Coropuna
Mountain Massive Peruvian stratovolcano and snow-capped massif
Coropuna is a high, glaciated volcano near Arequipa that attracts mountaineers and landscape photographers. Climbs involve altitude and glacier travel, while lower slopes host pastoral communities and volcanic scenery.
Coropuna is a massive stratovolcanic complex in southern Peru, located in the Arequipa Region. It is notable as one of the highest volcanic massifs in the country and forms a prominent part of the local Andean skyline.
The complex includes multiple summits and broad glaciated slopes; the highest point reaches roughly 6,425 metres above sea level. Climbers visit the mountain, and its glaciers have been the subject of glaciological research and monitoring.
Coropuna has held significance for local communities since pre-Columbian times and features archaeological evidence of human presence at high elevations. In recent decades the glacier extent has been studied in the context of regional climate change.
The mountain lies in the western cordillera of the southern Peruvian Andes within Arequipa region territory and is visible from surrounding valleys and highland communities.
- Elevation: The mountain is one of Peru's highest volcanic complexes, with its highest summit reaching approximately 6,425 metres above sea level.
- Glaciation and Mountaineering: It is heavily glaciated in its upper reaches and is a destination for mountaineers and scientific study of Andean glaciation.
Tips for Visiting Coropuna #
- Plan your visit in the dry season (roughly May-September) for more stable weather and clearer summit views; the high Andes have a pronounced wet season that makes access and glacier travel riskier.
- Acclimatize for several days in Arequipa or the Colca Valley before attempting high-altitude approaches-Coropuna's access and any climbing involve sustained elevation gain and glacier travel.
- Arrange logistics with experienced local operators: access to Coropuna is remote and typically requires 4x4 transport, route knowledge and camping equipment, so hire a guide rather than attempting a self-supported approach.
Best Time to Visit Coropuna #
Attempt Coropuna during the dry season (May-September) when weather is most stable for high-elevation travel.
Weather & Climate near Coropuna #
Coropuna's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -18°C to 2°C. Moderate rainfall (833 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (173 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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June
June is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -18°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.
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September
September is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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