100+ Duffel Bag(s)
A durable duffel bag (100-120L) made of tough material with rugged zippers for gear transport and storage. Can be used as checked luggage and for organizing gear at base locations.
17 Days
|
Skill Development
|
7100.00
|
$1,500
Deposit
|
Intermediate
RMI's Expedition Skills Seminar in Peru is a seventeen-day mountaineering course in the Cordillera Blanca that combines skills training with attempts on three glaciated peaks.
Day-by-day program overview.
Fitness, experience, and preparation.
Gear requirements for this program.
Meals and nutrition on the mountain.
Getting there and local logistics.
Booking, cancellations, and requirements.
Common questions, direct answers.
What climbers are saying.
Build a complete alpine mountaineering foundation through hands-on training woven between climbs in Peru's Cordillera Blanca.
Put new skills to work on real objectives, attempting three glaciated peaks above 17,000 feet in a single trip.
A deliberate stepping stone toward bigger glaciated ranges like the Alaska Range and the Himalaya.
The Peru seminar was an unforgettable experience, not only are you getting industry leading skills teaching from the guides, but you get to do it in one of the most beautiful high alpine environments in the world, all whilst being fed like kings. Plus 3 out of 3 summits is always a nice bonus!
James W.
Peru's Cordillera Blanca is one of the great mountaineering arenas in the world, the highest tropical mountain range on earth, dense with glaciated peaks that rise straight out of the valleys above Huaraz and still refreshingly wild and uncrowded next to the bigger-name ranges. The Peru Seminar uses this setting as its classroom. It is for climbers who want to step up to larger mountains and need the skills and high-altitude experience to do it well.
The course is built around learning by doing. From a base camp in the Ishinca Valley, the team alternates training days with summit pushes, so glacier travel, cramponing, and rope skills get used on real objectives rather than rehearsed in isolation. Over the trip climbers attempt three glaciated summits - Nevado Vallunaraju, Nevado Ishinca and Nevado Urus - topping out at 18,654 feet.
It suits climbers with some mountain experience who want to build toward the Himalaya, the Alaska Range, or other major glaciated peaks. The Cordillera Blanca is an ideal place to do it: serious enough to teach real lessons, beautiful enough to make the work worth it, and undeveloped enough that the mountains still feel like an expedition. By the end you have not just a few summits behind you but a tested set of skills and a clearer sense of what bigger trips will demand.
RMI is one of the oldest guide services in the United States and has spent decades teaching mountaineering on Mount Rainier, Mt. McKinley, and peaks around the world. For a skills seminar, that teaching depth is the whole point. The guides leading this course are instructors first, and they bring climbing experience from the Andes to the Alaska Range to the Himalaya into how they run each training day.
A Peru seminar can be booked through plenty of operators, but the details are what separate them. RMI runs this course at a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio, so instruction is close and individual rather than delivered to a crowd. RMI also brings its own climbing equipment from the U.S. and handles logistics end to end, from hotels to in-country transport, so climbers can focus on learning rather than coordinating a trip.
Because the seminar moves onto real glaciers at real altitude, risk management runs through every day: weather and route assessment, disciplined decision-making, and guides trained in technical rescue and remote medicine. The result is a place to push into harder, higher climbing with experienced people responsible for the team. To learn more about who we are and how we guide, visit our About RMI page.
The trip begins in Lima and moves up to the mountain town of Huaraz to acclimatize before heading into the Cordillera Blanca, where mules carry the gear to a base camp set beneath the climbing peaks. From there the team settles into a rhythm of training days and summit attempts, climbing and learning together until it is time to head back down.
Lima, Peru
18,654' / 5,686 m
17 Days
3
9
12-15 Hours
The Peru Seminar teaches by layering. Dedicated mountaineering school days at base camp introduce each system, and climbers then put it to use on real summits over the following days before returning to train again and moving on to bigger objectives. Skills are practiced repeatedly on glaciers and snow slopes rather than demonstrated once.
By the end of the seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
Depart U.S. for Lima, Peru. Most flights arrive in Lima in the late evening. Upon arrival, a taxi ride takes you to our hotel. Overnight in Lima.
We leave Lima and make the drive in a private van to Huaraz, the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca. The drive takes most of the day. Leaving the coastal plains as we stop for lunch in Chaskitambo (a crossroads for the Inca runner-messengers) we start driving up the Conococha Pass to an elevation of about 13,500', where we stop for the first astonishing views of the Cordillera Blanca. A short two-hour drive brings us down to Huaraz in the early evening. (B)
After the previous day’s drive, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast as a group, and shortly after we start a half a day hike right from our hotel to Puka Ventana (11,150') a cliffy overlook for the Cordillera Blanca above town, that brings us through narrow canyons and red sedimentary rock. The afternoon is spent reviewing the equipment we need for the climbs. (B)
The day starts with early breakfast before boarding the bus for our hike. After a 50-minute ride, we arrive to the trailhead for Quebrada Churup, at the foothills of the peak with the same name, towering above. A good trail followed by a few steps of fun scrambling over some 3+ hours, takes us to the glacial basin with a beautiful lake at 14,500'. After lunch at the lake, we retrace our steps back down and head to town to pack for the final departure for the Vallunaraju Valley the next day. (B)
We drive to the Vallunaraju Basecamp, A refugio built by the Casa De Guias that sits in a beautiful glacial valley just below Laguna Llaca. We unload our duffels here then hike to our school site at the snowline. This sits at roughly 16,500.' Here we practice movement skills to prepare us for the climb. This is a long day and requires participants to carry a 30-40lb pack of climbing equipment, snacks, water, and clothing layers to the school site for the afternoon. Upon completion, we return to Llaca basecamp refugio for the night. (B, D)
This day is spent to rest and to prepare for the long climb and alpine start ahead. (B, D)
Today we make our summit attempt on the first of three objectives of the seminar. Vallunaraju offers great terrain for a first summit of this elevation. This day begins in the dark and is typically strenuous. Expect a 30-40lb pack and a 12-15 hour round-trip summit attempt with about 5,000' of ascent/ descent. After the climb, we pack up Basecamp and descend back to the trailhead. We return to Huaraz where we enjoy hot showers. Overnight in Huaraz. (B, D)
A well deserved day of rest in Huaraz. Participants are free to explore the city center where they can enjoy the creature comforts of local markets, the fountains in the Plaza de Armas, good cuisine, and often music.
We leave Huaraz after breakfast in the Hotel and drive up the ever adventurous roads of the cordillera to Paspa (11,150'). Here we meet our burros and support staff to hand off expedition equipment. We hike with daypacks up to the beautiful glacial carved Ishinca valley where we set up our basecamp for the next several days. (B, D)
Here we spend the day practicing climbing expedition skills and resting for the next long summit bid of Ishinca. (B, D)
Nevado Ishinca is our second summit attempt and will provide good climbing and moderate terrain. We will get an early start in the middle of the night for our summit bid. Another 12-15 hour day from camp to camp as we ascend up the Ishinca valley, through glacial moraine, ice, and snow up to the summit of Ishinca. After the climb, we descend to Base Camp for the evening. (B, D)
Today we have a full day of rest. Often on this day we practice some more rope skills on a rocky crag near our basecamp. (B, D)
Our last objective is Nevado Urus (17,800'). A final alpine start where we wander above our basecamp into the blocky and rocky 4th class terrain and onto snow through the summit labyrinth. Plan for a 10-12 hour day round trip back to our basecamp. (B, D)
This extra day is scheduled into the itinerary in case we encounter poor weather or need additional time for acclimatization or training.
We pack up Base Camp and descend back to the trailhead. A short drive brings us back to Huaraz where we partake in the luxuries of civilization and enjoy a celebratory dinner. Overnight in Huaraz. (B)
After breakfast we load our vehicle and make the drive to Lima. We arrive in Lima in the evening and transfer to our hotel for overnight. (B)
Depart Lima for scheduled flights back to the U.S
Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Arrive in excellent physical condition, prepared for ten-plus-hour summit days and consecutive days of climbing while carrying a 30 to 40 pound pack.
Previous climbing experience is required, including comfort with roped glacier travel, crampons, and ice axe arrest before the trip begins.
The seminar climbs to 18,654 feet on Nevado Vallunaraju, making it a strong first experience at high altitude.
The Peru Seminar is open to climbers in excellent physical condition who already have some mountaineering experience. It is not an introduction to the sport: you should arrive comfortable with roped glacier travel, crampons, and ice axe arrest, because the course builds on those skills rather than teaching them from scratch. Expect physically demanding days, including summit pushes of ten hours or more while carrying a moderate pack, and a high point above 20,000 feet that asks a lot even of fit climbers. It is, though, a well-supported place to climb higher than you may have before: the training days, the 2:1 ratio, and the acclimatization built into the schedule are all there to help you perform. Climbers who arrive fit and current on their skills get the most out of it; those still learning the basics should build that foundation first.
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Your climbing resumé should include:
Roped glacier travel*
Cramponing on snow and ice*
Ice axe self-arrest*
Previous experience on a glaciated peak
Comfort on moderate to steeper snow slopes
Multi-day mountaineering or expedition experience
Items marked with an Asterix (*) are considered mandatory prerequisites for this program.
Total Climbing Time
Elevation Gain / Loss
Total Distance
Pack Weight
DAY 5 - Trek to Ishinca Valley Base Camp
4 - 5 hours
Gain = 3,250'
8 miles
30 - 40 lbs
DAY 11 - Ishinca summit day
9 - 11 hours
Gain = 3,743' | Loss = 3,743'
—
30 - 40 lbs
DAY 13 - Nevado Urus summit day
6 - 8 hours
Gain = 3,400' | Loss = 3,400'
—
30 - 40 lbs
Our guides have decades of experience training for alpine objectives, and we've done our best to put together relevant resources to help you with your expedition preparation.
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Before any program begins, RMI works directly with prospective climbers to confirm that everyone joining a team is genuinely prepared for the demands ahead. Depending on the program, this may involve conversations with our office staff, a review of your climbing history, or feedback from guides and other climbers who know your abilities. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that every person on the rope belongs there. We ask that each climber hold themselves to the same standard:
The standards we set exist to protect everyone on the team. RMI holds all climbers accountable to them, and we take seriously our responsibility to build teams of people who are ready to be in the mountains together. RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from a program or send them to a lower altitude if our guide staff determines, in their sole discretion, that the participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared or capable of participating, or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. In such cases, no refunds or credits will be issued, and the participant will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including evacuation, transportation, lodging, and meals.
The Expedition Skills Seminar in Peru requires a full mountaineering kit for glaciated peaks: boots, crampons, and an ice axe, the layering system for cold summit mornings, and the personal camping gear for extended time at base camp and a high camp. This list reflects decades of RMI guiding experience and is built to keep you warm, comfortable, and self-sufficient across everything the Cordillera Blanca delivers, from warm valley approaches to summit days well below freezing.
Every experienced climber refines their kit over time, and not every item will be used on a given day. Even so, this list represents what RMI expects you to bring, and all required equipment must be available at the gear check before the climb.
Each RMI program includes a required personal equipment list built around the specific terrain, conditions, and objectives of the climb. Every item serves a purpose and supports safety, efficiency, and comfort in the mountains.
Guide Picks™ are examples that meet our performance standards and illustrate the type of gear we recommend. Each year, our partners at Whittaker Mountaineering survey our staff of 70+ guides to get a consensus on the best gear for the job. You do not need to purchase the exact item shown, but any alternative must offer comparable function and durability.
All listed items are required for the gear check. Final adjustments may be recommended by your guide based on conditions and team needs once the expedition begins.
Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering.
Bring as needed. Make sure these are TSA-compliant.
A technical climbing pack large enough to carry personal gear, layers, food, water, and a share of group equipment including tent portions. You will not need a separate summit pack. For ski programs, a pack with ski-carrying capability is recommended.
We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0° F. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.
10- or 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates for general mountaineering and glacier travel. Automatic, semi-automatic, or strap-on attachment depending on boot compatibility. Ensure crampons are compatible with your specific boots before your program.
Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.
We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light, and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, softshell, down, and synthetic options.
A lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt in synthetic or merino wool for sun protection and moisture management during active climbing.
One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.
An insulated jacket or softshell for warmth during low-output activity and extended rest breaks. Should fit over baselayers and midlayers, and under a shell.
An expedition-style down parka that extends below the waist with an insulated hood, designed to fit over all other layers. Worn primarily in camp, during rest breaks, and on summit day. Down fill recommended over synthetic.
We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
Lightweight synthetic or merino wool baselayer bottoms for moisture management and temperature regulation during active climbing.
Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.
Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.
Great for traveling and wearing around town or camp. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.
A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampon spikes on loose clothing. Not needed if using a boot with an integrated gaiter.
Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.
We recommend you speak with your physician about which medications you should have for high-altitude climbing. These medications are only used in emergency situations, and if someone is showing symptoms of HAPE or HACE, our standard protocol is for immediate descent. We do not take any of these medications prophylactically, and please talk with your guide before taking medications.
We require each climber to have the following medications:
Broad spectrum antibiotics for respiratory and gastrointestinal problems like Azithromycin (250mg tablets).
125mg tablets for the prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness. A normal prescription is 125mg tablets, twice a day. Recommend 15 - 20 tablets.
4mg tablets for the treatment of altitude illness. Recommend 12 tablets.
30mg slow-release tablets for the prevention or treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Recommend 8 - 10 tablets.
Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, basic pain reliever, and personal medications.
You are responsible for providing your own meals and snack food in town and while on your program. See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
Books, magazines, or a journal for downtime at camp; a Kindle or similar e-reader is a practical alternative for longer expeditions where weight and bulk matter. Choose based on program length and personal preference.
Disposable or reusable ear plugs for sleeping in shared tent or hut accommodations.
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.
A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
For charging personal electronics while traveling internationally.
We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, sightseeing and dining.
If Glacier Glasses are not required, regular sunglasses will suffice on this program.
Valid for six months beyond your return date.
The first two pages of your passport.
A printed or digital copy of your complete flight itinerary, including confirmation numbers and times, for reference during travel and check-in. Keep this easily accessible throughout your journey.
Additional passport-sized photographs beyond those required for your visa application, useful for visa extensions, permits, or emergency document replacement during international travel. Bring 4-6 extra photos.
Purchase travel insurance.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the best shape of your life!
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, avalanche probes, shovels, and blue bags (for solid waste disposal).
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.
On the Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru you will need 9 mountain lunches. All of your mountain lunch items should weigh 5 - 6 lb.
Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included as indicated in our Trip Itinerary. With the exception of hotel breakfasts, most restaurant meals are on your own. You are responsible for your own bottled water and drinks.
Mountain lunches are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb - lunch begins just after breakfast and ends just before dinner! Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.
The importance of having foods that are genuinely enjoyed cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. In order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty.
Take care while shopping for your personal mountain lunch items. Don't wait until the last minute. Make a list in advance and add to it as you generate and remember more ideas. Try to shop at stores that offer a large variety of gourmet and specialty foods, as well as your old, stand-by favorites.
Recommended mountain lunch items: bagels, tortillas, crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscuits), hummus, Pringles, corn nuts, smoked almonds, roasted cashews, GORP mix (peanuts, M&M's, sunflower seeds, raisins, etc), smoked salmon, salami, pepperoni, cheese (brie, camembert), jerky, candy (sweet and sour varieties), chocolate bars, hard candies, energy bars (Cliff, Luna), dried fruits (apricots, pineapple, pear), and drink mixes (Gatorade, Kool-Aid, or Crystal Light).
Perishable food items may be purchased at a grocery store in Peru; you should have the bulk of lunch items already purchased and packed.
To ensure our caloric input is optimal prior to the climb, and that your time on the mountain is even more memorable, we have a cook at base camp who will prepare fresh, hearty meals for breakfast and dinner.
The breakfast menu at base camp includes items such as omelets, porridge, bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes, yogurt, and hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, and the local staple "mate de coca").
While on the mountain, cold cereals with powdered milk and bagels with cream cheese are our go to breakfasts options along with instant coffee and tea.
The dinner menu at base camp is a two-course meal followed by dessert and hot drinks. Soups made with locally harvested quinoa, pasta, and vegetable stews are common first-course items. Our second-course typically consists of fresh chicken, pork, or trout, and often pizza. To provide sweetness to our meal, fruit salad, yogurt, and a variety of puddings made by our base camp cook are served for dessert. Various hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, and the local staple "mate de coca") are also provided.
While on the mountain dinner typically consists of freeze-dried foods, quesadillas, soups, and other high caloric, low weight meals are provided. Every attempt is made to ensure a variety of meals and adequate quantity.
This page covers the practical details you’ll want to review before your trip, including travel logistics, entry requirements, local considerations, and required policies. Taking time to understand these details ahead of departure helps ensure a smoother experience once you’re on the ground and focused on the climb.
Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State.
Several U.S. airlines offer daily flights to Lima, Peru (LIM).
Flights departing Lima may be booked for anytime on Day 17.
A valid passport is required when traveling to Peru. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date. U.S. passport holders may stay up to 90 days without a visa.
We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a backup. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.
Upon arrival at the Lima airport please collect your baggage and proceed to the arrivals area. Please take a taxi from the airport to our hotel.
The provided ground transportation in Peru as stated in the itinerary is via private vehicle.
For the most current information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
Travelers may suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. There are some basic rules, however, that can help keep you healthy.
Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is readily available. In the event of more serious illnesses or injuries, we recommend transport to any of the Level 1 care centers in Lima.
Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.
Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be challenging. When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans visit Travelex Insurance Services or contact Travelex Insurance (800) 228-9792 and reference location number 47-0370.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York). RETWEB
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is travel insurance designed for adventurers, including the best evacuation and rescue services available.
Benefits are tailored for adventurers and include:
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company. Their team is comprised of special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, former intelligence officers, insurance actuaries and global security experts with dozens of years of experience in theaters around the world. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance – in every sense of the word. Whether it’s reimbursing you for a cancelled trip, paying your travel medical bills or evacuating you home in an emergency, Ripcord takes the worry out of your travel.
RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide travel planning support. Erin is an independent agent with extensive experience booking travel for adventure programs worldwide and understands the specific needs of RMI expeditions.
Phone: (208) 788-2870
Email: [email protected]
It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance policy provides appropriate coverage for your specific program and activities. Review policy details carefully before purchasing, and confirm coverage well in advance of your departure.
Peru, in western South America, extends for nearly 1,500 miles along the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and Ecuador are to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Peru is divided by the Andes Mountains into three sharply differentiated zones. To the west is the coastline, much of it arid, extending 50 to 100 miles inland. The mountain area, with peaks over 20,000 feet, lofty plateaus, and deep valleys, lies centrally. Beyond the mountains to the east is the heavily forested slope leading to the Amazonian plains.
Peru is an emerging, market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. Historically, the country's economic performance has been tied to exports. Its main exports include copper, gold, zinc, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, services and fish meal. Currently, tourism in Peru makes up the nation's third largest industry, behind fishing and mining.
Peru is a multi-ethnic, multicultural country whose people, subsequently, identify their nationality by citizenship rather than ethnicity. The Peruvian census does not contain information about ethnicity so only rough estimates are available. Its population can be composed of Mestizos (European-Indigenous ancestry): 47%, Amerindians (Indigenous): 31%, European: 18.5%, Afro-Peruvians: 2%, Asians and others: 1%.
Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru and together with the seaport of Callao, forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area. With a population approaching 9 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru.
Huaraz was founded before the Incan empire and is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca. Home to just over 100,000 people, it is the second largest city in the Peruvian Andes. Huaraz lies at 10,000 feet in elevation.
Peru was once part of the great Incan Empire and later the major vice-royalty of Spanish South America. It was conquered in 1531–1533 by Francisco Pizarro. On July 28, 1821, Peru proclaimed its independence. For a hundred years thereafter, revolutions were frequent. Political unrest, border conflicts and Maoist guerrilla group dominated Peru’s history through the middle of the 20th century, but the country now stands as a democratic republic with a multi-party system, headed by a president.
The weather in Lima, Huaraz and while traveling to and from the mountains can be very warm. We recommend bringing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. For current weather conditions, check Weather Underground.
The two principal seasons in Peru are the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season typically runs between May and September and is the best time to travel to the Cordilerra Blanca.
Temperatures during the dry season run from around 50 F at night to the upper 80s F during the day at lower elevations. Temperatures still get quite cold in the mountains, especially in the evenings.
The people of Peru are generally very warm and friendly to tourists. Although it is not expected that we dress formally, we should dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. Showing expensive cameras, watches, jewelry, etc. is considered unseemly and may attract unwanted attention.
When entering a shop or home, politely use a greeting such as buenos días (good day), buenas tardes (good afternoon), buenas noches (good night). Similarly, upon leaving, even if you've had only minimal contact, say adios (goodbye) or hasta luego (see you later). Peruvians usually shake hands upon parting as well.
On city streets, children selling small items and shining shoes can be quite persistent. Some ask directly for money. To keep from being hassled, a polite but firm "No, gracias" is generally sufficient.
It is expected that you engage in some degree of bargaining for market or street purchases. This is fun, and should be taken lightly.
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. Carry a universal convertor and plug adaptor travel kit.
Peru's official currency is the nuevos sol (S/), divided into 100 centavos. Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com for the current exchange rate prior to departure.
We suggest bringing $400 - $500 total for personal spending money including restaurant meals, drinks, pocket money, and the Support Staff Tip Pool.
Cash machines are readily available at the Lima airport, and there are ATMs in Huaraz. Credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, areas.
Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.
Everyone approaches tipping a little differently. Whether or not a person tips, and how much, is completely dependent upon the individual; here are some suggested tipping guidelines for your trip.
Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard. Some restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee to bills in which case, no further tip is required.
