This is one of the short-access peaks in Huascarán National Park, Ancash. Mount Mateo is 5,150 meters high and is considered a technically medium-ascent peak of 5,000 meters. The advantage is that it is possible to reach the summit in one day. However, any ascent of a peak involves certain risks, and therefore requires appropriate equipment, guides, and experience.
Access to the Summit of Mount Mateo
The trail to reach the glacier of Mount Mateo is rocky and has certain slopes that are not suitable for those with vertigo. It can take 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit, depending largely on the climber's physical condition.
For the ascent, it is necessary to have experience hiking on rough terrain, and more specifically, trekking experience. However, our staff will instruct you on the technique of handling climbing equipment such as an ice axe and walking with crampons.
IMPORTANT: We recommend at least two full days of acclimatization before climbing Snowy Mateo.
The Statistics
- Distance climbed: 3 km / 1.8 miles
- Elevation change: 400 m / 1,300 ft
- Maximum altitude: 5,150 m / 16,900 ft
Hiking time: We are fairly slow, and it took us a total of four hours to climb Snowy Mateo and descend again.
Total travel time: Nine hours from pickup to drop-off at our apartment in Huaraz.
How much does it cost to climb Nevado Mateo?
Our trip to Snowy Mateo cost $90 per person for all equipment, an English-speaking guide, and transportation.
However, in addition to this, you will need an additional 12 soles (3.50 USD) in cash per person to enter Huascarán National Park. If you plan to visit more places during your stay, you can purchase a 3-week pass to the park for 65 soles (20 USD).
What is the best travel agency for climbing Nevado Mateo?
This is the first and only agency I've recommended in Peru because they did everything possible to make our experience climbing Nevado Mateo safe and used high-quality equipment and supplies.
When choosing an agency for climbing Snowy Mateo, ask to be shown the equipment you'll be using and keep in mind that licensed mountain guides are only allowed to take three people per guide on the mountain with them.
So, if your guide mentions carrying more than that, they either aren't licensed or aren't properly following safety guidelines.
Is climbing Nevado Mateo right for you?
Climbing Snowy Mateo is definitely suitable for beginner climbers, but not for complete novices.
If you've done some high-altitude hikes in Peru, if you're in good shape, if you've done some uphill hikes like Rainbow Mountain or the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, then this climb is definitely for you.
I've done a lot of trekking and hiking in Peru, but Snowy Mateo is the first time in my life that I've used crampons, harnesses, ropes, and ice axes. Even so, I found it easier than most of the other trips I've done here.
