This one-day Nevado Mateo tour is perfect for people who want to try mountaineering for the first time. You will hike and climb to the summit of Mount Mateo at 5,150 meters, with the help of a certified mountain guide. The tour starts and ends in Huaraz and includes all technical equipment.
Nevado Mateo is one of the easiest 5,000-meter peaks to climb in Peru. The tour does not require previous climbing experience, but you should be in good physical condition and well acclimatized to the altitude. The route includes a short hike over rocky ground and a climb on glacier ice using crampons and a rope.
From the summit, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Cordillera Blanca, including famous peaks like Huascarán, Chopicalqui, and Contrahierbas. This is a great way to experience high mountains in Peru in just one day.
Nevado Mateo hike: short, beautiful, and accessible
The Nevado Mateo hike is ideal for travelers looking for a real glacier experience without long approaches. The route starts with a one-hour walk over rocky moraine terrain before reaching the glacier. From there, the climb continues on snow and ice using crampons, guided by a certified mountain guide. This short hike offers beautiful views from start to finish.
A full day experience from Huaraz
This is a true Nevado Mateo full day adventure. You leave early from Huaraz, climb to 5,150 meters, and return the same evening. The journey includes transport, technical gear, a glacier climb, and panoramic views from the summit — all in one unforgettable day.
Nevado Mateo climb for beginners
The climb is one of the easiest glacier climbs in Peru. It’s designed for beginners who want to experience snow and ice for the first time. The route is short, the elevation gain is moderate, and no technical climbing experience is needed. With the right gear and guidance, anyone in good shape and acclimatized can reach the summit safely.
Nevado Mateo difficulty: what to expect
The Nevado Mateo difficulty is rated as moderate. The climb is physically demanding due to the altitude, but technically simple. You will hike on rocky paths and climb on glacier ice while roped to your guide. It’s important to be in good physical condition and already used to high altitude.
Safety and altitude preparation
Climbing Nevado Mateo is a safe adventure when done with proper preparation. The tour includes a certified mountain guide (UIAGM/AGMP) who will ensure your safety at every step. You will receive full technical mountain equipment, including crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, and climbing boots. Group gear like ropes and carabiners is also provided.
Before starting the glacier section, your guide will check your equipment and explain how to use it. Because the mount is over 5,000 meters high, we recommend staying in Huaraz for at least four days before the climb. This helps your body adjust to the altitude. You can do short hikes to nearby lakes like Laguna Churup or Lake 69 to prepare. Being well acclimatized and in good physical condition will help you enjoy this Nevado Mateo tour safely and confidently.
Nevado Mateo elevation and altitude gain
The elevation of Nevado Mateo is 5,150 meters above sea level. The climb starts at around 4,736 meters near the Punta Olímpica Tunnel. That means you gain over 400 meters in altitude during the tour. Reaching this height offers great views and a strong feeling of achievement.
Nevado Mateo weather conditions
The Nevado Mateo weather depends heavily on the time of year and altitude. The best time to climb is during the dry season, from May to September, when skies are mostly clear and there is little to no rain. During these months, the weather is stable, especially in the morning. This is why most climbs start early, around 3:00 am, to take advantage of the clear skies and calm conditions before clouds may develop in the afternoon.
Summit
At the Nevado Mateo summit, temperatures typically range between 0°C and 5°C, but it can feel colder due to wind chill, especially on the glacier. Even in the dry season, mornings are cold, and the temperature at the trailhead (Punta Olímpica Tunnel, 4,736 m) is often below freezing before sunrise.
From October to April, the region enters the wet season, with more frequent rain, snow, and cloud cover. In these months, climbing is still possible, but conditions can change quickly. There is a higher chance of poor visibility, slippery terrain, or snow accumulation on the glacier, which may increase difficulty and risk.
Weather plays a big role in the success of this climb. Your guide will always check forecasts and make the final decision on whether it is safe to proceed. For the best views and safest conditions, it is strongly recommended to book your Nevado Mateo tour during the dry season and remain flexible in case of weather-related changes. Always bring warm layers, gloves, a hat, and strong sun protection, as UV exposure at high altitude is very strong, even on cloudy days.
Nevado Mateo tour highlights
- Climb the mount (5,150 m) in one day
- Safe and easy introduction to mountaineering
- No technical climbing experience required
- Professional mountain guide and full equipment included
- Stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca
- Private transport from and to Huaraz
Activities on this tour Nevado Mateo
- Drive through the Huaylas Valley and Ulta Canyon
- Hike over moraine to the glacier
- Climb with guide and safety gear
- Reach the summit and enjoy the view
- Descend and return to Huaraz
About the mountain
Nevado Mateo is located in the Ulta Canyon, inside Huascarán National Park. It is part of the Contrahierbas mountain range, near Carhuaz. Because the climb is short and the glacier is easy to access, this peak is very popular with beginner climbers. The views from the top include some of the highest and most beautiful peaks in Peru.
Nevado Mateo Ancash: A glacier adventure in the Cordillera Blanca
Mount Mateo is located in the Ancash region of Peru, within Huascarán National Park. It belongs to the Contrahierbas mountain range in the famous Cordillera Blanca. The mountain sits near the Punta Olímpica Tunnel, one of the highest road tunnels in South America. This easy road access allows climbers to complete the Nevado Mateo hike in just one day, without camping or multi-day trekking.