Support Staff Tip Pool: We recommend that each climber contribute $150 to the Tip Pool. This is collected at the beginning of the trip and will cover group tips for all our support and mountain staff throughout the program.
Our guides work hard to ensure your well-being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program. If you would rather not bring the guide gratuity with you on the trip, you can send a check or call the RMI office to pay with a credit card upon your return.
Fodor's and other travel service websites are readily available and describe Peru travel and facts.
The following policies are applicable for this expedition.
* Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. reserves the right to modify the land cost of a trip at any time before departure.
Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit payment of $1,500 per person secures your reservation.
Balance Payments: The balance payment is due 120 days before the start of your program.
*There is a 3% surcharge on all credit/debit card transactions.
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We do not offer refunds. Please remember this before registering for this program. Due to the time-sensitive nature of this program, no exceptions will be made to the cancellation policy.
Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently hazardous. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering, but they cannot eliminate them. Objective hazards include rockfall, icefall, avalanches, slides or falls by individuals and rope teams on steeper slopes, weather-related problems including cold, heat, high winds, and other unnamed dangers that can occur while climbing.
You are choosing to engage in an activity in which guided and non-guided climbers have been injured or killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risks and hazards of mountaineering and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Each Participant is required to share in the responsibility of the safety and success of the team. For this reason, we ask that each Participant:
RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a program or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if the RMI Guide Staff determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health or well-being of the Participant or the entire group. If this decision is made, the Participant will not receive any refunds or credits and will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to, evacuation, transportation, hotels, meals, etc.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) does not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of our participants or employees. Inappropriate conduct under this policy may include conduct that creates a disrespectful, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for a participant or employee. Engaging in such conduct is a violation of this policy.
RMI may consider conduct to violate the policy even if it falls short of unlawful harassment under applicable law. When determining whether conduct violates this policy, we will consider whether a reasonable person could conclude that the conduct created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or demeaning environment.
Violation of this policy may result in removal from a program, as well as refusal to provide services indefinitely. We place the utmost value on the safety of our participants and employees. Please report any incidents to RMI management.
All participants must be 18 years old at the time of registration.
RMI’s Photo Release outlines the terms and conditions for using your likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media.
I hereby grant Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) or its affiliates permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications. By granting permission, you allow RMI to utilize these media for lawful purposes.
Here are the key points:
RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire group may have to turnaround without reaching the summit.
Failure to reach the summit due to a person’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route conditions, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.’s responsibility and will not result in a refund, credit, or reschedule.
RMI’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to, increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.
We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).
Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.
Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same- gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.
The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies. In addition, RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.
An expedition skills seminar raises a particular set of questions: how the climbing and instruction fit together, how high you go, and what daily life is like at altitude in the Cordillera Blanca. The answers below cover the route, the logistics, and what to expect on the mountain.
The team attempts three glaciated peaks: Nevado Vallunaraju (18,654 feet), Nevado Ishinca (18,143 feet) and Nevado Urus (17,800 feet). Objectives can shift with conditions and weather.
It alternates dedicated mountaineering school days with summit attempts. After acclimatizing near Huaraz, the team climbs Vallunaraju, then trains and climbs Ishinca and Urus from a base camp in the Ishinca Valley.
The high point is the summit of Nevado Vallunaraju at 18,654 feet.
RMI runs the seminar in the dry season, roughly May through September.
Fly to Lima (LIM); the team drives to Huaraz on Day 2. Return flights from Lima can be booked any time on Day 17. A taxi takes you from the Lima airport to the hotel on arrival.
A valid passport is required and must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. U.S. passport holders may stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Electricity in Peru runs at 220 volts and 60 hertz, so bring a universal converter and plug-adapter kit.
Included: RMI leadership, hotels (double occupancy), all park entrance fees, in-country group transportation, and all group cooking, trekking, camping, and climbing equipment. Not included: international airfare, travel and evacuation insurance, meals not listed in the itinerary, bottled water and personal drinks, gratuities, and the Support Staff Tip Pool.
Plan on roughly $400 to $500 for personal expenses such as restaurant meals, drinks, and incidentals, plus the Support Staff Tip Pool. ATMs are available at the Lima airport, and credit cards are accepted in most but not all places.
RMI suggests each climber contribute $150 to the Support Staff Tip Pool, collected at the start of the trip for the local and mountain staff. Guide gratuities are separate and at your discretion, typically around 10 to 15 percent of the program cost.
Travel insurance is not included and RMI strongly recommends it. RMI partners with Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance, which is built for adventure travel and includes evacuation and rescue coverage along with trip-cancellation options.
Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is available for climbers who prefer their own room, though single accommodations are not offered in huts, tents, or at every hotel.
The schedule builds in acclimatization, with time around Huaraz at 10,000 feet and day hikes before the climbing begins, followed by a measured ascent profile that lets your body keep adjusting as you move higher.
Stomach upset is the most common travel issue. Wash your hands well before meals, drink only bottled or treated water (including for brushing your teeth), and stick to food that is cooked, boiled, or peeled.
Care for minor illnesses and injuries is readily available, and for anything more serious RMI arranges transport to a Level 1 care center in Lima. This is also why RMI strongly recommends evacuation-capable travel insurance.
RMI runs the seminar at a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio, which keeps instruction close and individual through both training and the climbs.
Mules carry group gear to base camp, so on approach days you carry a personal pack of roughly 20 to 25 lb. RMI provides the group climbing, cooking, and camping equipment; on climbing days you carry a 30 to 40 pound pack with your personal layers, food, and water.
