Tour Overview
Climbing To Ichic Ulta - Full Day
This high-performance one-day expedition targets the technical slopes of Ichic Ulta, starting with a pre-dawn departure from Huaraz toward the spectacular Punta Olímpica pass. The adventure transitions from a steady moraine approach to a demanding glacial ascent, where climbers encounter sustained inclines of up to 55 degrees requiring precise rope progression and ice screw protection. Reaching the 5,400-meter summit rewards mountaineers with a breathtaking panoramic balcony overlooking the Huascarán and Chopicalqui giants, concluding with a technical descent involving rappels through the steepest sections before returning to the city.
Location
Cordillera Blanca – Quebrada Ulta
DETAILED ITINERARY
Tour Schedule
03:00 AM – Departure from Huaraz (3,100 m)
- Pickup from hotel and transfer by private transport to Quebrada Ulta (Carhuaz – Punta Olímpica).
- Approximate journey time: 3 hours.
05:30 AM – Arrival at the starting point (approx. 4,600 m)
- Check of personal and technical equipment.
- Safety briefing and roping.
06:00 AM – Approach hike
- Ascent over rocky terrain (moraine) to the beginning of the glacier.
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours / Elevation gain: +300 m
06:30–9:00 hrs – Ascent to Ichic Ulta (5,400 m)
- Glacier entry with crampons and ice axe.
- 40–55° slopes, rope progression, and ice screw belay.
- Final section with a sustained incline on ice.
- Total ascent time: 3–3.5 hours.
09:00 – 9:30 AM – Ichic Ulta Summit (5,400 m)
- Panoramic views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas, Ulta, and the Ranrapalca massif.
- Photographs and short break.
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Descent
- Return via the same route, with rappels on the steepest sections of the glacier.
- Arrival at the rock base and return to the starting point.
12:30 PM – Return by shuttle to Huaraz
- Approximately 3-hour trip.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Arrival in Huaraz
- Hotel pickup and private transportation via the Carhuaz – Punta Olímpica highway.
- Approximate travel time: 3 hours.
- End of the expedition.
What's Covered
Our Services
Included
- Private transportation from Huaraz to Quebrada Ulta to Huaraz.
Specialized high-altitude guide
- Group technical equipment (ropes, stakes, ice screws).
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Personal technical equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, double boots)
- Personal food and drinks
- Entrance fee to Huascarán National Park
Recommendations
- Good acclimatization is recommended
- Be in good physical condition
- Bring sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, gloves, and water
- Respect company policy and PNH protocols.
