Chopicalqui

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Chopicalqui

Mountain

Chopicalqui is a 6,354 m glaciated mountain in Peru, visited mainly by climbers for its classic alpine routes. It sits among some of the highest, most glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and offers dramatic summit views.

Chopicalqui HuarazHuancayoTingo MaríaHuascarán National ParkCordillera BlancaChavín de HuántarLake JuninYanachaga–Chemillén National ParkChopicalqui

Chopicalqui essentials

Address: Yungay Province, Ancash, Peru

Chopicalqui rises in the high Andean ridgeline of the Cordillera Blanca and lies inside Huascarán National Park, an area of steep, glaciated peaks and deep valleys. The mountain is notable for its steep snow ridges and active ice on its flanks, making it a prominent feature of the central Cordillera Blanca skyline.

The name Chopicalqui (also spelled Chopicallqui) likely comes from Quechua and reflects local place-naming traditions; the peak stands between the higher summit of Huascarán and neighbouring Contrahierbas. At 6,354 metres it is one of the range’s higher peaks and is often climbed as part of alpine objectives in the Yungay area Yungay is the closest provincial town.

Visiting Chopicalqui is primarily a mountaineering experience: approaches cross glaciated terrain and the standard routes require crampons, ice axe skills and ropework. Many parties use Huaraz and Caraz as staging points to acclimatize and arrange guides, equipment and transport into the mountain valleys.

  • Southwest Ridge: The standard route, a long snow ridge offering classic high-alpine climbing and panoramic views from the upper slopes.
  • Summit panorama: From the summit you get close-up views of neighbouring Huascarán and wide vistas over the Cordillera Blanca.
  • Glacier features: Crevassed glaciers, seracs and steep snowfields dominate the upper mountain and are of interest for technical climbers.
  • High camps and approach valleys: The approach valleys and high camps show traditional pastoral highland landscapes and provide good acclimatization stages.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chopicalqui#

The Cordillera Blanca has a marked wet season and a drier winter season; climbing and trekking are safest in the dry months when avalanche and storm risk are lowest.

Dry season (best)
June - September · -12°C - 3°C (10°F - 37°F)
Relatively low precipitation and more stable weather make these months the preferred window for summit attempts and high-altitude trekking.
Shoulder seasons
April - May, October - November · -10°C - 3°C (14°F - 37°F)
Conditions are variable; there can be useful weather windows but expect occasional storms and softer snow on high slopes.
Wet season (avoid for climbing)
December - March · -8°C - 4°C (18°F - 39°F)
Heavy precipitation and frequent storms increase snow accumulation and avalanche risk, making technical climbs much more hazardous.

Weather & Climate near Chopicalqui#

Climate

Chopicalqui's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -12°C to 4°C. Abundant rainfall (1101 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 60 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -7° - 3° -8° 151 mm overcast 74% 5.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
February Poor -7° - 3° -7° 160 mm overcast 75% 4.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.3h
March Poor -7° - 3° -7° 195 mm overcast 77% 4.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
April Poor -8° - 3° -8° 108 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
May Acceptable -10° - 3° -9° 38 mm some cloud 74% 4.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
June Good -12° - 3° -11° 14 mm mostly sunny 72% 6.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.5h
July Acceptable -12° - 3° -12° 16 mm mostly sunny 70% 6.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.5h
August Acceptable -12° - 2° -12° 26 mm mostly sunny 68% 7.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.7h
September Acceptable -10° - 2° -10° 60 mm some cloud 68% 6.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
October Poor -10° - 3° -9° 110 mm partly cloudy 69% 4.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
November Poor -9° - 3° -8° 111 mm partly cloudy 69% 4.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
December Poor -8° - 4° -8° 112 mm overcast 72% 5.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Chopicalqui#

The nearest towns for logistics and acclimatization are Yungay and Huaraz; many climbers base themselves in Huaraz before hiring guides and transport into the mountain valleys. Caraz is another local service town used for approaches from the south.

International visitors normally fly into Lima and continue by long-distance bus or a domestic flight to the Ancash region, then travel by road to Huaraz or Yungay; the final stretch to trailheads is on mountain roads and is usually done by taxi, 4x4 or arranged transport with a guide.

Tips for Visiting Chopicalqui#

  • Acclimatize in Huaraz for several days before attempting Chopicalqui to reduce altitude-related risks.
  • This is a glaciated, technical mountain - hire an experienced, certified guide and carry crevasse-rescue gear.
  • Check with local authorities or your guide about current park regulations and entry procedures.
  • Avoid attempting the climb during the wet season when heavy snow and avalanches increase objective danger.
  • Plan for variable mountain weather and bring clothing and sleeping gear rated for high, icy conditions.