A cook at base camp prepares fresh breakfasts and dinners, with lighter freeze-dried meals higher on the mountain. You bring your own mountain lunches for the climbing days. See the Food section for details.
The seminar uses a base camp in the Ishinca Valley, in tents, with group cooking and dining shelters.
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Climbers who have done the Peru Seminar tend to talk about how much they learned and how much higher they climbed than before, often pointing to the depth of instruction and the close guide ratio. Many also note that it is a serious, physically demanding course rather than a guided vacation. The reviews below give a sense of what the experience is actually like.
August 12, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
All of the guides (RMI and Peruvian) were great to work with and to be around. I also, without exception, enjoyed being with other members of the climbing team.
Arthur D
August 12, 2019
All of the guides (RMI and Peruvian) were great to work with and to be around. I also, without exception, enjoyed being with other members of the climbing team.
What did you enjoy most?
All of the guides (RMI and Peruvian) were great to work with and to be around. I also, without exception, enjoyed being with other members of the climbing team.
July 17, 2018
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The Cordillera Blanca is a beautiful range and was a joy to climb in with these guides.
Ben R
July 17, 2018
The Cordillera Blanca is a beautiful range and was a joy to climb in with these guides.
Additional Comments
Some of the automated emails might be worth reviewing for accuracy; I think there were some small mistakes regarding currency use.
Additional Comments
I think improvement is possible in the itinerary - the night returning to Huaraz was pleasant as a rest, but also detracted from the amount of time climbing, too. That's as much a matter of preference as anything, so please take this consideration with a grain of salt. Also, Robby improvised to have us climb Pisco and it was a fantastically beautiful mountain and great experience; I might have even preferred Pisco to the original itinerary despite its slightly lower altitude. Pisco also had the advantage of having a lot of snow travel, which I enjoyed a great deal more than traveling on rock and dirt.
What did you enjoy most?
The Cordillera Blanca is a beautiful range and was a joy to climb in with these guides.
What needs improvement?
I'd be extremely interested (i.e., make a trip and I will sign up!) in a trip that offered climbing in the Cordillera Blanca (or elsewhere) for climbers with experience levels between this seminar's and that required for trips like Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Huascaran. I'm not quite ready for those sorts of trips technically, and RMI seems to have limited offerings in between for intermediate climbers. If it helps clarify what I mean, lots of the more technical RMI climbs have a "minimum of 2 2,000+ climbs at 35-50 degrees with two tools" requirement, but not many programs seem to offer a learning environment on that terrain. I could be misinterpreting, but right now it appears to me that only Mt. Baker (North Ridge) and perhaps the Rainier Kautz programs offer this sort of experience (perhaps the Alaska Alpine Seminar as well, though it's difficult to tell from the description and appears to be more technical and rock-focused?). I'd be interested in both domestic and international additional intermediate options, with limited use of 2 tools in a slightly steeper but manageable technical setting. Based on guides' descriptions and other resources, the Cordillera Blanca seems like it might be a perfect environment for this sort of program.
November 9, 2017
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The Peru seminar was an unforgettable experience, not only are you getting industry leading skills teaching from the guides, but you get to do it in one of the most beautiful high alpine environments in the world, all whilst being fed like kings. Plus 3 out of 3 summits is always a nice bonus!
James W
November 9, 2017
The Peru seminar was an unforgettable experience, not only are you getting industry leading skills teaching from the guides, but you get to do it in one of the most beautiful high alpine environments in the world, all whilst being fed like kings. Plus 3 out of 3 summits is always a nice bonus!
Additional Comments
The meals from our local support team were amazing, I'm still amazed how well we all ate above 15,000ft!
What did you enjoy most?
The Peru seminar was an unforgettable experience, not only are you getting industry leading skills teaching from the guides, but you get to do it in one of the most beautiful high alpine environments in the world, all whilst being fed like kings. Plus 3 out of 3 summits is always a nice bonus!
What needs improvement?
You guys always do such a great job, can't complain one bit!
August 23, 2016
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
Meet an entire group of new climbers and hope to join them on future trips. Experienced a different part of the world in a new mountain range I know I will be back for more.
Dan S
August 23, 2016
Meet an entire group of new climbers and hope to join them on future trips. Experienced a different part of the world in a new mountain range I know I will be back for more.
Additional Comments
It would be good to require a day pack for the trip, comfortable shoes for base camp, and the option for an approach shoe instead of a hiking boot. I'm sure there is concern for ankles with approach shoes.
Additional Comments
Bus was overheating on the trip but it added to the adventure.Besides my stomach issues this is by far the best I have felt on a climbing trip. The time in Huraz, the acclimatization schedule at base camps, use of rest days, and the use of porter and donkeys to get to base camp is perfect on this trip. I don't think I would have been successful on the trip carrying all my gear into the valleys. The meals at camp were amazing. The camp cook is a must have.
What did you enjoy most?
Meet an entire group of new climbers and hope to join them on future trips. Experienced a different part of the world in a new mountain range I know I will be back for more.
August 2, 2016
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
Being in the Cordillera Blanca was fabulous! It's hard to say what I enjoyed most, but the most memorable things are the penitentes near the top of Ishinca, crossing the moraine between Pisco basecamp and high camp and the amazing stars we saw the last night (at Pisco basecamp) before the moon rose. Being able to spend time in that environment was amazing!
Ilene C
August 2, 2016
Being in the Cordillera Blanca was fabulous! It's hard to say what I enjoyed most, but the most memorable things are the penitentes near the top of Ishinca, crossing the moraine between Pisco basecamp and high camp and the amazing stars we saw the last night (at Pisco basecamp) before the moon rose. Being able to spend time in that environment was amazing!
Additional Comments
I didn't realize I could bring more than what was on the equipment list and wish I had known that I could have brought approach shoes instead of or in addition to hiking boots. Ditto on a wind shirt. People who had been on RMI trips before brought some very useful things that I own but left at home. The previous guided trips i'd been on started with the guides going through our gear telling us what to leave behind so I packed expecting that. I had never been on a trip with donkey support before and wish I had understood this before I left the US that I could have both a duffel and my pack carried. I felt a lot of stress while packing - should I bring this or that, is this enough food, etc. Having the list more customized for the Peru itinerary would be great.
Additional Comments
The food was absolutely fabulous - many thanks to RMI for working with awesome local cooks (Emilio and Franklin) and providing them with the resources they had for cooking for us.
What did you enjoy most?
Being in the Cordillera Blanca was fabulous! It's hard to say what I enjoyed most, but the most memorable things are the penitentes near the top of Ishinca, crossing the moraine between Pisco basecamp and high camp and the amazing stars we saw the last night (at Pisco basecamp) before the moon rose. Being able to spend time in that environment was amazing!
July 27, 2016
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
After 5 programs and reaching 7 different summits, RMI and their guides have not only guided me to mountain tops, but also to personal milestones, new skills, new friendships, and a new self awareness. I am grateful for the experiences I've had and the quality leadership demonstrated on every trip with RMI. I look forward to many more.
Neil Y
July 27, 2016
After 5 programs and reaching 7 different summits, RMI and their guides have not only guided me to mountain tops, but also to personal milestones, new skills, new friendships, and a new self awareness. I am grateful for the experiences I've had and the quality leadership demonstrated on every trip with RMI. I look forward to many more.
What did you enjoy most?
The community that 9 individuals came together and formed. The group was always positive, very respectful with one another, flexible and a pleasure to be around.
What needs improvement?
Always very satisfied with the RMI experience and feel that all the information given pre trip, leads to expectations being met. This experience was different than my past trips on "snow cones" however it was exactly what was described in the literature and pre trip information.
July 26, 2016
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
Learning new techniques, getting a sense of Peruvian culture, the great dynamic and personality of the guides, and of course having the opportunity to summit some very beautiful and high peaks.
Justin L
July 26, 2016
Learning new techniques, getting a sense of Peruvian culture, the great dynamic and personality of the guides, and of course having the opportunity to summit some very beautiful and high peaks.
Additional Comments
I think approach shoes should be required. Also, we always needed more than one locking caribeaner.
Additional Comments
The meals were incredible, more importantly it motivated me to work harder knowing I would wake up or come down to camp and be able to have a good meal.
What did you enjoy most?
Learning new techniques, getting a sense of Peruvian culture, the great dynamic and personality of the guides, and of course having the opportunity to summit some very beautiful and high peaks.
What needs improvement?
I have no complaints other than to enhance the recommended gear list.
July 28, 2015
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
Though I loved being in the mountains, I perhaps most enjoyed being in the company of the guides. As I mentioned above, they were great teachers and simply fun to hang out with.
Darrick B
July 28, 2015
Though I loved being in the mountains, I perhaps most enjoyed being in the company of the guides. As I mentioned above, they were great teachers and simply fun to hang out with.
Additional Comments
This is a relatively minor thing, but we didn't end up needing all of the equipment on the list. The same was true of my past Cotopaxi trips.
Additional Comments
First, I'll talk a bit about the meals. They were absolutely amazing! Especially as a vegan, I worry a bit about whether or not there'll be enough food for me on trips such as this. Not only was I well-fed, they even had soya meat for a couple of the nights! Outstanding! The overall itinerary and logistics of the trip were seamless.
What did you enjoy most?
Though I loved being in the mountains, I perhaps most enjoyed being in the company of the guides. As I mentioned above, they were great teachers and simply fun to hang out with.
What needs improvement?
I would love to see some additional trips to South America and the Cordillera Blanca. The climbing opportunities there seem almost endless.
July 23, 2015
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The guides were terrific, and the support system for base camp was nearly perfect.
Mark B
July 23, 2015
The guides were terrific, and the support system for base camp was nearly perfect.
Additional Comments
All support elements of this trip were excellent. Transportation, burrow and base camp support, including meals, all were done exactly as they should be.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were terrific, and the support system for base camp was nearly perfect.
What needs improvement?
Take greater care in preparing the equipment list, and find a way to get clients to understand that this is a Required (not recommended) list.
July 20, 2015
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
the beauty and challenge of the cordillera blanca. I also have to comment again about the great job that Elias and Robby did in managing the group. these mountains are not trivial, minor injuries can lead to big problems, one can't call 911 and get a helicopter to show up. the guides were first rate from the beginning, always monitoring our intake, rest, performance, and keeping us safe. we had some folks in the group that demanded more TLC from the guides and they were able to provide this without it detracting from their leadership of the rest of the team.
James L
July 20, 2015
the beauty and challenge of the cordillera blanca. I also have to comment again about the great job that Elias and Robby did in managing the group. these mountains are not trivial, minor injuries can lead to big problems, one can't call 911 and get a helicopter to show up. the guides were first rate from the beginning, always monitoring our intake, rest, performance, and keeping us safe. we had some folks in the group that demanded more TLC from the guides and they were able to provide this without it detracting from their leadership of the rest of the team.
Additional Comments
equipment list has some holes in it:day pack neededadditional boots like nepal evo would be good. only need spantiks for last mountain.no ascender needed
Additional Comments
having cook made big difference, able to eat well (not mtn house every night), have energy, etc. would not do trip without cook.
