Chopicalqui, Mountain peak in Cordillera Blanca, Peru

Chopicalqui is a summit in the Cordillera Blanca standing at 6,354 meters, characterized by steep granite slopes with significant ice formations building along the southwest ridge. The route to the top demands technical climbing skills and passage through complex terrain with crevasses and seracs.

The first documented ascent took place in 1932 when German mountaineers H. Hoerlin, E. Schneider, P. Borchers, and E. Hein climbed the southwest ridge. This achievement marked an early success in exploring the Cordillera Blanca's highest peaks during the era of alpine expeditions.

The name derives from Huaylas Quechua: chawpi ('centre', pronounced choopi locally) and kallki ('ravine' or 'narrow pass'), giving 'ravine in the centre'. The mountain is also called Chopicallqui in Spanish and Chawpikallki in Quechua.

Climbers typically start from Huaraz and plan for four days to reach the summit, using established camps at different elevation levels. Good physical preparation and experience with high alpine climbing are essential for a safe and successful ascent.

Chopicalqui is the third peak of the Huascarán massif, sitting between the two Huascarán summits and Contrahierbas. Its name comes from Huaylas Quechua chawpi (center) and kallki (ravine), meaning "ravine in the center". The first ascent, via the Southwest Ridge, was made on 3 August 1932 by a German Alpine Club expedition led by Philip Borchers with Hermann Hoerlin, Erwin Schneider and Erwin Hein.