Cordillera Blanca Climbing Urus 5495m & Ishinca 5530m
On Ishinca – Admiring Tocllaraju
Timing: 4 or 5 Days
Urus: 5495m (18028 ft)
Grade: PD- / Moderate , Beginner Suitable
Ishinca: 5530m (18143 ft)
Grade: PD- / Moderate , Beginner Suitable
From our base in the beautiful Ishinca Valley we can climb two peaks which are both suitable for novice climbers.
Previous experience on snow and ice is not necessary, we will provide some basic instruction in the base camp and support during the climb, but you do need to be strong to undertake these climbs. There are sometimes some short sections of steep ice to negotiate which we will help you with.
Although we grade the climbs Moderate and as being suitable for beginner climbers, the high altitude does make both climbs physically demanding.
Day 1: Drive 1½ hours from Huaraz to the village of either Pashpa or Collon (3400m). We then walk up the valley Quebrada Ishinca on a gently rising path to our camp at the head of the valley. 4 to 5 hours
Ishinca Base Camp
Day 2: Climb Urus East face. A steep climb directly up a ridge and across large moraine rocks until we reach the ice. Climb on snow and ice for one hour, then the last half hour to the summit is an easier rock climb although in some years there can be deep snow all the way to the summit. A steep descent back down to camp. 7 hours
Climbing Urus
Optional: Rest Day between the two climbs
Day 3 (or 4): Climb Ishinca. A steady climb initially on a good path and then on loose rock and large moraine rock until we reach the ice. The climb is usually not very steep apart from the final 20 metres to the summit. In some years depending on the condition of the glacier there can be some short steep sections or hard ice, but we will help you with this. Return the same way to Base Camp. 9 to 12 hours depending on fitness.
Day 4 (or 5): Walk down the Ishinca Valley to Pashpa and return to Huaraz.
You can choose to climb just one of the two peaks – then three days will be required
Download PDF for climb description & notes
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Contact us for more information and prices.
If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be climbing and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private climb or would be happy to join with other people.
