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Yerupajá

Mountain

Yerupajá in the Huánuco region's Cordillera Huayhuash ranks among Peru's highest peaks and presents technical climbing challenges. The surrounding Huayhuash circuit offers strenuous trekking, high passes and dramatic granite walls.

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In this guide

Yerupajá essentials

Country: Peru
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Sol (S/.)
Language: Spanish, Quechua

Yerupajá at a Glance

About Yerupajá

Yerupajá is a major Andean summit in the Cordillera Huayhuash with an elevation of about 6,634 metres, and it is the second-highest mountain in Peru. It is located in the Department of Huánuco and is renowned for its steep faces and technical climbing routes.

The peak draws experienced alpinists for its challenging north and west faces and for ridge climbs that require high technical skill. The surrounding Cordillera Huayhuash offers multi-day trekking circuits that pass near the mountain and provide panoramic views.

Yerupajá sits within the high Andes of central Peru; the nearest regional access points are mountain towns in the Huayhuash and Ancash regions and the route to the range usually begins from roadheads several hours from larger cities such as Huaraz or Caraz.

  • Second-highest peak in Peru: At about 6,634 metres it is the highest peak in the Cordillera Huayhuash and the second-highest mountain in Peru, making it a major objective for technical alpinism.

Tips for Visiting Yerupajá

  • Plan any visit during the dry season (May-September) and view Yerupajá from the established Huayhuash trekking circuit-the mountain is best appreciated from the high passes and lakes along that route.
  • Treat any trip into the Cordillera Huayhuash as a remote, high‑altitude expedition: go with an experienced operator, arrange pack animals/porters, and allow multiple days for acclimatization.
  • Allocate extra days in your itinerary for weather delays and to reach the classic viewpoints (Jahuacocha and surrounding passes) that frame Yerupajá's dramatic ridgelines; many trekkers underestimate how long it takes to move between camps.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Yerupajá

Yerupajá and other high Huayhuash peaks are best visited in the dry season (May-September) when climbing and trekking conditions are most favorable.

Climbing/trekking season (best)
May-September · alpine conditions - summit areas well below freezing, lower valleys milder by day
Drier, more stable weather - the main season for expeditions in the high Andes and for visibility of the peak.
Wet season
October-April · cold with frequent precipitation and storms at altitude
Frequent storms, higher avalanche risk and limited visibility make technical routes far less reliable.

Weather & Climate near Yerupajá

Climate

Yerupajá's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -13°C to 3°C. Abundant rainfall (1137 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 60 Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
3°
Warmest Month
-13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -8° - 3° -9° 161 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
February - -8° - 2° -9° 175 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
March - -8° - 2° -8° 193 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
April - -10° - 3° -9° 107 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
May - -11° - 3° -10° 39 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
June - -13° - 3° -12° 17 mm - - 6.4 m/s - -
July - -13° - 3° -13° 19 mm - - 6.7 m/s - -
August - -13° - 3° -13° 29 mm - - 6.9 m/s - -
September - -11° - 2° -11° 60 mm - - 6.1 m/s - -
October - -11° - 3° -10° 105 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
November - -10° - 3° -10° 110 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
December - -9° - 3° -9° 122 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -