Chicón Snow-Capped Mountain is possibly the most imposing landmark in the landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Unlike other mountains that require six-hour drives just to begin hiking, Chicón rises directly above the town of Urubamba. With an elevation of 5,530 meters (18,143 feet), this snow-capped peak is not only a stunning sight from the town’s main square, but also the primary source of water for agriculture and daily life in this part of the valley.
Visiting or climbing Chicón is a pure mountain experience less touristy than Ausangate, yet equally demanding due to its steep terrain.
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Location and Access: The Ascent from Urubamba
Chicón belongs to the Urubamba mountain range. The most well-known access route is through the Chicón ravine, a side valley that rises directly from the town of Urubamba.
The Route Through the Ravine
To reach the base, you take a road that begins in the San Juan sector of Urubamba. The first few miles can be done by vehicle until you reach a point where the queñua forest (native high-altitude trees) becomes denser.
- Approach hike: From where the dirt road ends, a steep ascent begins. Unlike the flat plains found near other glaciers, the terrain here climbs sharply from the very start.
- Juchuycocha Lake: Halfway to the glacier lies this small yet deep emerald-green lake. For many hikers, this is the final destination, as it offers a direct view of Chicón’s ice walls without the need for technical equipment.
The Glacier and the Technical Challenge
Chicón is not a beginner-friendly mountain if your goal is to reach the summit. Although from below it appears to be a uniform mass of snow, up close it reveals loose rock and crevasses in the ice.
Climbing and Mountaineering
For mountaineers, Chicón is an excellent training summit before attempting higher peaks such as Salkantay.
- Difficulty: It is rated PD (Somewhat Difficult), but this can be misleading. Climate change has caused the ice to retreat, exposing moraine (loose rock) areas that make the ascent unstable and exhausting.
- Main summits: The mountain has two main summits. The principal one requires crossing the glacier and tackling snow slopes of approximately 45 to 50 degrees.
Cultural and Environmental Importance
For the people of Urubamba, Chicón is more than a mountain; it is their protective Apu. There is a deep sense of respect, as the meltwater from its glaciers sustains the export-quality corn crops that make the Sacred Valley famous.
Unfortunately, Chicón is one of the glaciers in Cusco that is losing its ice cover most rapidly. In recent decades, the glacier has fragmented. What was once a continuous white mass now reveals large patches of dark rock. Visiting it is witnessing firsthand how global warming is transforming the landscape of the central Andes.
Weather and Preparation for the Ascent
The weather at Chicón is typical for the region, but due to its proximity to the valley, it can be unpredictable.
- Best time to visit: From June to August. These months offer clear skies and dry cold weather. During this season, the snow is firmer and more stable for walking.
- Physical preparation: Although Urubamba sits at 2,870 meters (9,416 feet), the base of the glacier exceeds 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). Do not attempt the climb on your first day in Cusco. It is recommended to spend at least four days acclimatizing in the valley before attempting the lake or the summit.
Required Equipment for Your Visit
If you are only visiting Juchuycocha Lake, you will need trekking boots, light warm clothing, a windbreaker, and plenty of water. The sun can be intense in the ravine. If your goal is the glacier or summit, the equipment requirements change significantly:
- Mountaineering boots (rigid or semi-rigid).
- Crampons and an ice axe.
- Harness and rope (crevasse zones should not be underestimated).
- High-protection UV sunglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicón
1. Can you go and return in one day? Yes, it is possible. Leaving Urubamba very early (6:00 AM), you can reach Juchuycocha Lake and be back by lunchtime or mid-afternoon. For the summit, climbers usually set up a base camp to attempt the peak at dawn.
2. Is there cell phone service along the route? Surprisingly, in several parts of the ascent you can still receive signal from Urubamba’s antennas, but it disappears completely once you enter the deeper folds of the ravine or approach the lake.
3. Do I need a specialized guide? For the hike to the lake, a good map and sense of direction are sufficient, although a local guide can always provide valuable insights about the flora and local legends. To step onto the glacier, however, it is mandatory to go with a certified mountain guide; the risk of falling into crevasses is real.
Chicón Snow-Capped Mountain is the perfect adventure if you are staying in the Sacred Valley and want a high-altitude mountain experience without the long transfers required by other routes. It is demanding, steep, and offers one of the best views of the entire valley from its summit.
