Summit Climb to Alpamayo – 14 Days

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~~$2999~~

$2857

Summit Climb to Alpamayo – 14 Days

14 Days Starting and ending in Huaraz, Peru

Visiting: Huaraz, Churup Lake, Vaquería, Llanganuco Lakes, Paria, Utcubamba Province, Laguna Yahuarcocha, Condominio PASO ALTO, Jancapampa, Huiracocha, Pucajirca, Mesapata, Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz, Cashapampa

Tour operator:

Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

18-65

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten & Dairy Free

Tour operated in:

English

From: $2999 $2857 Travel Club discount: -$142

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Summit Climb to Alpamayo. Discover Peru’s Cordillera Blanca as you trek, climb; and scramble over snow- and ice-covered moraine rock into the high altitudes of the Andes. Not for the faint of hearts; this 14-day itinerary is for the somewhat experienced climber and altogether adventurous spirit. Trek & climb one of the world's most famous mountains in the Cordillera Blanca.

Highlights

Meet locals on your way through the peaks and valleys of the Cordillera Blanca
Discover stunning turquoise lakes hidden among snowy peaked mountains
Camp on icy mountaintops with unparalleled views of surrounding peaks
Reach the Alpamayo summit and rappel down to High Camp

Itinerary

tourhub | Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges | Summit Climb to Alpamayo – 14 Days | Alpamayo14 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive To Huaraz

Location: Huaraz

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Note 1: We classify the course and climbing as Hard because the altitude of 5686 metres and the steep, tough nature of the hike up to camp while carrying your gear, do make it demanding. The intensive nature of the climbing instruction is also physically demanding. You need to be strong enough to carry a moderate-weight backpack up the steep trail. For the fit, strong and well-acclimatized this is a great, challenging adventure; you should not consider this program unless you have above average fitness and are generally strong.

Note 2: The guide in charge of your climb will be one of our local experienced & professional UIAGM International Mountain Guides.

Note 3: Acclimatisation It is important that you are well acclimatized to the altitude before attempting to climb any peak in the Cordillera Blanca, thus avoiding any potential problems with lack of energy or any altitude-related illnesses when climbing.
Climbing above 5000m is physically demanding, even when the climbing itself is not steep or technical. On this ascent you go from Huaraz (3090m) direct to the Morena Camp (5130m), constituting an altitude gain of 2040 metres in a single day.
It is therefore extremely important that you already be well acclimatized.
We recommend a trek of minimum 4 days or a series of day hikes to above 4500m for acclimatization and extra fitness. Arrive in Huaraz and check in to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day settling in and acclimating to the higher altitude — 9,843 feet above sea level.

Day 2 : Acclimatisation Hike To Churup Lake

Location: Churup Lake

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

As Laguna Churup (Lake Churup) is situated close to Huaraz, it is one of the more popular locations for day hikes. Drive from Huaraz to Pitec (12,631 feet), passing through the attractive farming settlements of Llupa and Unchus. Steadily trek up a mountain ridge from Pitec to Laguna Churup (14,600 feet) and enjoy the stunning views of the turquoise lake below.

Day 3 : Vaquería Via Paso Llanganuco; Hike To Paria Camp

Location: Vaquería, Llanganuco Lakes, Paria

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head north and drive down the broad inter-Andean valley through Callejón de Huaylas (the Santa Valley) to Yungay (8,200 feet) towards the Cordillera Blanca peaks. Continue into the Parque Nacional Huascarán and past the famous turquoise Llanganuco Lakes. Continue onwards and upwards to the Portachuelo de Paso Llanganuco (15,640 feet). Stop to enjoy views of a number of spectacularly high Andean peaks, including Huascarán, Huandoy (20,981 feet), and Chopicalqui (20,817 feet), as well as the Llanganuco Lakes almost a mile below, before descending to Vaquería (11,811 feet). Upon arriving at Vaquería, load your equipment onto donkeys and stretch your legs as you hike your way through Valle Quebrada Huaripampa (Huaripampa Ravine Valley) to your secluded campsite in Valle Quebrada Paria (12,795 feet)

Day 4 : Tuctubamba And Optional Excursion To Paso Punta Union

Location: Utcubamba Province

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depending on energy levels today, you’ll have the option to hike up the Quebrada Huaripampa Valley to your camp at Tuctubamba (13,779.5 feet), or to take a detour en route to Tuctubamba and climb up to the top of the Paso Punta Union (Union Point Pass) (15,584 feet). There you’ll have fantastic views of Valle Santa Cruz before heading to your camp at Tuctubamba.

Day 5 : Tuctubamba To Laguna Huecrococha Via Paso Alto De Pucaraju

Location: Laguna Yahuarcocha, Condominio PASO ALTO

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a steep climb following a rocky trail to the top of the Paso Alto de Pacaraju (15,255 feet). At the pass, there are magnificent views of many peaks, including the towering mountains of Nevado Taulliraju (15,846.5 feet), Chacraraju (20,052.5 feet), and Paria (17,028 feet). Begin the long descent — initially on switchbacks, then on a sweeping path — down through lupin flower-covered hillsides and quenual (a tree species native to higher elevations of the Andes) forests to camp by a small lake, Laguna Huecrococha.

