2-day Helamcoma ascent in the Cusco region

Want to experience a classic climb in the Cusco region with alpine rock climbing and a glacier traverse? Then join me on this awesome 2-day ascent of Helamcoma in the Urubamba Mountain Range. You can even combine this trip with a visit to the Machu Picchu citadel.

What to expect: Day 1

I’ll pick you up either in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and we’ll travel together to Tastayoc, which is just past the entrance to Machu Picchu at Ollantaytambo. From there we’ll continue our journey to basecamp at Langaluyoc Lake where we’ll end the day. This will take us from 4,000 meters above sea level (MASL) to 4400 MASL. On the way you’ll experience stunning views of Mount Veronica.

What to expect: Day 2

On the second day, we’ll be on the move for 12 hours starting at 3am. After a quick breakfast, we’ll climb for three hours before reaching the glacier. After traversing the glacier, we’ll walk along a rock band. As we continue our ascent, they’ll be a few points where we’ll rock climb, but it won’t be more than 5 meters of IV/5.7. Once we arrive at the base of the summit you can then decide if you want to ascend via the most direct route of 80 m V /5.8 or via the east ridge with 15 m IV/5.7 rock climbing.

On our descent, we’ll pass by the glacier once more before hiking back to base camp and packing up our gear for the return to Tastayoc. From there we’ll drive back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Sign up today and experience a classic Cusco mountaineering experience.

If you want to spend more time in the mountains while in the Cusco region, why not join me on a four-day climb in nearby Ausangate.