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The best ways to get climbing in Peru

Rock climbing in Peru, compared to its more popular neighboring destinations like Argentina or Chile, is still a niche experience.

August 10, 20265 min readRock Climb Peru
A climber on a rock wall overlooking the mountain landscape in Peru.
The best ways to get climbing in Peru.

Rock climbing in Peru, compared to its more popular neighboring destinations like Argentina or Chile, is still a niche experience. So, if you’re thinking of getting some climbing in at a lesser known world class destination, Peru is a perfect fit. The challenge doesn’t start in country with where you want to go though. The challenge is who can take you to the places you want and show you the routes when you get there. Here’s a list of our best solutions! We evaluate them based on what matters to you: cost, time, risk, and effort. So, if you’re preparing for a climbing trip to Peru, this comparison will help you make the most of your experience.

Best ways to get climbing in Peru

  • Best overall method: Rock Climb Peru – International support partnered with local logistics teams and certified local guides
  • Best internationalexpedition method:Alpenglow Expeditions –Great international support with well-organizedinternational expedition teams
  • Best local expeditions method: Peru Mountains Climbing –Strong local knowledge and expedition support based out of Huaraz in northern Peru
  • Best DIY method: Search engine planning – Blogs like The Crag Journal or forums like Mountain Project or Reddit can provide a lot of information for the experienced climber to piece together
  • Best last-minute method: Climbing gyms –Local climbing gyms are the ideal hotspot for connecting with the community

1. Rock Climb Peru

Best for international climbers needing local logistics and guiding support for all climbing levels.

Providing access to some of the most exciting climbing spots from Huaraz in the north to Arequipa in the south, Rock Climb Peru provides highly trained and fully certified local guides across Peru. Rather than focusing on mountaineering and summit expeditions, Rock Climb Peru provides guidedbouldering, sportclimbing, and multi-pitch experiences and prioritizes access to localized knowledge and professionals.Accessible to any level of climber, if you want to climb outdoors in Peru, Rock Climb Peru is your choice.

2. Alpenglow Expeditions

Best for experienced mountaineering internationals looking for internationally led expeditions in Huaraz

Looking for the special forces of climbing to remove as many risks as possible prior to your life’s greatest expedition? Alpenglow Expeditions is an American IFMGA-certified mountain guide service providing top tier national and international experiences. They will literally fly in to provide you the experience, but also bill you accordingly.

3. Peru Mountains Climbing

Best for mountaineering internationals looking for locally led expeditions in Huaraz

While being highly trained and generally knowledgeable of different environments can prepare a team for whatever comes, it can be helpful and sometimes easier on the pocket to hire localized experts. Peru Mountain Climbing provides fully certified CEAM staff with many years of experience and they’re based in Huaraz, need we say more?

4. Search Engine Planning

Best for gathering lots of information for free and piecing together your own trip

The internet is awesome! The Crag Journal provides a unique perspective from a couple who are traveling and climbing in many different places. As they build on and share their experiences, you can learn a lot from their process and choices. In contrast, Mountain Project is a great place for general knowledge, often with less depth. The information provided can give you a starting point to dig into, but there often isn’t enough to make finding your way to the line easy unless you’re an avid pathfinder with an interest in orienteering and navigation. For a quick answer to your troubles finding a specific location or a quick recommendation, there is always Reddit. Like any good forum, people are often happy to help, but it is up to you to figure out how much you can trust an anonymous response or how much reading you’re willing to sift through for the crumb you needed.

5. Climbing gyms

Best for last minute localized knowledge from local contacts

While you can find an amazing experience by building your own local network, this process can be time consuming and risky for travelers. Carefully considering where your information is coming from and whether you are a good match with the individuals you plan to go outside with often takes time. No matter if it is at home or abroad, safety is paramount and everyone should take care to prioritize it at their own risk tolerance.

Comparison Chart

MethodBest forClimb TypesProvider RadiusCostRisk level
Rock Climb PeruAffordable local guidesBouldering, Top Rope, Lead, and Multi-pitchNationallyLowLow
Alpenglow ExpeditionsInternationally led expeditionsExpeditionsNorth PeruHighLow
Peru Mountains ClimbingLocally led expeditionsExpeditionsNorth PeruMediumLow
Search Engine PlanningFree informationNoneNoneLowHigh
Climbing gymsLocal knowledgeNoneNoneLowMedium