QUECHUANDES - Trekking & Climbing Peru

Mount Artesonraju is one of the most beautiful ice pyramids in the Cordillera Blanca, but is far less visited than its more famous neighbour, Mount Alpamayo.
Seen from the north, Artesonraju’s elegant pyramid is thought to be the inspiration for the logo of Paramount Studios. And when the mountain was first climbed in 1932, by a German expedition, it was via the north ridge. Today, the most popular climbing route is the steep and snowy southeast face. The ascent to the summit is extremely difficult, presenting a 600m long and 50º steep vertical wall of ice, which requires a high level of technical expertise as well as excellent physical condition.
The climb is only suitable for extremely experienced mountaineers with excellent ice climbing technique. But for those with the necessary skills, an expedition to Artesonraju is a fantastic combination of technical challenge and jaw-dropping scenery. The approach along the shores of the stunning Lake Paron, another jewel of the region, is a highlight in itself.
The tiny summit delivers magnificent plunging views of the Paron Valley where lie the crystalline turquoise waters of Lake Paron, and a breathtaking panorama of icy peaks, including Mount Piramide de Garcilaso, Pisco (5752m), Quitaraju (6036m), Alpamayo (5947m), Chacraraju (6112m), Huandoy (6395m) and the twin peaks of Huascaran (6768m and 6655m).