Do I need climbing experience?

No. Both Urus and Ishinca can be climbed without previous experience — we provide instruction and support at Base Camp. They are still physically demanding at over 5000m.

Can I climb just one peak?

Yes. Climbing a single peak takes 3 days; both peaks take 4 or 5 days with a recommended rest day in between.

How hard are the approaches?

Both peaks have long approaches to the glacier over steep, loose moraine rock that many clients find demanding, so good fitness and comfort on rough ground are needed.

Expedition Dossier

Climb Urus & Ishinca — 4 or 5 Days

From a single base in the beautiful Ishinca Valley we climb two beginner-suitable peaks: Urus (5495m) and Ishinca (5530m). Both can be climbed without previous experience — we provide instruction and support.

Ishinca offers long, enjoyable slopes of good snow; Urus is an excellent peak for acclimatisation and strength. Together they make an ideal introduction to Andean mountaineering.

Duration

4 or 5 Days (3 days for a single peak)

Grade

PD- / Moderate snow — beginner-suitable

Highest Point

5530m

Ishinca Valley · Cordillera Blanca

Two beginner summits from one base

Grade: PD- — beginner-suitable
Peaks: Urus 5495m, Ishinca 5530m
Duration: 4 or 5 days (3 for one peak)
Instruction provided at Base Camp
Guiding: local UIAGM guides

Though graded moderate and beginner-suitable, the 5530m altitude makes both peaks physically demanding, and the long approaches to the glaciers are over steep, loose moraine. You climb roped, in crampons, with an ice axe — true mountaineering. A rest day between the two climbs is recommended.

Expedition Logistics

Essential Trekking Notes & Rules

Choosing One or Two Peaks

You can climb both peaks in 4 or 5 days, or just one in 3 days. A rest day between the two climbs is recommended and can double as a bad-weather day.

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.

Route Progression

High Altitude Tactical Itinerary

Review the route day by day: altitudes, distances and acclimatisation.

Day 1 of 5

Drive Huaraz to Pashpa/Collón, hike to Ishinca Base Camp

Distance

~11 km

Walking time

5 to 6 hours

Highest point

4390m

Ascent / descent

+990m / -0m

A 1½ hour drive to Pashpa or Collón (3400m), then a lovely gently-rising walk up the Quebrada Ishinca through quenual forest, with Tocllaraju ahead, to Ishinca Base Camp (4390m).

Bespoke Cross Selling

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.