The Coropuna is the highest volcano in Peru, located in the Arequipa region, and stands as one of the most imposing and challenging peaks in the Andes mountain range. With an elevation of 6,425 meters above sea level, climbing Coropuna is an exhilarating experience for mountain and adventure enthusiasts.
The ascent to Coropuna follows a 3-day itinerary, involving rigorous physical and mental preparation, as well as proper acclimatization to the altitude. The climb demands a high level of fitness, along with skills in ice and snow climbing, and the use of specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axe, helmet, and warm clothing.
Climbing Coropuna offers a unique experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean landscape, featuring glaciers, snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. It also provides an opportunity to immerse in the local culture, as the region is inhabited by Andean communities that have preserved their ancestral traditions and customs.
The climbing expedition itinerary to the Coropuna volcano spans three days. On the first day, departure from Arequipa is by bus to Laguna Pallarcocha, where the camp is set up for an overnight stay. On the second day, a hike is undertaken to the base camp, located at 5583 m, allowing for rest and acclimatization to the altitude before the ascent to the summit. On the third day, the ascent begins early at 1 am, aiming to reach the summit of the Coropuna volcano at 6425 m. After enjoying the panoramic view, the descent to the base camp commences, followed by a return to Laguna Pallarcocha. The journey back to Arequipa takes place in the evening.
Distance: 290 km by car + 8.22 km on foot
Climbing Time: 7 hours on foot
Route Level: Extreme
Maximum Altitude: 6425 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
At 5 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa to embark on a journey in a private jeep. Descending towards the desert and then northwest; after 3 hours of driving, we will reach the agricultural valley of Majes (600 m), our first stop. Here, you will explore the Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, located in the middle of the desert, surrounded by imposing canyon walls. In Toro Muerto, you'll have enough time to discover over a hundred carvings on volcanic rocks depicting human figures, animals, and plants, created by ancient Peruvian civilizations over 1200 years ago.
Today's breakfast will be a bit later in the town of Corire (included). Our second stop is Qerulpa, known as the small Jurassic Park of the Arequipa region. From there, we'll walk about 10 minutes to the top of a rocky hill to find dinosaur footprints on the slopes of sandy hills. According to paleontological reports, dinosaurs inhabited this remote place between 100 and 150 million years ago.
Continuing through the arid region with its incredible landscapes, we will ascend to Chuquibamba (3000 m), a beautiful green valley where we'll make a late lunch stop. Around 3:00 p.m., we must continue driving uphill to the higher altitude area of the town to appreciate the first views of the south face of Coropuna peak.
Distance: 290 km by car
Walking time: 1 hour on foot
Route level: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 4743 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Pallarcocha Lake 4743 m.a.s.l.
Today, breakfast is scheduled for 7 a.m., followed by the task of packing all our camping equipment. Subsequently, we will travel by vehicle for about 40 minutes to reach the final point of Coropuna (5307 m). Around 10 a.m., we will begin the uphill hike, lasting about 2 hours for 1.92 km, to reach the second base camp (5583 m) and approach Mount Coropuna. Today's ascent will be gradual, considered of moderate difficulty, and will be accompanied by beautiful landscapes, including a panoramic view of Solimana peak.
After setting up the tents, we will enjoy lunch, and you will have the afternoon free to explore the area, gaining more confidence and familiarity with the imposing Mount Coropuna.
Distance: 1.92 km
Walking time: 2 hours on foot
Route level: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 5583 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Coropuna Base Camp 5583 m.a.s.l.
At 1 a.m., we wake up to prepare and enjoy an energizing breakfast. Each person is responsible for organizing their climbing equipment, including crampons, ice axe, harness, and rope (with a 43° angle). During the first 4 hours, we will climb in the darkness, guided by the light of our headlamps, ascending the east-southeast face to reach one of the highest peaks of this imposing mountain. The ascent involves challenging sections of small and large crevasses, testing our climbing skills to avoid falls. Along the way, we will commonly encounter penitentes, forming an obstacle that we must overcome.
Around 5:45 a.m., the sun rises over another higher mountain near Coropuna, creating memorable moments of this climbing journey. After 6 or 7 hours of intense climbing, we reach the summit and indulge in precious minutes to contemplate the majestic Andes surrounding us.
Following the mountain guide's instructions, we initiate the most challenging phase of the journey: the descent, which can be physically demanding for each participant. We will need approximately 3 to 5 hours to descend to the base camp.
Around 2:00 p.m., after packing all the camping equipment, we begin the descent to find the jeep that will take us back to Arequipa, a journey that will take approximately 7 hours. Each participant will be dropped off at their respective hotels, marking the end of our services.
Distance: 3 km to the summit and 5 km to our transportation
Walking time: 14 hours on foot
Route level: Extreme
Maximum altitude: 6425 m.a.s.l. Summit Coropuna
Reservations are made in advance with a 30% payment of the total cost. The remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco during the informational briefing.
Travel packages and programs include transaction fees for the 30% reservation payments.
Tour rescheduling is allowed with proper notice, except for Machu Picchu tours. Passenger no-shows will result in the total loss of the service. Cancellation or withdrawal from the service will not be eligible for a refund.