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San Mateo Glacier 1 day tour from Huaraz

The most complete Nevado Mateo tour from Huaraz includes all safety equipment and a specialized guide.

From:

$110USD

per person

Secure your spot with only 50%

20 + verified reviews

Confirmation

Immediate

Duration

12 Hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Daily departures

365 days a year

Trip type

Group or private

Save your spot with only 50%

San Mateo Glacier 1 day tour from Huaraz

Nuestro tour al Nevado San Mateo te lleva a descubrir una impresionante maravilla a gran altura en los Andes peruanos, donde los paisajes helados se encuentran con vistas montañosas asombrosas.

 ❄️🏔️ ¡Una aventura perfecta si buscas desafío y belleza natural!

Group Tour

Private Tour

Day 1: San Mateo Glacier 1 day tour from Huaraz

Your experience at a glance:

3:00 AM

Pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz

4:30 AM

Breakfast at Punta Olímpica

5:00 AM

Preparation of mountain equipment

7:00 AM

Ascent to the Mateo Glacier

8:30 AM

We reach the summit of Nevado Mateo (5,150 m)

10:30 AM

Descent from the summit

12:30 PM

Return to Huaraz

2:00 PM

End of the experience

2:30 a.m. - Pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz

We will pick you up directly from your hotel to begin the journey toward the Cordillera Blanca and one of the most accessible glacier ascents in Peru.

4:30 a.m. - Breakfast at Punta Olímpica (included)

We will arrive near the Punta Olímpica Tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in Peru, where we will enjoy a box lunch breakfast before starting the adventure.

5:00 a.m. - Preparation of mountain equipment

Our guide will provide and check the technical equipment required for the ascent, including helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe.

5:15 a.m. - Start of the hike to Nevado Mateo

We will begin an approach hike through Quebrada Ulta, crossing high-mountain landscapes until reaching the glacier.

7:00 a.m. - Glacier ascent to the summit

Equipped and roped together, we will begin the ascent over ice toward the summit of Nevado Mateo, accompanied at all times by our specialized guide.

8:30 a. m. - Cumbre del Nevado Mateo (5,150 m)

Desde la cima disfrutaremos de impresionantes vistas de la Cordillera Blanca y de nevados emblemáticos como Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Ulta, Contrahierbas y Chacraraju.

10:30 a.m. - Descent from the summit of Nevado Mateo

After taking summit photos and a short rest, we will begin the descent.

12:30 p.m. - Return to Huaraz

We will board our transportation to return to Huaraz, making a brief stop in Carhuaz, famous for its traditional artisanal ice creams.

2:00 p.m. - End of the experience

Our 1-day Nevado Mateo Tour ends with the transfer to your hotel in the city of Huaraz.

Tour San Mateo Full Day Huaraz GET IN PERU

Considerations of the area

Maximum Altitude

5150 m.s.n.m. / 16896 ft

Minimum Altitude

480 m.s.n.m. / 1575 ft

Distance

480 m.a.s.l. / 1575 ft

Maximum temperature

35°C / 95°F

Minimum temperature

10°C / 50°F

Probability of icy winds

Dress warmly and carry a personal backpack

Expert Travel Recommendations

Is the 1-day Nevado San Mateo worth doing from Huaraz?

Yes. The 1-day Nevado San Mateo is an excellent option for travelers who want to experience glacier mountaineering in the Cordillera Blanca without taking a multi-day expedition. The route combines high-altitude hiking, the use of technical equipment, and the ascent to a summit over 5,000 meters.

Do I need experience to climb Nevado San Mateo?

Not necessarily. The 1-day Nevado San Mateo is considered one of the most accessible glacier ascents in the Cordillera Blanca. During the experience, you will use technical equipment such as crampons, ice axe, helmet, and harness, accompanied by a specialized guide.

Who should not do the 1-day Nevado San Mateo?

The 1-day Nevado San Mateo is not recommended for travelers who arrive directly in Huaraz without acclimatization, have low tolerance to altitude, or are looking for an easy tourist hike. The ascent reaches approximately 5,150 m in altitude and requires physical effort in high-mountain conditions.

Why is this tour different?

