Chumpe Climb – 6,110 m High-Altitude Expedition

We begin our expedition early in the morning with a scenic drive from Cusco (3,400 m) to the Andean town of Tinki. This three-hour journey takes us through the rolling highlands of the Vilcanota Range, offering stunning views of snow-covered peaks, traditional farming communities, and native wildlife. After lunch in Tinki, a local vehicle takes us closer to the trailhead, where our trek begins. The hike to Mullucocha Base Camp is a gentle but steady ascent across high-altitude terrain, passing crystalline lagoons, wetlands, and open puna grasslands dotted with alpacas and llamas. We reach the campsite after approximately five to six hours of trekking, where we set up camp at 4,600 m with views of nearby glaciers and rest for the night under the stars.

• Starting altitude: 3,400 m (Cusco)
• Trailhead altitude: approx. 4,200 m
• Ending altitude: 4,600 m (Mullucocha Base Camp)
• Maximum altitude: 4,600 m
• Distance: ~7 km
• Trekking time: 5–6 hours
• Accommodation: Campsite at Mullucocha
• Highlights: Scenic drive through the Andes, traditional village of Tinki, glacial lakes, highland wildlife, excellent acclimatization zone

After a warm breakfast and some final checks of our gear, we begin our ascent from Mullucocha Base Camp toward High Camp, also known as Advance Base Camp (ABC). The trail gradually shifts from alpine grasslands to a more rugged glacial moraine environment, with noticeable changes in temperature, wind, and terrain. The hike, which takes around five to seven hours, provides exceptional views of nearby ice-covered peaks and offers a deeper immersion into the high-mountain atmosphere of the Cordillera Vilcanota. While pack animals assist with transporting group equipment to this elevation, climbers are responsible for carrying their personal gear. Upon arrival at High Camp (5,300 m), we set up tents on a rocky platform beneath the glacier and rest early in preparation for the summit push.

• Starting altitude: 4,600 m (Mullucocha Base Camp)
• Ending altitude: 5,300 m (High Camp / ABC)
• Maximum altitude: 5,300 m
• Distance: ~5 km
• Trekking time: 5–7 hours
• Accommodation: Campsite at High Camp
• Highlights: Transition from alpine to glacial terrain, panoramic views of the Chumpe glacier, high-altitude adaptation, feeling the proximity of the summit

Summit day begins long before sunrise. At 1:00 a.m., we start the climb under a starlit sky, roped in and fully equipped with crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. The ascent follows a route over active glacier terrain, with gradual but sustained elevation gain, snow slopes, and potential crevasse crossings. The physical demand is high, but the rhythm is steady and guided with safety as the top priority. After 7 to 9 hours of continuous climbing, we reach the summit of Nevado Chumpe at 6,110 m, where we’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Vilcanota Range, including the iconic Ausangate and the endless Andean horizon. After a brief celebration and photo session, we begin the careful descent back to High Camp, arriving after approximately 5 hours of technical downhill.

• Starting altitude: 5,300 m (High Camp)
• Summit altitude: 6,110 m
• Ending altitude: 5,300 m (return to High Camp)
• Total climbing time: 11-12 hours to the summit
• Descent time: ~5 hours
• Accommodation: High Camp
• Highlights: Glacier climbing under the stars, panoramic sunrise at 6,110 m, technical mountaineering experience, views of Ausangate and the Andes

After a well-deserved rest, we wake up with a sense of achievement and the crisp air of the high Andes. Today’s journey is a gradual descent from High Camp back to the Base Camp at Mullucocha. The route retraces our steps across rocky moraines and glacial deposits, offering one last chance to admire the towering ice faces of Chumpe and the surrounding snow-capped peaks from a new perspective. The descent takes around five hours at a relaxed pace, allowing time for rest, reflection, and photography. Upon arrival at Base Camp, we set up for the final night, enjoy a warm celebratory dinner, and rest under the open sky.

• Starting altitude: 5,300 m (High Camp)
• Ending altitude: 4,600 m (Mullucocha Base Camp)
• Maximum altitude: 5,300 m
• Distance: ~5 km
• Trekking time: ~5 hours
• Accommodation: Campsite at Base Camp
• Highlights: Post-summit descent, glacier and moraine views, relaxed pace, final night in the mountains, starlit skies

Our final day in the Andes begins with an early breakfast at Base Camp, followed by a peaceful hike back to the trailhead. This 5-hour walk descends gradually through the same highland landscapes we crossed on the first day—only now with a deeper sense of connection and achievement. Once at the trailhead, a local transfer takes us to Tinki, where our private vehicle will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco. Arriving in the city by late afternoon, we conclude the expedition with memories of glaciers, summits, and the raw beauty of the Cordillera Vilcanota etched in our minds.

• Starting altitude: 4,600 m (Mullucocha Base Camp)
• Ending altitude: 3,400 m (Cusco)
• Maximum altitude: 4,600 m
• Distance: ~7 km hiking + 3 h drive
• Trekking time: ~5 hours
• Accommodation: Not included (return to hotel in Cusco)
• Highlights: Final views of the Vilcanota range, farewell to the mountain, return to civilization, expedition complete