Nevado Campa Climb
A three-day guided glacier climb from Cusco. This climb requires the use of crampons, rope teams, and ice axes. It is a perfect mountain for your first time on a glacier and a summit above 5,400 meters.
The Objective
Nevado Campa (or Jampa) is a beginner-friendly mountain located only a few hours from Cusco in the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range. It is often climbed as the main objective for first-time mountaineers or even an acclimatization climb before tackling nearby mountains like Nevado Mariposa and Nevado Ausangate. The normal route is rated at F/PD. We also offer alternative routes to the summit that engage beginner climbers looking for more of a challenge with a PD/AD rating.
Trip Highlights
- Perfect first-time mountaineering peak
- Unique perspective above the popular 7 Lagunas
- Thermal baths after the climb
- Alternate routes available for a more technical challenge
3D / 2N
5,485 m / 17,995 ft
Beginner
April to October
F+ / PD
Elevation Profile
Distance
11.99 km
Total Ascent
+1,259 m
Trailhead
4,330 m
High Point
5,485 m
Itinerary
Cusco to Pacchanta
Early pickup from your Cusco hotel and a scenic drive southeast past the villages of Ocongate and Tinke. Arrival in the herding community of Pacchanta by late morning. Pacchanta is known for its alpaca herding culture and geothermal hot springs with views of the impressive Apu Ausangate. We will stay the night with our host family in their comfortable accommodations at 4,330 meters.
Accommodation
Host family in Pacchanta
Pacchanta to Campa Base Camp
We begin the day with breakfast then hike 7.7km for about 3 hours, gaining roughly 450 meters to base camp near Campa pass where we'll setup camp at around 4,777 meters. Pack animals and arrieros (muleteers) carry the group equipment. The trail passes by the Seven Lake circuit hike — Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, etc. In the afternoon we'll brief you on the route and do final preparations. We'll eat an early dinner, then go to bed.
Accommodation
Base Camp
Summit Day and Return to Cusco
We wake up around 2:00 a.m. have a light breakfast, and begin the approach to the climb. The normal route climbs moderate snow slopes to a ridgeline, with a short rock scramble that leads to summit ridge. Summit is typically done 3–5 hours from base camp. We then descend to base camp, pack our belongings for the arrieros, and trek out to Pacchanta. If time allows we'll enjoy the hot springs before driving back to Cusco.
Accommodation
Not included
What's Included
Included
- Certified mountain guide or aspirant guide in training
- Private groups
- Group technical climbing equipment (ropes, snow pickets)
- Camping equipment (tent, stoves, group gear)
- Cooks, porters, cargo donkeys, arrieros
- All meals during expedition
- Private transportation
- First aid and emergency response management
- Entrance fee
Not Included
- International and Domestic airfare/buses
- Accommodation in Cusco (before & after expedition)
- Personal equipment (mountaineering boots, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, 50-75L backpack)
- Clothing
- Travel insurance
- Personal favorite snacks of your choice
- Rescue or evacuation costs
- Tips
- Hot spring entrance
Packing List
Don't Have Everything?
We can arrange rentals in Cusco for boots, crampons, ice axes, and harnesses, and advise on what is worth buying versus renting. Tell us what you already have and we will fill the gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Mountain
Ready to plan this climb?
Every departure is arranged privately. Let us know which mountain you want to climb, a brief note about your experience level, and when you want to start the climb.