Day 6 : Huecrococha To Jancapampa Via Paso Tupatupa

Location: Jancapampa, Huiracocha

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

oday’s hike starts with a brief descent, a stream crossing (either by jumping or horseback), and then a gradual incline before ascending more steeply to Paso Tupatupa (14,436 feet). During your hike note the large snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, including Pucajirca Norte (19,849 feet), and continue to your camp at the head of a wide valley at Jancapampa (11,811 feet). Enjoy the views of a massive hanging glacier with waterfalls streaming down a broad, horseshoe-shaped wall of granite from hundreds of up in the air.

Day 7 : Jancapampa To Safuna Via Paso Pucajirca

Location: Pucajirca, Jancapampa

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start today with a long climb varying in gradation up a forested valley with occasional clearings to the beautiful Laguna Sactaycocha. From here, now amid grassy shrubland, you’ll have a steep climb to the top of the rocky Paso Pucajirca (15,092 feet). On a clear day, the awesome Pucajirca Norte can be seen in all its glory to the southwest.

Descend to Willcapampa (13,123 feet) where you will find local traditional farmhouses and even pass by herds of alpacas before continuing to gently climb in the Quebrada Tayapampa. Rest for the night at Safuna camp (13,780 feet).

Day 8 : Alpamayo Base Camp Via Mesapata And Paso Cara Cara

Location: Mesapata, Alpamayo

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will cross two passes. The first is a gradual, grassy ascent to the Paso Mesapata (14,764 feet), followed by a longer trek skirting around swamplands, and then continuing on with a challenging climb to the high and sometimes windy Paso Cara Cara (15,846.5 feet). Enjoy your first sightings of the triple summits of Santa Cruz (29,535 feet) before a 20-minute descent along the pass. Here you’ll spot the beautiful Alpamayo (19,511 feet), and its neighboring peaks Jancarurish and Quitaraju, as well as Laguna Jancarurish directly below. Continue making your way down to Cruce Alpamayo Base Camp, below the majestic mountain of the same name (14,764 feet).

Day 9 : Base Camp To Moraine Camp

Location: Alpamayo

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pack up and leave Alpamayo Base Camp behind and trek over a moraine ridge on a sandy slope and rock slabs to reach a small area of tent platforms at Moraine Camp (16,010 feet). Set up your tent for the night.

Day 10 : Moraine Camp To High Camp On Alpamayo

Location: Quitaraju

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day early and follow the rocky route above Moraine Camp for a couple hours up to the ice and moraine. Make your way through a snowy couloir (a steep, narrow gully on a mountainside) that leads to the col (the lowest point of a ridge between two peaks) between Alpamayo and nearby Quitaraju (19,816 feet). This section can sometimes be the most technical and difficult part of the route. After getting to the col, there is a short climb up to reach High Camp (17,388 feet).

Day 11 : High Camp To Alpamayo Summit

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depending on your energy and enthusiasm (and the weather) you’ll choose one of two options for today. Enjoy the stunning view of Alpamayo and its surroundings from High Camp. Snap photos to your heart’s content, and once ready, begin the descent back to Alpamayo Base Camp in Valle Santa Cruz. Or, start the day very early and begin climbing on soft snowy slopes for about an hour. You’ll come to a bergschrund (the crevasse that forms where moving glacier ice separates from the stagnant ice above) at the bottom of the southwest face.

The climb from the southwest face to the summit is steep and technical, with mixed snow and hard ice. Seven or eight pitches (a stop at a belay station) are needed to reach the summit. The first two pitches are on good snow before the incline gets steeper with good ice. The climb to the summit takes about five hours. You’ll descend on the same route, which takes up to seven or eight rappels. Return to sleep at High Camp for the night.

Day 12 : High Camp To Base Camp

Location: Alpamayo

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today return to Alpamayo Base Camp by rappelling 492-656 feet down an ice cliff, where the last hour and a half is on steep and slippery rock. Relax weary muscles, pat yourself on the back, and enjoy the celebration dinner waiting for you at Base Camp!

Day 13 : Trek To Cashapampa And Drive To Huaraz

Location: Huaraz, Cashapampa

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue on the long but easy trek down the Quebrada Santa Cruz to reach Cashapampa. A private van will be waiting there to return you to your hotel in Huaraz.

Day 14 : Departure

Location: Quitaraju

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional: Add one day extra to also climb Quitaraju or a reserve bad weather day Climbing Hours: Climbing times are estimated times and based on our average climbing groups from past experience. Some people may be much faster and others slower. Trek Roads: Access roads to and from treks are generally dirt mountain roads (not paved) and in some places can be bumpy. Road travel times are slower than you may expect for the kms travelled. Explore Huaraz at your leisure before making your way to the airport for your return journey home.

