Qampa Climbing Tour: Everything You Need to Know
The Mountain Climb in Cusco has been getting popular in the last few years. Cusco is the second region in Peru that has incredible snow mountains over 6,000 meters after Ancash. That is why many people who visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are also looking for some mountains to climb. mountains as Qampa, are well recommended for beginners and experienced mountain climbers.
From Qampa Mountain (5,520 meters (18,110 feet) to the highest snow peak Ausangate (6,384 meters (20,944 feet) can be climbed without any problem with a professional mountain guide. There are already some mountain-climb travel companies in Cusco, such as Vidal Expeditions, that are taking groups to different mountains around Cusco and Peru.
Qampa Mountain Climb
Qampa, also spelled Jampa, is the easiest and most popular mountain to climb in Cusco and may be climbed without any experience in mountaineering. It requires a glacier hike and sometimes a small rock-climbing pass, depending on the season. The summit, at 5,520 meters, offers a panoramic view that reaches Salkantay Mountain over 200 kilometers to the northwest, Ausangate Peak, the highest in Cusco, and some other mountains over 6,000 meters.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Planning to climb your first mountain in the Andes? we have the right mountain to start your adventure climbing in the Andes, Qampa also called Jampa, without a doubt this is the perfect snow mountain to start the mountainering in the Peruvian Andes, let see below some of the most important FAQs about the Qampa Mountain Climb.
Where is Qampa Mountain?
Qampa Mountain is nestled in the Vilcanota range, next to Ausangate Mountain, on the southern side of Cusco City, south of Peru.
It is surrounded by snowy peaks with an overage elevation of 6,000 meters and hides incredible alpine landscapes.
How high is the Qampa Mountain?
The summit of the Qampa mountain is at 5,500 meters (18,044 feet). The base camp is located at 4,820 meters (15,813 feet).
How difficult is the Qampa mountain climb?
Qampa Mountain Climb is very recommended for those who want to climb a mountain for the first time in the Andes at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. This two-day tour offers different experiences, including hiking through herds of alpacas, different crystal lakes, hot springs, snow mountains, and cultural experiences.
How to prepare to climb this mountain?
To climb this mountain, you only need a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude, have good physical shape, and positive attitude will be essential to summit this peak.
How fit should I be?
As fit as you can be. The more fit and prepared you are, the more enjoyable the experience will be. So if you go on long and frequent hikes, are confident in carrying a heavy pack and train in advance for the trip, this will make all the difference.
What kind of training should I be doing?
It’s ideal to start training a good six months leading up to the trip. Your training program should involve things like:
• Strengthening your leg muscles
• Building endurance
• Carrying a heavy pack
• Hill training
• Improving your overall fitness
Doing exercise around four times or more a week for an hour and a half is a general guide and will depend on each individual’s capacity.
Are there certain gear items I should have?
Depending on the expedition, a very detailed gear list is provided and the beginner course will include items like carabiners, belay devices, ascenders and so forth as part of the all-inclusive value. Items, like double boots, can be BYO or hired in advance.
Qampa Climbing 2 Day Itinerary
During this Qampa Climbing 2-Day Trip, you will explore the most remote area of the Peruvian Andes, from stunning turquoise lakes to snowcapped mountains that offer different breathtaking vistas in the Vilcanota range.
Day 1. Cusco – Tinke – Pacchanta – Base Camp
We leave Cusco in the morning (approximately 6:00 a.m.) in our private van and arrive in Tinke. We have a short stop to purchase some items that we could need on this tour. From there, we keep driving to the community of Pacchanta (4,136 m), is there that we will start our hiking towards base camp (4,800m) with our arriero carrying the equipment on a horse. The trail (9km) passes through several green-blue lagoons at the foot of Nevado Ausangate and many herds of alpacas before arriving at the base camp close to the Qampa Pass (5,000m).
Day 2. Base Camp – Summit – Pacchanta – Cusco
Today we wake up at 3:30 a.m. and leave the camp by 4 a.m.Arriving at the summit by 7 a.m., we can enjoy the views for an hour or so before returning to base camp for breakfast. After breakfast, we will walk back to Pacchanta and go to the thermal baths for a couple hours. In the afternoon, we will go back to Cusco in our private van.
Included in the trip:
• Transportation
• Expedition & Climbing Equipment (Tents, Crampons, Ice Axe, Harness, Helmet, etc.)
• Food (1 Breakfast 2 Lunch 1 Dinner)
• 1 High Mountain Guide per 3 clients
• Arriero & Horse Service
• Oxygen tank
• First aid kit
No included
• Entrance to Ausangate
• Entrance for hot spring
• Water bottle
• Tips
What you should need to bring?
• Clothing for cold and rain
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Headlamp
• Backpack
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water container
• Gloves
• Down jacket
• Beanie
• Snacks
• Extra cash
Recommendations
Although no mountaineering experience is required for this Qampa Climbing Trip, you should be in good physical condition and acclimatized (3 days in Cusco). You will need cold weather clothing, and some type of rain protection clothing is recommended. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is required and will fit with our adjustable crampons.
