Alpamayo Base Camp Trek

  • 9 Day Trek
  • Fully Supported
  • Small Groups Only
nevado alpamayo mountain

Our Alpamayo Base Camp Trek is a challenging trekking circuit that ascends through Andean environment with panoramic views of the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, crossing several passes, spectacular valleys with abundant flora and fauna and the opportunity to see the famous Nevado Alpamayo Mountain 5947m, the most beautiful mountain in the world.
This trek provides access to the remote inner sanctum of peaks, glaciers and lakes in this range.

Natural History
The valleys are great places to observe native Andean alpine flora, especially the many wildflowers that bloom during the trekking season, including buttercups, ranunculus, lupines and several species of orchids. Many encrustations of deep-red bromeliads can be seen along the track, sprouting from boulders and on rock faces.
Fauna includes few alpacas and llamas, mountain caracaras, falcons, Andean geese and ducks, hawks, hummingbirds, American kestrels, puna ibis, Andean swifts, Andean foxes and mountain vizcachas. Sightings of the mighty condor are possible.

Trip Highlights

  • Unique Mountain Views
  • U–Shaped Valleys
  • Deep Glacial Lakes
  • Most Beautiful Mountain in the World

Departure Dates

  • May
  • June 
  • July 
  • August
  • September

Trekking Details

Grade: Strenuous, Up to 7-8 hours physical activity each day
Distance: 102 Km
Maximum altitude: 4860m
Price: Contact us for prices.
Season: May – September
Pickup and Drop-off: We will collect and return you to any hotel located within Huaraz City.
Price Includes:
Not Included:
What to Bring: We will provide a full gear list info upon booking the trek.

TREKKING ITINERARY

Lets Go! Vamos!

You are picked up at your accommodation and begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley and then into the Huascaran National Park, past the turquoise Llanganuco Lakes and over the Paso Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass 4785m and then down to Vaqueria (3700m) which is the starting point of the trek 4 hours drive. There are opportunities for photo stops along the way. From Vaqueria our equipment is loaded onto the donkeys and we have a 5 hours hike on a gradually rising path to our campsite in the Paria Valley 3890m.

santa cruz trek

A short hike today. We walk up the valley for 2 hours to camp at Tuctubamba 4100m. We can do a side trip on the way and climb up to the top of Punta Union Pass at 4750m to have fantastic views down into the Santa Cruz Valley. 5 hours walk extra.

santa cruz trek peru

We ascend steeply on a rocky path to the top of Paso Alto de Pucaraju Pass 4640m. From the top of the pass there are lovely views of many mountains such as Taulliraju, Chacraraju, Paria and many others. We then walk down through lupin covered hillside to camp at Laguna Huecrococha Lake. 4000m. 7 to 8 hours walk.

alpamayo base camp trek

We ascend towards Paso Tupatupa Pass 4360m with views of the massive snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and then we have a long descent to camp at the head of the Jancapampa Valley at 3700m. 7 to 8 hours hike. We will see many local people and kids wondering around the campsite.

alpamayo or los cedros circuit

We ascend a long gradual valley for 3 hours and then we climb steeply to reach the rocky Pass Paso Yanacon 4610m for another 2 hours. We go down to our camp at Huillca 4100m. 7 to 8 hours hike.

cordillera blanca trekking

We have to cross two passes today. The first pass is a gradual climb to the lower pass of Mesapata 4460m, we then traverse and continue climbing to the higher pass Paso Gara Gara 4830m from where we have great views of the big mountains Jancarurish, Quitaraju, Alpamayo and Laguna Jancarurish lake. We descend to camp at Jancarurish 4250m at the foot of the majestic Alpamayo. 7 to 8 hours hike.

alpamayo or los cedros trek

We descend a flat valley for about 2 hours before hiking up on a well-used trail towards Paso Vientunan Pass 4770m and then descend to our camp at Osoruri 4550m. 6 to 7 hours walk.

cordillera blanca climbing

We start with an easy climb up to Paso Cullicocha 4860m pass from where we have lovely views of the surrounding mountains. We then descend to the fabulous lake Laguna Cullicocha 4650m from where we can admire the majestic peaks of Nevados Santa Cruz before descending to our last camp at Wishcash 4350m. 6 – 7 hours walk.

alpamayo peru trek

We descend a long zigzag trail to the village of Hualcayan 2900m and then drive back to Huaraz. 4 hours walk and 3 hours drive.


Altitude and Acclimatization

This is a major factor on this trek and we strongly recommend that you arrive in Huaraz at least 4 days before the trek departs and spend time doing day hikes to higher altitude, this will help with acclimatization to the new altitude. 

Grading & Fitness

In order to get the most out of the trek you should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the trek, since it is a subjective matter. However, we have classified this trek as strenuous. We trek approximately six to eight hours per day with several long ascents and descents.

Trip Highlights

  • Unique Mountain Views
  • U–Shaped Valleys
  • Deep Glacial Lakes
  • Most Beautiful Mountain in the World

Daparture Dates

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September 

TRIP REVIEWS

Rodolfo, I really appreciated your easy going nature. Thank you for a great trip and great service. Hayden, Australia

Rodolfo and his crew were totally professional, knowledgeable and energetic, always willing to help. They could not have made the trip any better. Evans, USA

I had a really great time in Peru! Thank you again for being a great guide. Illiana, USA

A trek with a 10 out of 10 Wow factor! From start to finish Rodolfo and our trekking team were amazing. Sonia, Australia

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