What did you enjoy most?
the beauty and challenge of the cordillera blanca. I also have to comment again about the great job that Elias and Robby did in managing the group. these mountains are not trivial, minor injuries can lead to big problems, one can't call 911 and get a helicopter to show up. the guides were first rate from the beginning, always monitoring our intake, rest, performance, and keeping us safe. we had some folks in the group that demanded more TLC from the guides and they were able to provide this without it detracting from their leadership of the rest of the team.
What needs improvement?
i was pleased with the program and with RMI.
July 17, 2015
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The scenery of the Cordillera Blanca, and most of all the ability to see the views from the tops of the mountains; the success of overcoming the pain and personal challenges was the most rewarding of all. Learning to climb better, and climbing more difficult mountains than I had climbed before, was a great joy.
Pamela S
July 17, 2015
The scenery of the Cordillera Blanca, and most of all the ability to see the views from the tops of the mountains; the success of overcoming the pain and personal challenges was the most rewarding of all. Learning to climb better, and climbing more difficult mountains than I had climbed before, was a great joy.
Additional Comments
The equipment list needs to be updated and refined. For example, our guides told us we should have two pads (for warmth) when we were there, but the list only suggests one... We were also told to reserve fresh socks for summit days, but the list doesn't call for enough pairs... there are several other things as well, including that the list does not call for a soft shell jacket, but the guides repeatedly called for that layer.
Additional Comments
The buses to and from Juaraz really needed to have air conditioning; the heat and humidity made the long rides truly unpleasant and difficult to relax/sleep, which would have been helpful to strengthen/recover the body.
What did you enjoy most?
The scenery of the Cordillera Blanca, and most of all the ability to see the views from the tops of the mountains; the success of overcoming the pain and personal challenges was the most rewarding of all. Learning to climb better, and climbing more difficult mountains than I had climbed before, was a great joy.
What needs improvement?
Other than getting an air-conditioned bus, I can't think of anything else! The trip was consistently excellent!
August 18, 2014
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
Camping in the valley with all the beautiful mountains around us. Seeing the gorgeous views from the summits. Learning more about mountain climbing and climbing steeper terrain.
Corell M
August 18, 2014
Camping in the valley with all the beautiful mountains around us. Seeing the gorgeous views from the summits. Learning more about mountain climbing and climbing steeper terrain.
What did you enjoy most?
Camping in the valley with all the beautiful mountains around us. Seeing the gorgeous views from the summits. Learning more about mountain climbing and climbing steeper terrain.
July 23, 2014
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The technical aspect of the last mtn - I have climbed a lot with RMI and really appreciate the challenge that came with more technical climbing. Makes me hope that RMI will poffer more of these types of climbs.
Kim K
July 23, 2014
The technical aspect of the last mtn - I have climbed a lot with RMI and really appreciate the challenge that came with more technical climbing. Makes me hope that RMI will poffer more of these types of climbs.
Additional Comments
The equipment list seemed a bit off - it changed a couple times prior to the trip, and I think people were confused on certain pieces - ice axe vs tool, correct length of slings, etc. ultimately everyone seemed to have what they needed but since this was the first year, snafus are understandable.
Additional Comments
In the future, I would pay more to fly from Lima to Huaraz. the 8 hr bus ride was tough.
What did you enjoy most?
The technical aspect of the last mtn - I have climbed a lot with RMI and really appreciate the challenge that came with more technical climbing. Makes me hope that RMI will poffer more of these types of climbs.
July 22, 2014
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The landscape and getting to the summits was amazing.
Magnus F
July 22, 2014
The landscape and getting to the summits was amazing.
Additional Comments
Some items on the equipment list were not 100% clear (e.g. the triact locking carabiner). A link to an actual example would have been helpful, but this is a very minor item.
What did you enjoy most?
The landscape and getting to the summits was amazing.
What needs improvement?
One thing that could be an option on this trip is to offer one tent per person. Given that the team stays at the same basecamp for 10 days and that the gear is carried in by donkeys, this could be an option and provide a bit more comfort for people. But this is not a huge issue and just a potential option.
July 22, 2014
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
Visiting Peru
George C
July 22, 2014
Visiting Peru
Additional Comments
Why require two leashes when the guides tell you they are worthless.
What did you enjoy most?
Visiting Peru
What needs improvement?
Provide better description of the expectations for trip. I expected to gain experience on glacier travel, but most of the time was spent getting to the glacier. I should have chosen another "seminar" or another provider.
July 19, 2014
Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru
The guides were wonderful -- the area was gorgeous and the mountains very challenging!
Lucy R
July 19, 2014
The guides were wonderful -- the area was gorgeous and the mountains very challenging!
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were wonderful -- the area was gorgeous and the mountains very challenging!
What needs improvement?
I wish you could give a better indication as to what to expect from each mountain. The little ice axe difficultly rating doesn't properly explain what makes each mountain more or less challenging -- and within a trip where there are multiple mountains, does nothing to explain their relative difficulty. Other than the height of the mountain, I had no idea how much more difficult Tocllaraju was than Ishinca and Nevaro Urus -- nor did I understand what level of skills (not to mention strength and stamina) which would be required of me to successfully summit. More specific information on your web site, or via email or word of mouth prior to the climb would be helpful.
Sorry! there are no available dates that meet your current criteria
You might consdier one of these trips instead:
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Guides: Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel, Calvin Jiricko
Mt McKinley - West Buttress Expedition
May 5, 2026
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Additional Comments
I was injured early in the trip and missed attempts at the summits, but what I did experience was top notch.