This 6-day, 5-night program climbs two peaks of the Ishinca valley, in Huascarán National Park: first Ishinca (5,530 m / 18,140 ft), which serves as acclimatization, then Tocllaraju, 6,032 m (19,790 ft) according to our program. Base camp is at 4,200 m and the high camp, on the glacier, at 5,200 m. Summit day on Tocllaraju starts at 4:00 a.m., with 7 to 8 hours of climbing. It is for climbers with previous glacier experience.
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Max. altitude
- 6,032 m
- Difficulty
- Very challenging
- Departs from
- Huaraz, 8:00 a.m. (private bus)
- Price
- Ask for price
Huascarán National Park rules for this climb
The Ishinca valley is inside Huascarán National Park. For a 6-day program you buy the 4 to 30-day park ticket: S/ 150 at the general rate for foreign visitors (SERNANP, 2026).
- Climbing must be done through a tourism service provider and with an official, licensed guide, meaning someone with a mountain guide title from an officially recognized higher-education institution (Jefatural Resolution 196-2006-INRENA, art. 7.1 and 24 b).
- On difficult ascents such as Tocllaraju, a guide may climb with no more than 2 people at a time (art. 25).
- You must register at the control post and carry all your trash out.
Highlights
- Two summits in one trip: Ishinca (5,530 m) on day 2 and Tocllaraju (6,032 m, according to our program) on day 5.
- Acclimatization built in: Ishinca first, then a rest or reserve day before the high camp.
- A high camp on the glacier, at 5,200 m, for an early start on Tocllaraju.
- Everything from a single base camp, at 4,200 m, in the Ishinca valley.
Itinerary
- Day 1Huaraz – Pashpa or Collón – base camp
We leave at 8:00 a.m. by private bus, north to Paltay and then east to Collón, about 40 minutes. We hike 5 to 6 hours up the Ishinca valley to base camp, at 4,200 m.
- Day 2Ishinca summit
We start at 4:00 a.m. heading southeast, climb the glacial moraine and continue to the summit of Ishinca (5,530 m). The day takes 9 to 10 hours, returning to base camp.
- Day 3Rest or reserve day
A free day at base camp to recover, or a reserve day if the weather stopped us from summiting.
- Day 4Base camp – high camp
We leave at 8:00 a.m., climb the moraine and then the glacier to the high camp, at 5,200 m.
- Day 5Tocllaraju summit
We start at 4:00 a.m. and climb 7 to 8 hours up the left flank to the summit of Tocllaraju (6,032 m). We descend 4 to 5 hours to base camp.
- Day 6Base camp – Pashpa – Huaraz
We leave at 9:00 a.m., walk down to Pashpa and drive back to Huaraz by private bus.
Schedule from the agency's program. Walking times depend on the group's pace, the weather and glacier conditions; the guide may change the summit start time or turn the group around for safety.
What's included and not included
What's included
- Private bus Huaraz – Collón and Pashpa – Huaraz
- Mountain guide
Not included
- Huascarán National Park ticket for 4 to 30 days (SERNANP, 2026): S/ 150 at the general rate
- Travel insurance: we recommend one that covers mountain rescue and evacuation
What to bring
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet (ask which ones the agency provides)
- Sleeping bag rated below freezing, suitable for the 5,200 m high camp
- Layers: thermal base layer, fleece, down jacket, and waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat, thick gloves, buff and glacier sunglasses
- Headlamp with spare batteries: both summit pushes start at 4:00 a.m.
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Bottles or a thermos for 2 liters of water, and snacks for two summit days
- Passport for the control post
More information
Ishinca first, Tocllaraju second
The order of the program is the key. Ishinca is a common first peak: here you climb it on day 2, from base camp, in a 9 to 10-hour day that prepares you for what comes next. Day 3 is free to rest or kept in reserve in case of bad weather.
Tocllaraju is a step up: from the 5,200 m high camp you climb 7 to 8 hours up the left flank to a summit above 6,000 m, then descend 4 to 5 hours to base camp. It requires glacier experience, confident use of crampons and an ice axe, and solid acclimatization.
The name of our program also mentions Urus (about 5,420 m), in the same area, but this 6-day itinerary has no day for it. If you want to add it, ask us: it changes the length of the program.
The program in numbers
Six days at altitude, with two long summit days. This is how they break down:
| Day | Section | Altitude | Schedule or time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huaraz → Pashpa or Collón (private bus), then hike to base camp | up to 4,200 m | 8:00 a.m. departure; 40 min by bus and 5 to 6 h on foot |
| 2 | Base camp → Ishinca summit → base camp | up to 5,530 m | 4:00 a.m. start; 9 to 10 h |
| 3 | Rest or reserve day | 4,200 m | — |
| 4 | Base camp → moraine → glacier → high camp | 4,200 m to 5,200 m | 8:00 a.m. departure |
| 5 | High camp → Tocllaraju summit → base camp | up to 6,032 m | 4:00 a.m. start; 7 to 8 h up and 4 to 5 h down |
| 6 | Base camp → Pashpa (on foot) → Huaraz (private bus) | down to about 3,050 m | 9:00 a.m. departure |
Schedules, camp altitudes and Tocllaraju altitude: the agency's program. Ishinca altitude: Wikipedia.
Requirements: acclimatization, experience and gear
- Acclimatization: arrive in Huaraz at least 3 or 4 days before and do day hikes, such as Laguna Churup (4,450 m) or Laguna 69 (about 4,600 m). Ishinca completes your acclimatization before Tocllaraju. See our Huaraz acclimatization guide.
- Experience: previous experience on glaciers and on snow and ice slopes with crampons and an ice axe. If you have never climbed a snow peak, start with Vallunaraju.
- Technical gear: crampon-compatible mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet, plus warm layers and a sleeping bag rated below freezing: the high camp is at 5,200 m. Which gear the agency provides and what you can rent in Huaraz is confirmed when you book.
- Health and season: if you have high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems, travel with your medication and a recent medical check-up, and do not take acetazolamide without a prescription (Peru's Ministry of Health). The best time is the dry season: SERNANP recommends visiting the park from May to October.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience for this program?
For Ishinca, good fitness and acclimatization are enough, but Tocllaraju requires previous experience on glaciers and on snow and ice slopes. If you have never climbed a snow peak, start with Vallunaraju.
Do you also climb Urus?
The 6-day itinerary does not include Urus (about 5,420 m). If you want to add it, ask us and we will suggest how to fit it in and how many days it adds.
How many days should I acclimatize first?
We recommend at least 3 or 4 days in Huaraz with day hikes, such as Laguna Churup. Within the program, Ishinca and the rest day complete your acclimatization before Tocllaraju. See our acclimatization guide.
What gear do I need?
Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, warm layers and a sleeping bag rated below freezing. When you book we confirm which gear the agency provides and what you can rent in Huaraz.
When is the best time for this climb?
The dry season: SERNANP recommends visiting the park from May to October. From October to April it rains, and it snows up high.
How many climbers per guide?
Huascarán National Park rules say that on difficult ascents a guide may climb with no more than 2 people at a time (Jefatural Resolution 196-2006-INRENA, art. 25). We confirm the ratio for your group when you book.
