Do I need climbing experience for Ishinca?

No. Ishinca can be climbed without previous experience — we provide instruction and support, and it has long, enjoyable snow slopes. It is one of the most achievable Cordillera Blanca peaks, though still physically demanding at 5530m.

What is the difference between the 12 and 13 day options?

The 13-day version includes an extra rest/side-trip day at Cruce Alpamayo below the mountain. Omitting that day makes a 12-day programme, with one hard day crossing two passes near the end of the trek.

How demanding is the trek before the climb?

It is graded Moderate to Hard, crossing several high passes with long days up to 7 to 8 hours, all above 4000m. Good fitness and full acclimatisation are essential, which also prepares you well for Ishinca.

Is there a rest day before the climb?

Yes. After descending to Hualcayán and returning to Huaraz, there is a rest day in Huaraz to recover and prepare before driving out for the Ishinca climb.

Expedition Dossier

Alpamayo Base Camp Trek & Ishinca Climb — 13 Days

For strong hikers who also want to stand on a 5000m summit, this programme pairs the magnificent Alpamayo Base Camp trek from Vaquería to Hualcayán with an ascent of Ishinca (5530m) — perhaps your first snow-and-ice peak.

A demanding high-altitude trek through the heart of the Cordillera Blanca builds the fitness and acclimatisation for a rewarding, beginner-suitable climb.

Duration

13 Days (option for 12) plus a rest day in Huaraz

Grade

Moderate to Hard (trek) / PD- (Ishinca climb)

Highest Point

5530m

Cordillera Blanca · Trek & Climb

A great traverse, then a 5530m summit

Trek grade: Moderate to Hard
Climb grade: PD- — beginner-suitable
Duration: 13 days (option 12)
Ishinca summit: 5530m
Trek high point: 4860m

The Alpamayo Base Camp trek weaves through high passes and varied valleys with the famous Alpamayo pyramid as its focus. Ishinca is one of the most achievable Cordillera Blanca peaks, with long, enjoyable snow slopes; we provide instruction and support. It is, nonetheless, true mountaineering at altitude — a fitting reward for strong trekkers.

Expedition Logistics

Essential Trekking Notes & Rules

Trek Grading

We grade the trek Moderate to Hard: you cross several high passes, with long hard days mixed with shorter ones. You must be well acclimatised, have good fitness, be able to hike 7 to 8 hour days, and manage steep climbs and descents. You are above 4000m throughout.

Climb Grading

Although Ishinca is graded moderate and beginner-suitable, the 5530m altitude makes it physically demanding. You climb roped, with ice axe and crampons, after a long approach over steep, loose moraine. We do not classify any Cordillera Blanca peak as a “trekking peak”.

12 or 13 Day Option

The penultimate trek day crosses two passes in a single hard day. The longer (10-day trek) option adds a relaxing extra day at the camp near Alpamayo to enjoy the views and recover energy.

Changing Conditions on Ishinca

Some years a steep ice wall must be climbed at the glacier face to reach the snow; other years the route is easy. The glacier face changes continuously, and the guide will assist on any steep section.

Your Guide

The guide in charge of your climb is one of our local, experienced and professional UIAGM International Mountain Guides.

Route Progression

High Altitude Tactical Itinerary

Review the route day by day: altitudes, distances and acclimatisation.

Technical Timeline // Day 01

Drive Huaraz to Vaquería via the Llanganuco pass, hike to Paria

Distance

7 km

Time Window

4 to 5 hours hiking

Max Altitude

4767m

Delta Profile

We drive down the Callejón de Huaylas to Yungay and up into the Huascarán National Park past the Llanganuco lakes to the Portachuelo pass (4767m). Descending to Vaquería (3600m), we load donkeys and hike gently up the Quebrada Huaripampa to Paria (3900m).

Bespoke Cross Selling

Related routes

More routes in the same spirit — the same range or the same kind of trip. Tap any one for the full itinerary, or write to us and we will tailor your own.