Quitaraju, Mountain summit in Cordillera Blanca, Peru.
Quitaraju is a mountain summit in the Cordillera Blanca, standing at 6,036 meters with steep snow slopes and technical climbing sections that demand skill and experience. The peak sits among other high mountains in this range, with extensive glaciers and crevassed terrain that shape the climbing route.
The mountain became known to climbers during the 1960s when expeditions started documenting routes through the Cordillera Blanca. Since then, it has remained a destination for technical climbers seeking to explore this mountain range.
Local mountain guides from the region around Huaraz have deep knowledge of the terrain and weather patterns that shape climbing here. Visitors often spend time with these guides, learning how communities have adapted to life in the high Andes.
The ascent takes about seven days starting from Huaraz, with camps set up at different elevations during the climb. Taking time to acclimatize to the high altitude and planning around weather conditions is essential for a safe journey.
Climbers must navigate a series of ice cliffs situated between the Alpamayo and Quitaraju mountains to reach Camp 1 at 5,550 meters. This section presents one of the most technically demanding parts of the journey.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.