Itinerary

Equipment List

Alpamayo (left) and Artesonraju (right) from the summit of Pisco. Marco Gabbin

Classic, aesthetic, pure: the line up the Southeast Face of Artesonraju (19,768') quickly becomes a captivating objective for anyone who sets eyes on the mountain. Often compared to Alpamayo because of its near perfect pyramidal shape, Artesonraju is a "must-do" in Peru's Cordillera Blanca, combining technical challenge with jaw-dropping scenery.

The approaches on this expedition are themselves world-class treks, making the ground covered in the acclimatization process enjoyable in its own right. In addition to some trekking, to fully develop our acclimatization we climb a beautiful and moderate route on Pisco at 18,870 feet. Combined with the ascent of Artesonraju, this trip offers excellent climbing for intermediate and advanced climbers desiring to take their technical skills to high altitude.

High camp beneath Artesonraju. Andrew Wexler

After flying into Lima and traveling to the climbers' mecca of Huaraz, we spend a couple days carefully pacing our acclimatization by hiking to nearby sites, including Lago Churup. We then spend four days hiking in, making the glaciated ascent of Pisco, and coming back to Huaraz where we spend one night relaxing and organizing before tackling our final objective. With the bulk of our gear on animals, we approach Artesonraju through an awe-inspiring valley beneath some of the famous peaks of the Cordillera Blanca , including Santa Cruz, Alpamayo, and Kitaraju.

The Southeast Face of Artesonraju will test the climber's stamina, technical ability, and pacing with over 3000 feet of gradually steepening terrain up to 60 degrees. It is extremely high quality climbing. The summit marks the true halfway point of this climb, as the descent involves down climbing and rappelling to retrace our steps. It is a long day with very high rewards.

Inclusions: Hotel in Lima (1 night) and Huaraz (5 nights) on a shared basis; transportation between Lima and Huaraz; tents while trekking or climbing on a shared basis (all lodging on a private basis is subject to availability and at added cost); meals while trekking and climbing; admissions to parks; group cooking equipment; group climbing equipment.

Exclusions: Airfare; personal equipment; meals except while trekking and climbing; climbing snacks (bring your personal preferences); gratuities to guides; insurance; government and airport taxes; inoculations; excess baggage; all items of a personal nature.

The first three peaks, left to right, are Kitaraju, Alpamayo, and Artesonraju. Marco Gabbin

Flight arrangements should be scheduled so that you arrive in Lima on the first scheduled day of the trip. The morning of the trip's second day, you will take a bus from Lima to Huaraz. Please schedule your departure so that you leave after 10pm the day on the last scheduled day of the trip (the bus ride from Huaraz to Lima takes approximately 8 hours, the bus departs from Huaraz is 11am).

Flights to Lima and hotel reservations in Lima can be arranged ahead of time through our Travel Coordinator. See link below for Lisa's contact information.

Artesonraju. Andrew Wexler