Tour San Mateo Full Day Huaraz GET IN PERU

Book with confidence

INCLUDED

Our Nevado San Mateo Full Day tour from Huaraz includes:

    • 24/7 support and assistance during and after your booking.
    • Certified mountain guide (English, Spanish).
    • Private transportation: Huaraz – Punta Olímpica Tunnel – Huaraz.
    • Breakfast and lunch.
    • Technical mountain equipment (mountain boots, harness, helmet, ice axe, and crampons).
    • Advice for getting to Huaraz.
    • Guidance before the ascent.
    • First aid kit.
    • *You must tell us your shoe size so we can provide you with the appropriate equipment.
  • Bring a headlamp.
  • Lunch.
  • Dinner.
  • Tips for the guides.
  • Travel insurance (Peruvian laws suggest that you enter Peru with insurance purchased in your country of origin).
  • We work with some clinics and can help you arrange medical care if you need it (the clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance).
  • Personal medications.
  • Bring a headlamp.
  • A legible photo of your passport.
  • Small adventure backpack (with a rain cover if possible).
  • Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
  • Rain poncho or jacket.
  • Extra snacks.
  • Hiking shoes and pants.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
  • Lip balm.
  • Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, coat, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
  • Cash in SOLES.

AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.

The remaining amount must be paid 3 days before your departure.

Contact your travel advisor to learn more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.

Travel your way

$ Price per person

Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.

Budget friendly

Group Tour

From:

$110USD

per person

Recommended experience

Private Tour

From:

$110USD

per person

Minimum 2 travelers

Always Included

Recommended experience

Private Tour

From:

$110USD

per person

Minimum 2 travelers

Budget friendly

Group Tour

From:

$110USD

per person

Always Included

Secure your spot with only 50%

Pay the rest later

More than 7500+ Happy Travelers

Shera Zad - Panama
Shera Zad - Panama
Verified Traveler
We are from the Shera Zad group. Our experience with GET IN PERU was great! They gave us the best attention and service. We had an excellent tour and tour guide. They met our expectations, and we had a great vacation. Thank you...
Nicole - Colombia
Nicole - Colombia
Verified Traveler
Highly recommended agency, everyone was very kind and always willing to help and answer questions. All the organization and logistics for each of the places we visited were perfect, on time, and exactly as described in each itinerary. Excellent service!
Bibiana - Ecuador
Bibiana - Ecuador
Verified Traveler
GET IN PERÚ made our trip to Peru unforgettable. From the moment we were looking at options and itineraries, until the moment they dropped us back off at the airport, they were looking out for us and always ready to help. Highly recommended, I still have several places left to visit and I would definitely return with them.
Adriana - Colombia
Adriana - Colombia
Verified Traveler
I had the pleasure of traveling with a group of friends to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain under the guidance and advice of David and his team. One of the best travel experiences, they were always very attentive, willing to resolve any questions, and ready to help you with photos so you could take home great memories; they turned the trip into an unforgettable adventure full of professionalism and camaraderie. I hope to return to Cusco for more amazing trips... 100% recommended.
Juliet - France
Juliet - France
Verified Traveler
We took a tour of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain and it was a great and wonderful experience. They were very attentive and their assistance was highly personalized. When I return, I will definitely call them again 😊
Jadhyra M. - USA
Jadhyra M. - USA
Verified Traveler
My partner and I had a great time with the organization of GET IN PERÚ. We loved how flexible they were with us since my boyfriend is a heavy sleeper. They were always willing to help and are, without a doubt, highly trustworthy. Very attentive and also very gentlemanly.
Miguel - Mexico
Miguel - Mexico
Verified Traveler
From the very beginning of the trip, everything was excellent. The support with making payments and their punctuality upon our arrival gave us a lot of peace of mind, as it was our first experience in another country. All the guides were very well-prepared and great people, very kind. Everything was on time and there was never a single setback. Honestly, this was a fundamental part of making it an incredible experience. Highly recommended, thank you for everything!!!

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Everything you need to know before traveling

The 1-day Nevado San Mateo normally includes transportation from Huaraz, a specialized mountain guide, and technical equipment for the ascent, such as a helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe. The experience combines an approach hike and a glacier ascent to the summit.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Check your equipment with the guide before starting the hike. Boots and crampons must be properly adjusted before entering the glacier.

🏔️ Did you know? The use of crampons allows you to walk with greater stability on snow and ice surfaces.

