Ishinca & Tocllaraju Climb – 5-Day

🚌 Drive: 1 hour to Cochapampa (3,670m)
🥾 Hike: 4–5 hours to Ishinca Base Camp (4,390m)

After pickup at your hotel in Huaraz, we drive north through the Callejón de Huaylas before ascending to the village of Pashpa and Cochapampa. Here we meet our arrieros (donkey drivers) who transport our gear while we hike into the beautiful Ishinca Valley. The trail is gradual, passing through native quenual forests and scenic highland meadows. As the valley opens up, we catch our first views of Tocllaraju. We arrive at Ishinca Base Camp (4,390m), where we spend the night under the stars.

🥾 Climb: 10–12 hours round trip
🏔️ Summit: 5,530m

We start our ascent at 2:00 AM with headlamps lighting the way. A well-defined trail leads us to Lake Ishinca before we traverse moraine slopes and reach the glacier. The climb follows the northwest ridge, with steady terrain and a short steep section near the summit. Depending on glacier conditions, we may take an alternative route via the east face from the Ranrapalca Glacier. After enjoying panoramic views from the summit 🏔️ 5,530m, we descend the same route to Base Camp 🏔️ 4,390m for a well-earned rest.

🥾 Hike: 3 hours to High Camp
🏔️ Summit: 5,000m

We enjoy a relaxed morning before packing up our gear for the next objective. The route to High Camp involves a steep climb along a moraine ridge and across large glacial boulders. After about 3 hours, we reach Moraine Camp 🏔️ 5,000m, situated just below the Tocllaraju Glacier. We set up camp and prepare our equipment for tomorrow’s alpine start.

🥾 Climb: 10–12 hours round trip
🏔️ Summit: 6,030m

Our summit push begins at 1:00 AM. We rope up and climb the glacier, ascending to a shoulder at 🏔️ 5,300m. From here, we navigate a series of crevasses and snow bowls, making our way toward the summit ridge. The final section involves steep snow slopes (50°–70°) and potentially a large crevasse near the top. Rappels are required on descent. After reaching the summit 🏔️ 6,030m and soaking in epic views of the Cordillera Blanca, we descend to High Camp, collect our gear, and continue down to Base Camp 🏔️ 4,390m.

🥾 Hike: 3 hours
🚌 Drive: 1 hour to Huaraz 🏔️ 3,090m

After breakfast, we hike back down the Ishinca Valley to Cochapampa. Our vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to Huaraz 🏔️ 3,090m. Arrival expected in the afternoon — just in time for a hot shower and a celebration meal in town.