Location and surroundings
Cerro Chaupicocha is situated in Peru, specifically in the municipality of Apata within the region of Junín. The peak belongs to the Central Cordillera section of the Central Andes, which itself is part of the Andes range hierarchy. Out of 1,761 named peaks in the Central Cordillera, Cerro Chaupicocha holds the 191st rank by elevation at 4,654 metres. The surrounding landscape features a high-altitude Andean terrain interspersed with nearby ridges, passes, and neighboring summits.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Cerro Chaupicocha includes several nearby peaks and passes:
- Cerro Tamias: peak, 4,630 m, 1.1 km N
- Cerro Jatuntamías: peak, 4,711 m, 1.4 km SW
- Cerro Shapunya: peak, 4,482 m, 2.2 km N
- Cerro Laria: peak, 4,728 m, 2.9 km N
- Cerro Pasurco: peak, 4,929 m, 3.2 km S
- Cerro Ocshamachay: peak, 4,854 m, 3.2 km NW
- Cerro Balconnioc: peak, 4,769 m, 3.2 km SE
- Cerro Huayllapa: peak, 4,517 m, 3.4 km E
Among these, the nearest higher peak is Cerro Jatuntamías at 4,711 m, located 1.4 km to the southwest, making it higher than Cerro Chaupicocha's 4,654 m elevation.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Cerro Chaupicocha, several prominent high peaks within a 25 km radius are visible under clear conditions. The highest peaks within this distance include Cerro Putcacocha at 5,069 m, located 6.6 km to the southeast, and Nevado Panchamaco at 5,050 m, situated 23.3 km to the southeast. Other notable nearby summits visible in the wider landscape are Cerro Marayrazo at 4,945 m, 6.7 km to the south; Nevado Marairazo at 4,943 m, 5.5 km to the east; Cerro Punto at 4,881 m, 10.5 km to the southeast; and Cerro Gregoria at 4,849 m, 4.2 km to the southeast.
The range
Cerro Chaupicocha is part of the Central Cordillera, a mountain sub-range within the Central Andes and the greater Andes. The highest peak of the Central Cordillera is Nevado Huaguruncho, which reaches an elevation of 5,721 metres and is located 143 km northwest of Cerro Chaupicocha. The Central Cordillera contains 1,761 named peaks in total, with Cerro Chaupicocha holding the 191st position by elevation within this specific mountain grouping.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Cerro Chaupicocha are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020 monthly means, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation of 4,654 metres. At the summit, the mean temperature ranges from a warmest month of September at about 4 °C to a coldest month of July at about 2 °C. Monthly mean temperatures remain above freezing throughout the entire year, encompassing January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. In the surrounding area, precipitation totals about 350 mm per year, with the wettest month being February at about 65 mm and the driest month being June at about 5 mm. Typical weather hazards in this high-altitude Andean environment include sudden storms, high winds, and rapid temperature drops.
Best time to visit
Based on the monthly climate data for Cerro Chaupicocha, mean temperatures at the summit stay above freezing during every month of the year. However, precipitation patterns show a significant variation between the drier and wetter months. The dry period around June sees very little precipitation, with only about 5 mm of rain or snow, whereas the wettest month, February, receives about 65 mm. Climbers and visitors generally aim for the drier months when precipitation is minimal, making route conditions more stable compared to the peak wet season.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape surrounding Cerro Chaupicocha is characterized by high-altitude Andean terrain, featuring rocky ridges, sparse alpine vegetation, and glacial valleys typical of the Central Cordillera. Vegetation is generally limited to low-growing tussock grasses and hardy mountain plants adapted to cold temperatures and intense ultraviolet radiation. Animal life in this high-elevation zone includes species capable of surviving thin air and chilly climates, such as camelids and high-altitude birds. The region operates under the broader ecological conditions of the Peruvian Andes.
Guides and organised ascents
At elevations exceeding 4,600 metres with rugged terrain, engaging a certified mountain guide is advisable for safety and navigation. In Peru, the national mountain guide association is the Peruvian Mountain Guides Association (Asociación de Guías de Montaña del Perú (AGMP)), which is an active member of the IFMGA/UIAGM. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the Peruvian Climbing Federation (FEDPE). Established guiding companies operating in the mountains of Peru include Skyline Adventures based in Huaraz and Peruvian Andes Adventures also based in Huaraz. Guided ascents typically depend on factors such as the number of days, group size, and necessary equipment. Permitting rules vary across regions in Peru; for example, visiting areas like Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca requires a SERNANP entry ticket and a mountaineering permit, though specific local regulations apply depending on the designated park or reserve.
Safety and preparation
Ascending to 4,654 metres at Cerro Chaupicocha demands proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness, alongside robust physical fitness and preparation for changing high-mountain weather. Climbers must carry appropriate technical clothing, navigation tools, and emergency gear. In the event of an emergency in the mountains of Peru, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 105, which reaches the National Police and their high-mountain rescue unit (USAM/DEPSAM). Additional emergency contacts include the USAM Yungay base at (043) 39-3333 and Socorro Andino Peruano available 24/7 at +51 943 081 066.
Interesting facts
Cerro Chaupicocha stands at an elevation of 4,654 metres in the Central Cordillera of Peru. It ranks as the 191st highest peak among the 1,761 named summits located within the Central Cordillera. Its nearest higher neighbor is Cerro Jatuntamías, which reaches 4,711 metres and is positioned just 1.4 km to the southwest. The highest point of the entire Central Cordillera range is Nevado Huaguruncho at 5,721 metres, located 143 km to the northwest.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Cerro Chaupicocha? Cerro Chaupicocha stands at an elevation of 4,654 metres.Where is Cerro Chaupicocha located? It is located in Peru, within the municipality of Apata in the region of Junín, part of the Central Cordillera.
Which mountain range does Cerro Chaupicocha belong to? It belongs to the Central Cordillera, which is part of the Central Andes and the wider Andes range.
What are the nearest peaks to Cerro Chaupicocha? The nearest peaks include Cerro Tamias at 1.1 km N, Cerro Jatuntamías at 1.4 km SW, and Cerro Shapunya at 2.2 km N.
How does Cerro Chaupicocha compare to its neighbors? Its nearest higher neighbor is Cerro Jatuntamías at 4,711 m, located 1.4 km to the southwest.
Is there water on the way to Cerro Chaupicocha? OpenStreetMap shows no established huts with water nearby; hikers should carry sufficient water, typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day trip, and treat any natural water sources found in the high terrain.
Are there huts on Cerro Chaupicocha? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so visitors usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Cerro Chaupicocha? Coverage in high mountain areas is generally patchy and depends on the operator; hikers should download offline maps before setting out and remember that emergency services can be reached over any available network.