Climbing Nevado Vallunaraju (5686 m)

About Nevado Vallunaraju: The high peak of North Vallunaraju, at 5,686 meters, is close enough to Huaraz to do a summit trek in two days via a moderate climb. Setting out for this peak, you can see other peaks of the northern part of the Cordillera Blanca, including Oxshapalca (5,881 m) and Ranrapalca (6,262 m.) From the summit of Vallunaraju there is a beautiful view of the city of Huaraz and the Callejón de Huaylas (the central area of the valley between the Cordilleras Blanca and Negra.) Between North and South Villunaraju, there are 5 routes via different walls. The first ascent was to the North peak in 1949 via what has come to be called the “normal route“, which is what this trek follows as well. It‘s also a good place to practice ski mountaineering.

About Vallunaraju Peak: is one of the most predominant mountains that can be seen directly from Huaraz as well from Cordillera Negra. It can be easily identified and distinguished from other mountains for its double – headed summit from which the northern summit is the highest one.

Vallunaraju is a great acclimatization-climb for those seeking for higher elevations in Cordillera Blanca. Its proximity to Huaraz (3,091 m / 10,138 ft), which is a climbing, mountaineering and backpacking mecca for outdoor seekers and the capital city of the Ancash Department, makes of Vallunaraju one of the main destinations offered by local and international expedition companies as part of their itineraries.

It is one of the most frequented 5,000 meter peaks in Cordillera Blanca because of its easy access to its refuge and to its glacier as well. The normal route is considered relatively easy, even though it changes constantly from time to time.