We begin the day by picking you up from your hotel located in
the city of Huaraz or meeting at the
designated meeting point. From
there, we embark on a journey of approximately two and a half hours’ northeast
of Huaraz, traveling along scenic roads that pass through valleys and
picturesque villages.
We will pass
through Carhuaz, renowned for its
artisanal ice cream, and the peaceful town of Shilla before entering the
majestic Huascarán National Park, a
protected area home to some of the highest and most spectacular mountains in
the Andes.
Our destination is
Punta Olímpica, a high mountain pass
that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and
glaciers. Here, we will park and prepare for the hike while the guide provides
a safety briefing and gear check.
The first stage of
the trek consists of an approximately one-hour
hike across rocky terrain, crossing the glacier’s moraine. Along the
way, you will witness a surreal landscape where rugged rock formations contrast
with the dazzling white ice.
Upon reaching the
glacier base, it will be time to gear up with crampons, harnesses, and
ropes—essential equipment to ensure safety during the ascent. The guide will
secure the group with ropes and give final instructions before we begin the
climb.
Now comes the most
exhilarating part: ice climbing to the
summit, a challenge that takes about an hour. As we ascend, the sense of
achievement grows stronger, and the views become increasingly spectacular. The
combination of physical effort, fresh mountain air, and the sheer immensity of
the landscape will make you feel like a true mountaineer.
Finally, we reach the summit of Nevado Mateo (5,150
m), where you will be rewarded with an absolutely stunning panoramic view.
Towering before you is the impressive Nevado
Contrahiervas, while in the distance, the beautiful Cancará Chico and
Grande lagoons shimmer in brilliant turquoise, contrasting against the snowy
landscape.
This is the
perfect moment to take a deep breath, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy
the satisfaction of conquering one of the most accessible peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.
After spending
time at the summit, we begin our descent along the same route, carefully
following the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe return. Once back at the
glacier base, we remove our technical equipment and hike back to our vehicle at
Punta Olímpica.
From there, we
board our transport back to Huaraz, where you can relax and relive the most
thrilling moments of this unforgettable adventure.