Climb Great Peaks of Peru With Alpine Ascents
The guides were outstanding! Truly caring and VERY patient. Alpine Ascents runs a top notch program, and the guides and assistant guides were an integral part of it.
I enjoyed my expedition very much. Great itinerary with lots of mountains to climb. All skills review sessions were good, thorough, guides were patient and explained things clearly. Good progression of mountains.
A climber’s natural intoxicant, the Andes of Peru are the highest, most glaciated tropical mountains in the world. The famed Cordillera Blanca (Spanish for “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. Alpine Ascents has honed our itinerary for intermediate yet challenging ascents. This program is highly recommended for those who want to improve their climbing level and look for a stepping stone to Himalayan expeditions by giving climbers the opportunity to climb over 20,000 feet.
The climbs in Peru are currently led by one of our finest guides, David Garcia. 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 objectives are Pisco Oeste (18,872 ft.) and Ishinca (18,138 ft.) as well as Urus Este (17,782 ft). Following these climbs, we will try the mammoth Chopicalqui (20,847 ft.) As one of Peru’s tallest peaks, Chopicalqui offers a striking high-altitude ascent.
Reading List
This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews.
Touching the Void: The Harrowing First Person Account Of One Man's Miraculous Survival
by Joe Simpson, HarperCollins (paper)
Peru and Bolivia : Backpacking and Trekking
by Hilary Bradt, Bradt Pub.
Bolivia : A Climbers Guide
by Yossi Brain, Mountaineers Books
The Incas: Empire of Blood and Gold (New Horizons)
by Carmen Bernand
The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru
by Nigel Davies, Penguin USA (paper)
Overall the trip was outstanding. The climbs themselves combined with the culture made for a very enjoyable vacation. The guides were very professional, fun and easy to get a long with. The logistics were seamless. I felt like I was in good hands at all times.