The 1-day Nevado San Mateo has a moderate difficulty level and requires good physical condition, mainly due to the altitude and glacier ascent. Although it is considered one of the most accessible snow-capped mountains in the Cordillera Blanca, reaching its summit means exceeding 5,000 meters in altitude.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Don’t evaluate only your physical condition. On this ascent, good acclimatization can be more important than being used to walking long distances.

🏔️ Did you know? At higher altitudes, oxygen availability decreases, making physical effort feel more intense.

The 1-day Nevado San Mateo lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours from departure until the return to Huaraz. The tour begins before dawn and includes transportation, equipment preparation, approach hike, glacier ascent, arrival at the summit, and descent.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Rest well the night before and prepare your backpack before going to sleep. Early morning departures leave little time to organize your equipment in the morning.

🏔️ Did you know? Mountain ascents usually begin early to take advantage of more stable conditions during the first hours of the day.

The 1-day Nevado San Mateo reaches approximately 5,150 m.a.s.l. at its summit. This altitude offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca, but also makes proper acclimatization essential before attempting the ascent.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Avoid scheduling Nevado Mateo for your first day in Huaraz. Do activities at lower altitudes beforehand and progressively increase the altitude of your excursions.

🏔️ Did you know? From this area of the Cordillera Blanca, you can see snow-capped mountains such as Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Ulta, Contrahierbas, and Chacraraju.

Yes. To do the 1-day Nevado San Mateo, it is recommended to acclimatize beforehand in Huaraz and complete at least one high-altitude hike. The summit exceeds 5,000 meters, and ascending without prior adaptation can make the route considerably more demanding.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: An acclimatization hike should not leave you completely exhausted. Plan a progressive route and allow enough recovery time before the ascent.

🏔️ Did you know? Huaraz is located at a considerably lower altitude than the summit of Nevado Mateo, so sleeping in the city does not completely replace progressive acclimatization.

The dry season, generally between May and September, usually offers more favorable conditions for doing the 1-day Nevado San Mateo. During these months, rainfall is less frequent in the central Andes, although high-mountain conditions can change quickly.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Check glacier conditions and the local forecast before the ascent, even during the dry season. In the mountains, a week of good weather does not guarantee identical conditions the next day.

🏔️ Did you know? In the Cordillera Blanca, very low temperatures and wind can occur even during the months considered the dry season.

For the 1-day Nevado San Mateo, you should bring thermal clothing and use a layering system that allows you to adapt to temperature changes. Gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a personal backpack for water, food, and additional clothing are also important.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Avoid relying on a single thick jacket. Several layers allow you to remove or add clothing as the temperature changes during the approach and ascent.

🏔️ Did you know? Solar radiation can be intense on the glacier due to the altitude and the reflection of light on the snow.

Not necessarily. The 1-day Nevado San Mateo is one of the best-known introductory mountaineering ascents near Huaraz. However, it requires good physical condition, acclimatization, and following the guide’s instructions while moving across the glacier.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: If you have never used crampons, pay special attention to the prior explanation. Walking on ice requires different movements than conventional hiking.

🏔️ Did you know? Nevado Mateo is often used as a first glacier ascent experience before attempting more technically demanding mountains.

To do the 1-day Nevado San Mateo, you travel from Huaraz toward the Punta Olímpica area, in the Cordillera Blanca. From there, you continue to the point where the approach on foot toward the glacier begins, followed by the ascent to the summit.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: Since the departure takes place before dawn, prepare everything you will bring the day before. Buying water, snacks, or personal items along the way can be difficult at those hours.

🏔️ Did you know? The Punta Olímpica Tunnel crosses the Cordillera Blanca and is considered one of the highest-altitude vehicular tunnels in the world.

The 1-day Nevado San Mateo requires specific safety measures because part of the route takes place on a glacier. It is essential to make the ascent with a specialized guide, appropriate technical equipment, and a prior assessment of the weather and terrain conditions.

💡 Expert Tip from Get In Peru: If the guide recommends stopping the ascent due to weather, glacier conditions, or altitude-related symptoms, follow their instructions. Reaching the summit should never take priority over a safe descent.

🏔️ Did you know? Snow and ice conditions can vary throughout the season, so the route across the glacier does not always remain exactly the same.

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