Nevado Verónica Climb
The highest peak in the Urubamba range. One pitch of low fifth-class rock, 55–70° snow and ice, and an exciting ridge climb — for climbers who already have some technical ice climbing experience.
The Objective
Nevado Verónica is a pyramid of rock and ice standing high above the Inca city of Ollantaytambo, and it is the most recognizable summit on the Sacred Valley skyline. You see it driving from Cusco to Urubamba, and you see it framed in the Inca Sun Gate – Inti Punku. Locals call it by its Quechua name Waqay Willka which is translated as "sacred tears." The route involves a pitch of low fifth-class rock before the glacier, sustained snow and ice at 55–70°, and exposed icy ridge climbing to the summit. This climb is for people with prior experience on technical ice.
Trip Highlights
- Climb the highest mountain in the Urubamba range
- Views of Apu Salkantay and the Sacred Valley
- Sustained technical climbing
- Easy access from Cusco
4D / 3N
5,911 m / 19,393 ft
Intermediate
May to August
D
Elevation Profile
Distance
6.34 km
Total Ascent
+1,774 m
Trailhead
4,316 m
High Point
5,911 m
Itinerary
We depart Cusco at 6am and drive through the Sacred Valley, past Ollantaytambo, climbing to the Abra Málaga pass beneath Verónica's northeast face. From the road, we carry our gear with the help of high mountain porters up to base camp.
After a quick breakfast, we'll break camp and begin moving our camp up another 200 to 500 meters depending on the teams' acclimatization. Either way, we'll arrive at camp early with time to rest for an early wake-up call.
We'll eat a light breakfast around 10pm, then leave camp at 11pm. On the way up we'll navigate crevasses, climb a small ice wall, and follow the ridge to the final summit ramp. After soaking in the surreal views from above the Sacred Valley, we'll descend by the same route and return to camp.
We leave camp early, descend to the road, and drive back to Cusco.
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
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 Adventure
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.