Coropuna

Also known as: Qhuru Puna / Golden mountain

Height: 6,425 m
Country:
Peru flagPeru

Coropuna is a massive volcanic complex in southern Peru, notable for being the highest volcano in the country at 6,377 meters. It's relatively isolated, situated in the Arequipa region, and consists of several summits, with the northern one being the highest. The climb isn't technically demanding compared to other high Andean peaks, but it requires good acclimatization due to the altitude. The typical approach involves a high-altitude camp from where you can attempt the summit and return. The landscape is stark and the area is often windswept, with weather that can shift rapidly, so preparation is key. The remote nature of Coropuna offers a quieter climbing experience, ideal if you’re looking to avoid the more crowded routes found on peaks like Huascarán.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Coropuna. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • F: Easy (alpine grade 1)

When to go

  • June to August

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Coropuna. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Coropuna. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
GuideInfoCost
Huillca Expeditionview guides trip webpage from $420
Peru Adventure Toursview guides trip webpage from $450
Wayra Peru Travelview guides trip webpage from $450
Peru Mountains Climbingview guides trip webpage from $1,000
Grupo Alpamayo Tours logoGrupo Alpamayo Toursview guides trip webpage from $1,950
The Coropuna climbing itinerary involves progressing from Base Camp at 4800 meters to Camp 1 and High Camp before reaching the summit at 6425 meters. This route is designed for acclimatization and tactical rests, with the final push from High Camp to the summit typically starting pre-dawn to utilize the most stable weather conditions.

base-camp
Base Camp

More or less at the end of the dirt road. The track splits in two and you can camp at the end of either fork.
4,800 m

high-camp
High Camp

High Camp is positioned to support the final summit attempt, located strategically to allow climbers to start their summit push during the early morning hours to capitalize on stable weather conditions.
5,500 m

summit
Summit

The summit of Coropuna offers expansive views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and is the highest point on the mountain, providing a challenging but rewarding climax to the climb.
6,425 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Coropuna. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.

Coropuna access - getting there

How to get to Coropuna

It's a 5-6 hour drive from Arequipa, the main staging point for climbing Coropuna.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Coropuna. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Coropuna video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Coropuna. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

Coropuna Links

useful websites, Groups and communities

Groups / links with more info on the Coropuna route.

These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Coropuna climb.

climm Ampato
Ampato
 F
Peru
$438
 6,288 m
climm Chachani
Chachani
 F
Peru
$100
 6,075 m
climm Ausangate
Ausangate
 AD
Peru
$250
 6,372 m