A climber's natural intoxicant, the Andes of Peru are the highest, most glaciated tropical mountains in the world. The famed Cordillera Blanca (white range), contains stunning climbs proudly cherished by the mountaineering community. Peru has long been a climber's magnet, as the challenges are vast, demanding and ever-changing. This program is highly recommend for those who want to improve their climbing level and look for a stepping stone to Himalayan expeditions. The climbs in Peru are currently led by one of our finest guides, Jose Luis Peralvo. Jose Luis has personally honed the itinerary for intermediate yet challenging ascents. While many companies have discontinued their Peru programs (As Huascaran, the highest Peak in Peru, has not been climbable recently) we find the environment even more enticing giving the choice climbing in the region.
Our main objective of this challenging journey is the mammoth Chopicalqui (18,732 ft.) As one of Peru's tallest peak, Chopicalqui offers a striking high altitude ascent. Prior to Chopicalqui we attempt Pisco Oeste (16,239 ft.) and Ishinca (15,846 ft.) We encourage you to read the detailed itinerary and learn more about the Great Peaks of Peru.
Our 2003 & 2004 climbs were led by Jose Luis Peralvo. In addition to a successful expeditions, Jose made some itinerary and logistics improvements in our continued efforts to fine tune our program. We look for similar success in 2005 with Jose Luis at the helm. As always we highly encourage you to contact former climbers.
PREREQUISITES
Climbing Skill Level
Climbers should have successfully completed our 6-Day Training course or have equivalent skills and experience. Climbers must have additional high altitude mountaineering experience and good knowledge of progression on snow and ice, self arrest, crevasse rescue and glacier travel. Climbers must be comfortable with progressing on snow and ice slopes of 45 degrees and exposed ridges. The routes may have short steep sections of up to 55 degrees on snow or ice. The requirements are also based on our desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Physical Conditioning
In the best interest of personal safety, success and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. Prior experience carrying a heavy pack for multiple days serves as excellent preparation for this climb. Climbers must be able to carry an average of 40lbs or more and be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. We encourage you to contact us so that we may assist you in developing a training program that meets your particular needs. Comprehensive training information can be found here.
Environmental Responsibility
Alpine Ascents is deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world. With each expedition, trek and course, we not only attempt to leave the environment as we found it, but strive to assist the local population in protecting the land and people indigenous to that region. Alpine Ascents reaches for the highest ethical business practices at home and abroad. Each staff member is dedicated to environmentally sound alpine ascents.
At Alpine Ascents environmental stewardship remains one of our core values and we take Leave No Trace ethics and practices very seriously. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. On every one of our courses and climbs we teach and follow the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principals and practices.
Over the years, with the assistance of our Sherpa teams, we have stepped up efforts to clean Mt. Everest. Our Wag Bag® program made a pioneering step in human waste management for the National Park System and Forest Service in the North Cascades. On Aconcagua, we pioneered a waste removal system on our climbs, utilizing the WAG Bag® system. And we continue our on-going maintenance and minimal impact plans wherever we guide. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally conscious mountaineers.
Private Groups
We regularly organize private climbsfor individuals, corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these climbs early as we are often able to cater these climbs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private courses.