to be healthy and not have a fear of heights. Good fitness and strength is required. You need to be strong enough to carry a moderate-weight backpack up the steep trail. For the fit, strong and well-acclimatized this is a great, challenging adventure. You should not consider this climb unless you have above average fitness and are generally strong.

It is important that you are well acclimatized to the altitude before attempting to climb any peak. Thus avoiding any potential problems with lack of energy or any altitude-related illnesses when climbing. Climbing above 5,000m/16,404ft is physically demanding, even when the climbing itself is not steep or technical. On this ascent you go from Huaraz (3090m/10,137ft) directly to the Moraine Camp (5130m/16,830ft), constituting an altitude gain of 2014m/6,607ft in a single day.

It is therefore extremely important that you are already well acclimatized. We always recommend a trek of minimum 4 days for acclimatization and extra fitness.

Best Season

This climb can be booked all year around. The best climbing season in the Andes is from April to October, with rainy season in between. It is usually sunny and warm during this time. Due to the altitude, the nights can be quite cold (to minus 5°C/23°F).

Itinerary for Vallunaraju Mountain Climb

Day 1: Huaraz – Moraine Camp

From Huaraz we drive 1.5 hours to the Llaca Valley (4,350m/14,271ft). Then we climb steeply up a ridge for 2 to 3 hours to Moraine Camp (4,760m/15,616ft). This hike we will see mountains in the east like San Juan, Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca, and Leon Dormido.

Day 2: Moraine Camp – Vallunaraju Summit – Moraine Camp – Huaraz

Early in the morning around 4:00 am we start a short climb over the rocks for about 25 minutes to get to the beginning of the glacier. We put on our climbing gear and climb around 4 hours up. A steady but not steep climb up good snow slopes towards the summit (5686m/18,654ft).

The last 60m is steeper and you may feel the need to ask for assitance– do not hesistate to ask the guide; he/she will be happy to help you with this. After enjoying the views and taking plenty of pictures, we go back down to the Moraine Camp (4760m/15,616ft) for about 2 hours. Then we return back to the road in the Llaca Valley and drive to Huaraz.

The Tour Package Inclusions and Exclusions at a Glance

What is included for the Vallunaraju Mountain Climb?

Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

  • Transports according to itinerary
  • Qualified and experienced guide (Spanish/English)
  • Porter for group equipment
  • All meals during the climb
  • Good quality high mountain tent (2 or 3 person)
  • Ropes and group equipment
  • Cooking utensils
  • First aid kit and oxygen

What is not included for the Vallunaraju Mountain Climb?

Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

  • First breakfast, last dinner
  • Personal equipment
  • Bottled water, alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance fees to Huascaran National Park
  • Medical care and insurance
  • Emergency rescue or evacuation
  • Travel insurance
  • Hotel
  • Flights
  • Tips (optional)

Everything you have to know about the Vallunaraju Mountain Climb

Equipment

Please read carefully through the required equipment list. Missing equipment can be rented from us to a reasonable price. You will review your gear again with your guide before climbing Vallunaraju.

Meals

During the climb we pay attention to a healthy and high-calorie diet. For lunch, a box lunch is served. We can prepare vegetarian dishes on request.

Transport

We use minivans or comfortable 4×4 off-road vehicles, depending on the group size to get to Vallunaraju Basecamp.

Porters

It is necessary to carry all equipment from the vehicle up to Vallunaraju Basecamp. The way up to the camp is a dirty and rocky trail which is steep and demanding for about the first two hours. Our crew carry the tents, food and equipment, but you need to carry your own personal gear (and must have a backpack large enough for this). Our crew will carry as much of your climbing gear as they can manage.

Packing list for the Vallunaraju Climb

Our recommendation

  • Mountain backpack (40 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (-25 C/-13°F)
  • Walking sticks if you have knee problems
  • Mountain boots
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons
  • Ice axes
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Head torch (with spare batteries)
  • Sun protection: sunscreen (factor 40 minimum), hat, sunglasses
  • Well-worn in hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Comfortable clothes: t-shirts (quick dry or merino wool recommended), trekking trousers or leggings, sweater, woolen trekking socks, underwear, long thermal underwear, fleece, gloves, hat
  • Down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Gore-Tex gloves
  • Water bottle and water purification pills
  • Toilet paper, personal toiletries, small towel
  • Extra snacks and money

Gallery Vallunaraju Mountain Climb (5686m/18,654ft)

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Sam Corporations

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Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

Quality

Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

100% Customised itinerary

Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.

Easy communication

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Professional and experienced

Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.

Local peruvian company

100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability

Small personalized groups

Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience

Memorable trips

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