Vallunaraju is one of the snowy mountains of the Cordillera Blanca of the Peruvian Andes, its name in Quechua language means “The Snowy Mountain of Dreams”, it is located very close to Huaraz and it is a very popular destination for acclimatization climbing, prior to climbing higher mountains.
Vallunaraju is one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed from Huaraz in two days. It is also a perfect peak for beginners in mountaineering, and Vallunaraju allows experienced mountaineers to practice ice climbing techniques and mountain safety courses. The Peruvian Association of Mountain Guides (AGM) and the Guide’s House, carry out annual safety and glacier courses on this mountain prior to the start of the climbing season, oriented to the public.
Vallunaraju is a saddle-shaped peak, its ascent route is very nice, it has excellent views from all sides. In the Vallunaraju moraine camp you will enjoy the sunset, with pink and blue tones between the skies and the ice big walls of Ocshapalca and Ranrapalca peaks. Vallunaraju has a moderate level of climbing, but its altitude and extensive approach to its summit make it a physically demanding mountain.
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz (3,100 m) - Quebrada de Llaca (4,200 m) - Moraine Camp (4,950 m)
Our expedition starts in Huaraz, we will pick you up at your hotel with private transportation. After the pick up we will head east to the Quebrada de Llaca which is our starting point of approach to the moraine camp. We will walk on a steep trail for about 3 hours, and at the camp we will enjoy the landscapes with the mountains: Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca, Leon Dormido and Rima Rima.
Lodging: Mountain tents.
Meals: Box lunch, lunch and dinner
Transportation by car: 2 hours
Estimated hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation: +1900 (3100 masl to 5000 masl)
Day 2: Moraine Camp (4,950 m) - Vallunaraju Summit (5,686 m) - Moraine Camp - Huaraz
After breakfast we start our journey approaching the glacier by rock slabs, it will take us 30 minutes to reach the glacier, at this point our guide will make an inspection of our climbing equipment and rope us to continue with the climbing day.
In recent years the glacier has retreated, for this reason the entrance is through hard ice slopes, we will continue crossing over crevasses and bridges until we reach the pass that joins both summits (Vallunaraju south and north), from here begins a slow but steady climb along the sharp edge that leads to the summit. Finally, after about 8 hours of climbing we will reach the summit to enjoy a splendid view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca: Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Tocllaraju, Huantsán, Huamashraj, Huascarán, Hualcán and more.
Inclusion
- Certified Mountain Guide IFMGA / IVBV / UIAGM (english, spanish)
- Certified chef during Vallunaraju expedition
- Private transportation: Huaraz – Quebrada de Llaca
- Private transportation: Quebrada de Llaca – Huaraz
- Porters for the transfer of logistic equipment from base camp to high camp.
- Mountaineering equipment (helmet, ice axe, harness, and crampons)
- 5 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, box lunch, tea time and dinner)
- 4 seasons tent with double occupancy
- Kitchen sets and fully-equipped dining room
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Permanent radio communication between the Andean Raju Expeditions team.
- Boiled water to fill up your bottle every day (1 Lt.)
- Tips to get to Huaraz
- Advice before the Expedition
- Last day: lunch and farewell toast with regional food and typical Peruvian drinks.
Exclusions
- Airline ticket to Lima and back to the country of origin
- Bus transportation Lima / Huaraz / Lima
- Entrance ticket to Huascaran National Park: S/. 60.00 nuevos soles
- Personal porters
- Mountain boots
- Personal tent (if you want a personal tent, the rent is S/. 30 soles per day)
- Extra costs for premature abandonment of the expedition
- International Medical Insurance
- Accident and rescue insurance (you can ask us about the agreement we have with Global Rescue for a preferential price)
- Travel luggage and trip cancellation insurance
- Transfer to Huaraz out of schedule, in case of premature abandonment of the expedition
- First breakfast at the beginning of the itinerary is not included
- Sleeping bag -25° / -30º
- Personal expenses
- Hotel during your stay in Huaraz
- Tips for guide / staff
Reviews
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Expedition Information
$370
Q2, Q3
Huascarán
Mountaineering,
Climbing
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
2
Group Size
3-9