Expedition Alpamayo & Huascaran

The bus ride over 400 km into the Cordillera Blanca is varied and promising. First we drive along the Panamericana north through the impressive desert on the Pacific coast, then up into the highlands and over the 4020m high Conococha pass in the Cordillera Negra and descend to Huaraz (3060 m). When we cross the pass, the view to the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca is clear – one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the world. Arrival in Huaraz and check-in at the hotel. On request, dinner together in the group and first briefing.

Driving time: 8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

We pick you up at the hotel and drive south to the Santa Cruz bridge. Here begins our hike through the picturesque highlands and small Andean villages. We slowly ascend to the Laguna Wilcacocha (3’700m), where we enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the whole Cordillera Blanca. We walk the same way back to the bridge, where our transport waits and brings us back to Huaraz.

Driving time: 20 minutes
Hiking time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

We drive from Huaraz to Pitec (3’850m) passing through the traditional villages of Unchus and Llupa. After entering the national park we start ascending by following the path over a long ridge. The final 100m to the lake scrambling up a steep rock gully which some people may find difficult. Return to Huaraz.

Driving time: 2 hours
Hiking time: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

Off to Alpamayo! We drive through the Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa (3,050m). Here we meet our donkey drivers and load our luggage. On the Santa Cruz Trek we hike up to our first camp Ichicoccha (3.900m). Here we spend the first night at campsite.

Hiking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: ↑ 900m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner 

After breakfast we leave our campsite and continue on into the valley. On the way we pass the Laguna Jatuncocha and then leave the Santa Cruz Trek. A side valley leads up to the Alpamayo Basecamp. We set ourselves up for the ascent and spend the night at campsite at 4,200m.

Hiking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: ↑ 300m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

For the donkeys today’s ascent is too steep and dangerous. From now on, all personal equipment has to be carried by itself and with help of the porters. In two stages, we bring the entire material to the moraine camp and at the same time adapt ourselves to the height.

Hiking time: 6 hours 
Elevation gain: ↑↓ 700m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner 

The ascent to the high camp of the Alpamayos takes place via the nearby glacier. We set up our high camp with the best view to the Alpamayo. We prepare our equipment and go to bed early.

Hiking time: 7 hours
Elevation gain: ↑↓ 500
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

Already at night we start climbing the 5,947 m high summit. In the ascent, we climb over the Ferrari route. We start with 45 degrees and rises further up to 55 – 60 degrees. A short passage with about 70 degrees in the uppermost area represents the main difficulty. Over a narrow ridge, it goes to the main summit. However, depending on the conditions, we may have to change to the French route. In this case, the difficulties increase slightly.

Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours
Elevation gain: ↑↓ 500
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

This day is available as an extra day for the Alpamayo. Alternatively, the neighboring Quitaraju can be climbed over its 55 degrees steep north wall without fixed rope support. If possible, we will descend to base camp at 4.200m.

Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Elevation gain: ↑↓ 650, ↓ 1.450m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

Through the Santa Cruz Valley we hike back to Cashapampa (3,050 m). Our private transport brings us in another 2 hours back to Huaraz in the hotel, where we are allowed to recover.

Hiking time: 6 hours
Elevation gain: ↓ 1.450m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch

Rest day in Huaraz. The day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast

Today we start climbing the highest mountain of Peru, the Huascaran. In the morning we drive from Huaraz through the Huaylas Valley via Mancos to Musho, 60 km away (3,030 m). Here the luggage is loaded on the donkeys. We climb in serpentines past the Huascaran hut to about 4,400 m. Here we build our tent camp.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation gain: ↑ 1.600m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

5 days are available for climbing through the Garganta with two high camps at about 5,100 m and at 5,900 m altitude. The summit stage starts again very early in the night. Depending on the circumstances, we will leave for the south or north summit around 2:00 am. First, the climb to the plateau. Here the path branches off to the shorter north or south summit. We reach the main summit of Huascaran through a veritable labyrinth of crevasses. Some steep slopes are insured with fixed ropes. Since the ascent depends heavily on the ice conditions on the mountain, it may be necessary to switch to alternative summits such as the Chopicalqui (6,354 m).

Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

Another extra day for the ascent of Huascaran is available. If we do not need it, we will return to Huaraz today. On request, together farewell dinner in the group.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch

Bus drive back to Lima. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Free day depending on departure times – return flight. 

Meals included: Breakfast