What's Included

Accommodation

As detailed in the itinerary.
Fully Guided

Yes. Qualified and licensed trekking and climbing guides and UIAGM international certified climbing guides
Meals

All meals and snacks on treks and climbs
Additional Services

Booking of domestic flight tickets, bus tickets, hotels and guesthouses, Lima transfers and city tours
Transport

Private trek transport in a well maintained vehicle with careful drivers
What equipment is included?

Quality international brand tents, Cooking, Dining & bathroom tents, All cooking equipment, kitchen equipment, eating utensils, tables & chairs, Thermorest sleeping mattress

What's Not Included

Insurance
Guide Service Fee
Private Expenses
International Travel

Check out our Q&As

Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

Yes. Qualified and licensed trekking and climbing guides. UIAGM international certified climbing guides
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Note 1: We classify the course and climbing as Hard because the altitude of 5686 metres and the steep, tough nature of the hike up to camp while carrying your gear, do make it demanding. The intensive nature of the climbing instruction is also physically demanding. You need to be strong enough to carry a moderate-weight backpack up the steep trail. For the fit, strong and well-acclimatized this is a great, challenging adventure; you should not consider this program unless you have above average fitness and are generally strong. Note 2: The guide in charge of your climb will be one of our local experienced & professional UIAGM International Mountain Guides. Note 3: Acclimatisation It is important that you are well acclimatized to the altitude before attempting to climb any peak in the Cordillera Blanca, thus avoiding any potential problems with lack of energy or any altitude-related illnesses when climbing. Climbing above 5000m is physically demanding, even when the climbing itself is not steep or technical. On this ascent you go from Huaraz (3,090m) direct to the Moraine Camp (5,130m), constituting an altitude gain of 2040 metres in a single day. It is therefore extremely important that you already be well acclimatized. We recommend a trek of minimum 4 days or a series of day hikes to above 4500m for acclimatization and extra fitness. Arrive in Huaraz and check in to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day settling in and acclimating to the higher altitude — 9,843 feet above sea level.
What is the maximum group size?

12 People.
What equipment is included?

Quality international brand tents, Cooking, Dining & bathroom tents, All cooking equipment, kitchen equipment, eating utensils, tables & chairs, Thermorest sleeping mattress

How long has the tour company been trading?

For 3 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Always
What documents will I receive before I travel?

This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Pam & Kelly Foyster

O Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

The staff are AMAZING. I thought we were joining a group but on a private trek! The guide was professional highly qualified incredibly helpful and hyper-focused on our safety and enjoyment the entire time. Our porter did not speak English but was also overqualified (highly skilled climber) for this job and great to be around. We even had a cook (what?!?!) which blew us away because we thought we would be eating in refugios (there is excellent food service even in the tent-only areas. His cooking spoiled us completely and there was always more than enough to eat.

Rainnie

Ausangate Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

That's an insane unforgettable trekking experience with your team! We are so satisfied with their professionalism and enthusiasm! Milton did a great job he is an expert and he took good care of us! He is so passionate about his love of hiking & trekking. Along the trek he shared his knowledge about everything the Andeans local languages and community beliefs. Our cook was a wonder to us :) He was so fun friendly and chilled. He knows how to cook.

Lewis Crane

W Trek Torres del Paine

20-Jan-2024

Thanks for an amazing time! The tour was well organized. The company was very flexible when I had to move the date of the trip. The guide was very knowledgeable and experienced. Thanks!

Charles Cole

O Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

My son and I did the 'O' circuit of Torres del Paine which Unu Raymi managed to arrange for us at short notice. It was a fantastic 7-day trip with stunning scenery. What made it special for us was we had a guide (Ivan) and porter (Hugo) who taught us so much about the land the flora and fauna and the history of Chile and. Patagonia. We also met many people doing the same route as us worldwide. I highly recommend Unu Raymi to anyone who would like to visit Patagonia

Ben Connolly

Backpacker Special Peru Edition

21-Jan-2022

We have had the time of our lives and the best is still to come. We are very happy with everything! We loved Puno and everything else has been amazing :) Thanks

Brett Schlesinger (USA)

O Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

This was a trip I will never forget! James @ Unu Raymi was incredibly helpful in preparing me & answering my questions and organizing the trip. He went out of his way to schedule the trek between two other organized expeditions to satisfy my desire to travel.

Jenny Thwaite

Cotahuasi Canyon

20-Jan-2024

An avid trekker! I have been to Peru many times and trekked in many places with many different companies but I feel that my experience with Unu Raymi Expeditions has been the absolute and ultimate best.

Matthew Richard Ivor Jones

Backpacker Special Per�

20-Jan-2024

Great Tour! Unu Raymi organized a great tour for me. Including a customized visit to Lake Titicaca on top of the Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu tour. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and took me through some interesting history and spectacular views.

Angela Yip

O Circuit Trek & El Chalt�n

20-Jan-2024

Although the organization was a bit messy it was eventually a great experience in Patagonia. James has been helpful when there are any unclarity or questions. The 'O' trek and El Chalten have so much to give. The guides are fantastic. They do all they can to make sure I'm safe but also they're a lot of fun!

Read all 9 reviews

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~~$2999~~ $2857