Pisco Climb 5753m — 4 Days
Pisco (5753m) is one of the most rewarding beginner-suitable summits in the Cordillera Blanca — achievable for anyone fit and well acclimatised, yet rewarding for experienced climbers too.
Most years there is no technical climbing; some years bring short steep sections or a crevasse. From the summit you are rewarded with magnificent close views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Chacraraju and Artesonraju.
Duration
4 DaysGrade
PD / Medium to Hard — beginner-suitableHighest Point
5753mA first Andean summit with giant views
- Grade: PD — beginner-suitable
- Duration: 4 days
- Summit: 5753m
- No technical climbing most years
- Guiding: local UIAGM guides
We grade Pisco medium to hard: beginner-suitable but physically demanding at 5750m. It is true mountaineering — roped, in crampons, with an ice axe — and the approach to Morena Camp is on steep, loose moraine where you carry your own gear. We provide basic instruction at Base Camp.
Essential Trekking Notes & Rules
Grading
Medium to hard. Although beginner-suitable, the 5750m altitude is physically demanding and you climb roped, in crampons, with an ice axe — we regard no Cordillera Blanca peak as a “trekking peak”. The approach to Morena Camp is on steep, loose moraine.
Acclimatisation
You must be well acclimatised; we recommend a trek of at least 4 to 6 days beforehand and can organise one for you.
Your Guide
The guide in charge of your climb is one of our local, experienced and professional UIAGM International Mountain Guides.
Changing Mountain Conditions
Routes and conditions change year to year and even month to month as glaciers recede, so our descriptions are general only and may differ on the day. If reports from previous groups indicate unstable or dangerous conditions, we may recommend an alternative climb. The final decision on safety rests with your Peruvian Andes Adventures guide.
High Altitude Tactical Itinerary
Review the route day by day: altitudes, distances and acclimatisation.
Drive Huaraz to Cebollapampa, ascend to Pisco Base Camp
Distance
Walking time
2½ hours drive + 2½ hours hikeHighest point
4650mAscent / descent
+800m / -0mWe drive down the Callejón de Huaylas to Yungay and up into the Huascarán National Park past the Llanganuco lakes to Cebollapampa (3850m, 2½ hours). Our gear is loaded onto donkeys and we climb a good path for 2½ hours to Pisco Base Camp (4650m), where a refugio sells hot food.
Related routes
More routes in the same spirit — the same range or the same kind of trip. Tap any one for the full itinerary, or write to us and we will tailor your own.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pisco Climb 5753m — 4 Days
Essential answers about this high-altitude route.
Ready to Conquer the Andes?
Contact our operations base in Huaraz: we sort out the prerequisites and secure your place on the expedition.
You'll talk directly to the people who run the trip.