Mateo

Mateo Glacier is the fifth peak of the Contrahierbas massif located in the Cordillera Blanca, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is situated on the border of the Asunción and Carhuaz provinces, reaching a maximum elevation of 5,150 meters above sea level, making it one of the lower peaks in the Cordillera Blanca.

This glacier has become very popular among beginner mountaineers because it is a friendly, short, and easily accessible mountain for those who want to achieve the dream of summiting their first five-thousand-meter peak. To reach the summit, it is necessary to start the journey early in the morning from the city of Huaraz

Itinerary

Huaraz (3100m) – Carhuaz (2700m) – Punta Olímpica Tunnel (4760m) – Mateo Summit – Huaraz

Our expedition begins at 3:00 am in the city of Huaraz with pickup from your chosen hotel in private transportation heading to the province of Carhuaz. From there, we enter the Ulta Valley and reach the famous Punta Olímpica Tunnel. Here, we will prepare with all the necessary mountaineering equipment for our ascent. In approximately 1 hour, we will reach the glacier to rope up and put on crampons to continue ascending for about 40 minutes until the summit. During the ascent, we will enjoy some of the best views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas, and Ulta Glacier. We will have time to rest, hydrate, and take photos at the summit, then descend enjoying the panoramic views along the same route until we meet our transportation back to Huaraz.

In the province of Carhuaz, we can stop to enjoy artisanal ice creams made from natural local fruits.

In conclusion, if you want to start in the world of mountaineering and have an incredible experience summiting your first five-thousand-meter mountain, you are in the right place—Mateo Glacier awaits you.