IMG Chopicalqui and Pisco Climbs Frequently Asked Questions
This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: office@mountainguides.com
How fit do I need to be?
Excellent all around fitness and basic mountaineering experience at altitude is necessary, along with some steep ice and snow experience. Expedition experience on other peaks above 15,000 feet is a plus and provides a solid base for this trek. Previous hiking/trekking/backpacking experience is helpful as well.
Chopicalqui is physically demanding because of its altitude, length of climbing days, deep snow at times, and some technical challenges near the summit. As a 6,000-meter peak, this ascent is accessible and "doable" by most intermediate fit climbers. Climbers should be comfortable tying their own tie-in knots, putting on harness and crampons, and getting packed and geared up for each day of climbing. Helpful technical skills include understanding running belays, belaying, and using two ice tools to climb short but steep sections near the summit. Since rappelling will likely need to be done to descend from the summit plateau down to the summit ridge, climbers should have some experience rappelling in a snowy environment.
Some training and skill review may be conducted at or above base camp as needed to help climbers who need assistance preparing for parts of this ascent.
While a challenging ascent on all levels, this climb is spectacular and offers some of the most incredible views as one climbs higher up the mountain. From the summit of Chopi, many nearby 6,000-meter summits can be seen!
Non-climbers and trekkers from the Huayhuash Trek who wish to accompany a climbing friend, may extend their Peru experience and join the Chopicalqui Expedition and skip the climbing days — staying and touring around base camp.
How do I get there?
Our team will fly to Lima via an overnight flight, arriving in Lima in the late evening/early a.m.
International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with the staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. For help with your plans, we urge you to contact Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations: 425-831-0367 or pirjo.dehart@cttdestinations.com
What immunizations will I need?
The following may be recommended for travel to Peru. Consult a travel clinic, and check out the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov- Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio, MMR: You should already have these. Do you need a booster?
- Meningitis, Hepatitis A and B: Recommended. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
- Yellow Fever: Recommended, you may need to show your shot record with the Yellow Fever endorsement.
- Cholera: Not a very effective vaccine. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
- Rabies and Typhoid: Not a bad idea to be on the safe side, the new vaccines are easy.
- Malaria: We are above the Malaria zone on the mountain, but depending on your travel plans and local health department advice, you may want to bring long sleeves and bug juice for evenings in cities; chemoprophylaxis is especially a good idea if you plan to travel to lower elevations in Peru.
NOTE: Although many immunizations say they cover 5 years, they are most effective during years 1 through 3. If you are on the edge of coverage in years 4 or 5, consider a booster.
What's included in the trip cost?
Cost Includes:-
IMG senior guide to lead each trip along with a local IFMGA guide, cooks, drivers, porters/mules, group equipment (kitchen, tents, etc.), climbing permit fees/park fees, airport transfers, ground transportation, lodging starting with your arrival in Lima and during the trek dates in Huaraz. While in Huaraz, 4 nights' accommodation are included. We can make a reservation in Lima for you if you wish to come early or stay on after the trip ends at additional cost. Hearty continental breakfasts in our Huaraz hotel are included, and all food during the trek to camps and base camp are included (you may want to supplement your provided lunch with snacks).
International airfare to/from Peru, Peru visa on arrival (at present, no fee for American or Canadian citizens), taxis, food and lodging should you arrive in Lima or Huaraz early or stay longer than itinerary, alcoholic beverages during the trip, snacks and beverages at road-side stops, personal shopping and snacks for your drive to and from Huaraz. You will also need to provide your own favorite lunch foods for the actual climb days—so you have exactly what you're used to eating. Personal trekking or climbing equipment. Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance. Meals in the cities of Lima and Huaraz except continental breakfast in the hotels as supplied.
Please bring $250 for the local guide and staff tip pool. If you participate in the pre-Chopicalqui Huayhuash trek, please bring an additional $250 for the local guides and porter tip pool. We will collect the tip pool at the hotel upon arrival in Huaraz, for distribution to all our Peruvian staff throughout the trip. The tip pool provides rewards for our reliable drivers, porters, cooks, local Peruvian guides, kitchen staff at the hotel, and others who help make our program a success, year-after-year. You will be given an opportunity to participate in the tipping process. Your IMG guide will organize the tipping pool, so if you wish to tip your IMG guide, you may do that separately and personally. Thank you in advance for your support of our hardworking and skilled staff who will do their best to provide you an excellent Peruvian experience.