Alpamayo Mountain Climb

On the second day of our approach to Alpamayo, we’ll ascend to Punta Unión Pass (4750 m), a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of Taulliraju (known as the Cathedral of the World), Artesonraju (the Paramount Pictures mountain), Rinrijirca, Paria, and Quitaraju.

Descending into the Santa Cruz Valley, we’ll pass by Taullipampa Camp before continuing our trek through Quebrada Arhuay to finally reach Alpamayo Base Camp (4300 m).

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Estimated hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: +50 m (4250 masl to 4300 masl)
Distance: 13 km

On this day, we will organize personal mountain equipment, which will be carried by the porters. Then, we’ll embark on a steep 3-hour ascent along a rocky trail to reach Alpamayo Moraine Camp (4950 m).

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, and dinner
Estimated hiking time: 6 hours
Elevation gain: +650 m (4300 masl to 4950 masl)
Distance: 2 km

On this day, we will make our way to Alpamayo High Camp (5400 m). Porters will transport the camping equipment while we continue our ascent through morainic terrain until reaching the glacier. Here, we will gear up with harnesses, helmets, crampons, and ice axes, ensuring safety under the guidance of our expert team.

After crossing the glacier, we’ll climb a small ice wall to reach high camp. As the sun sets, we’ll witness breathtaking reflections on the Alpamayo climbing face. Dinner will be our time to refuel and rest before the next day's big climb.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, and dinner
Estimated hiking time: 6 hours
Elevation gain: +450 m (4950 masl to 5400 masl)
Distance: 2 km

The most awaited day has arrived—summit day! We’ll begin around midnight, starting with breakfast as the guide ropes us in and ensures all equipment is ready. Our ascent begins with a traverse to the base of the Alpamayo ice wall, where we’ll climb a 60º slope that gradually steepens. Depending on conditions, the guide will choose the safest route.

After 8 hours of continuous climbing, we’ll reach the Alpamayo summit (5947 m), where a breathtaking 360º panorama of the Cordillera Blanca awaits. From here, you’ll see Peru’s most iconic peaks: Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Huascarán, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz, Pucajirkas, Rinrijirca, Parón, Caraz, Aguja, and Pirámide.

We’ll take time to rest, hydrate, and capture unforgettable photos before rappelling down the same route. Once back at camp, we’ll eat and rest. Depending on fitness levels and coordination with the guide, we may descend to Base Camp the same day.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, and dinner
Estimated climb time: 10 to 12 hours
Elevation gain: +547 m (5400 masl to 5947 masl)
Technical climb: 450 m Alpamayo Ice Wall

After breakfast, we begin our descent to Base Camp. We’ll rappel down key sections before continuing through the moraine and making our way back to camp. Upon arrival, our cook will welcome us with a well-deserved, delicious lunch to replenish our energy. The rest of the day will be for relaxation and satisfaction after completing this incredible achievement.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Estimated descent time: 3 to 4 hours

After breakfast, we dismantle the camp and begin our final descent. Our donkey driver and donkeys will transport the logistical equipment to Cashapampa village while we trek downhill through Quebrada Santa Cruz.

Upon arrival in Cashapampa, our transport bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz, marking the end of our unforgettable expedition.

Meals: Breakfast
Estimated hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation loss: -1200 m / -150 m
Distance: 23.5 km
Transfer by car: 3 hours