Package: Lake Paron + Mateo Peak (5,150 m / 16,896 ft)

This itinerary combines the breathtaking scenery of the largest glacial lake in the Cordillera Blanca with the thrill of summiting your first 5,000-meter peak on an accessible and safe mountain adventure.

Program Overview

• Day 1: Lake Paron (Acclimatization & Scenery)

  A gentle excursion to the most iconic lake in the region, located 32 km from Caraz and framed by massive glaciers like Artesonraju, Chacraraju, and Huandoy. Ideal for enjoying turquoise waters, taking in panoramic views from the lookout point, and acclimatizing for higher altitude.

• Day 2: Mateo Peak Summit (Introduction to Mountaineering)

  A high-mountain adventure in the Contrahierbas Sur massif (Ulta Canyon). A 1-hour moraine approach followed by a 1 to 1.5-hour climb on glacier ice leads directly to the 5,150 m summit, featuring a spectacular sunrise over Huascaran, Chopicalqui, and the Ulta Valley.
  

  Detailed Itinerary

  Day 1: Lake Paron Day Tour (4,185 m / 13,730 ft)

  • 08:00 AM – Pick-up in Huaraz and drive north through the Callejon de Huaylas valley toward Caraz (2,256 m).

  • 10:30 AM – Drive up through Paron Canyon to the Huascaran National Park checkpoint and arrive at the lake shore.

  • 11:00 AM – Optional hike to the Paron Viewpoint / Mirador (approx. 45 min uphill) to take in sweeping views of the turquoise lake and surrounding peaks: Artesonraju (the "Paramount Pictures mountain"), Huandoy, and Pyramid Garcilaso.

  • 01:00 PM – Free time to enjoy lunch (picnic or at the mountain lodge), take photos, rent a boat or kayak, or relax by the lake shore.

  • 03:00 PM – Begin the drive back down the canyon.

  • 05:30 PM – Arrival in Huaraz. Technical briefing and gear fitting (crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, mountain boots) with your certified mountain guide for the next day. Early rest.

  Day 2: Mateo Peak Summit (5,150 m / 16,896 ft)

  • 02:30 AM – Early morning pick-up from your hotel and private transport toward Ulta Canyon (Carhuaz), passing through the Punta Olimpica Tunnel (4,736 m).

  • 05:00 AM – Arrival at the trailhead (4,700 m). Begin the moraine approach hike across rocky terrain (approx. 1 hour).

  • 06:00 AM – Reach the edge of the glacier. Gear up with mountain equipment (harness, crampons, helmet) and rope up with your guide.

  • 06:15 AM – Glacier ascent (1 to 1.5 hours). As you gain altitude, enjoy the sunrise casting golden light on Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas, and the glacial lakes of Ulta Canyon.

  • 07:30 AM – Summit of Mateo Peak! Time for photos, celebrating, and admiring the 360° views across the Cordillera Blanca.

  • 08:30 AM – Controlled descent back down the glacier and moraine trail to the vehicle.

  • 10:30 AM – Board private transport and return to Huaraz.

  • 01:00 PM – Arrival in Huaraz and end of services.

• 05:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz and drive north through the Callejon de Huaylas valley.

• 06:30 AM – Stop in Caraz for a hearty breakfast.

• 07:30 AM – Continue driving up through Paron Canyon toward the Huascaran National Park checkpoint.

• 09:30 AM – Arrival at Lake Paron.

• 10:00 AM – Optional hike up to the Paron Viewpoint / Mirador (approx. 45 min) for sweeping panoramic views of the turquoise lake framed by Artesonraju (the "Paramount Pictures mountain"), Huandoy, and Pyramid Garcilaso.

• 11:30 AM – Free time on the lake shore to take photos, rent a boat or kayak, or relax by the water.

• 12:00 PM – Begin the return journey back down through the canyon.

• 01:30 PM – Stop in Caraz for lunch.

• 03:30 PM – Arrival back in Huaraz. Technical briefing and high-mountain gear fitting (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet) with your mountain guide, followed by an early rest.

•  02:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel and private transfer toward Ulta Canyon (Carhuaz), passing through the Punta Olimpica Tunnel.

• 05:00 AM – Arrival at the trailhead (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Begin the moraine approach hike across rocky terrain (approx. 1 hour).

• 07:00 AM – Reach the edge of the glacier, gear up with high-altitude mountain equipment, and rope up with your guide.

• 07:15 AM – Glacier ascent enjoying the golden sunrise views over Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas, and the glacial lakes of Ulta Canyon.

• 07:50 AM – Summit of Mateo Peak! Time for photos and admiring the 360° views across the Cordillera Blanca.

• 08:20 AM – Controlled descent back down the glacier and moraine trail to the vehicle.

• 10:30 AM – Return transfer to Huaraz.

• 01:00 PM – Arrival in Huaraz and end of services.