Alpamayo Base Camp Trek & Climb Ishinca

Timing: 13 days Trek & Climb (option for 12 days)
Plus a rest day in Huaraz

Ishinca Climb: 5530m (18143 ft)
Grades: Trek / Moderate to Hard
Ishinca Climb / PD- /Moderate snow climbing, beginner suitable, physically demanding

For strong hikers who would also like to attempt to climb a 5000m mountain, this program offers some of the best of the Cordillera Blanca. An exciting high altitude trek combined with a summit – maybe your first attempt at a snow & ice covered peak.

Day 1:Trek Drive from Huaraz past Llanganuco Lakes and over the Pass Portachuelo 4750m to Vaqueria (3600m) 3 ½ hours drive. From Vaqueria we have a relaxing trek about 4 hours on a gradually rising path to a secluded campsite in the Paria Valley 3800m.

Day 2: Two hours hike further up the valley to camp at Tuctubamba 3950m. We can make a side trip on the way and climb up to the top of the pass Punta Union 4750m to have fantastic views down into the Santa Cruz Valley. 3 to 4 hours extra.

Day 3: We climb steeply on a rocky trail to the top of the pass Alto de Pacaraju 4650m from where there are magnificent views of many snow covered peaks. We then have a long descent down through lupin covered hillside to camp at a small lake Laguna Huecrococha. 3950m. 7 hours.

Day 4: We climb to another pass Tupatupa 4400m & descend to camp at the top of a wide valley at Jancapampa (3600m). Directly behind camp we have views of a huge hanging glacier. 7 to 8 hours.

Day 5: A long gradual climb up a forested valley and past the lake Laguna Sactaycocha, then we climb steeply to the top of the rocky Pass Paso Pucajirca 4600m. Descend to camp at Safuna in the Quebrada Tayapmapa. 4200m. A long day 7 to 8 hours.

Day 6: We cross two passes today. The first pass is a gradual ascent to the low pass of Mesapata 4500m, then we cross the sometimes windy pass Cara Cara (4830m) from where we have our first great views of the pyramid shaped Alpamayo. We camp below the majestic Alpamayo at the camp named Cruze Alpamayo 4150m. 7 hours.

Day 7: We stay another night at Cruze Alpamayo Camp. Climb up the moraine to the lake Laguna Jancarurish for close up views of Alpamayo or continue upwards towards Alpamayo Base Camp (4500m). 5 to 6 hours return. Or rest day.

(For the 9 day trek option, we omit the extra day spent at Cruce Alpamayo)

Day 8: An easy day, hiking down the valley to a secluded campsite away from the main trail named Plataforma de Valle Dos Cedros (4200m) 3 hours hiking. In the afternoon relax & enjoy the mountain views in preparation for tomorrows hard hike.

Day 9: A hard day with two high passes to ascend. We have a long climb to the pass Paso Osoruri 4750m. We then descend and climb again to a second pass Paso Cullicocha 4850m from where there are fabulous views of the magnificent mountain Santa Cruz. Descend to camp at the crystal blue high lake Laguna Cullicocha (4650m). 6 to 7 hours.

Day 10: Downhill all the way today. We descend on a long zig zag track to the village of Hualcayan 2900m. About 5 or 6 hours. Our van will be waiting for us at Hualcayan to drive us about 4 hours back to Huaraz.

Day 11: Rest day in Huaraz & prepare for Ishinca Climb

Day 12: Ishinca Drive 1½ hours from Huaraz to the village of either Pashpa or Collon (3400m). We then walk up the valley Quebrada Ishinca on a gently rising path to our camp at the head of the valley. 4 to 5 hours.

Day 13: Climb Ishinca. A steady climb initially on a good path and then on loose rock and large moraine rock until we reach the ice. The climb is usually not very steep apart from the final 20 metres to the summit. In some years depending on the condition of the glacier there can be some short steep sections or hard ice, but we will help you with this. Return the same way to Base Camp. 9 to 12 hours depending on fitness

Day 14: Walk down the Ishinca Valley to Pashpa and return to Huaraz

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Contact us for more information and prices.

If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be trekking & climbing and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private trek and climb or would be happy to join with other people.

 

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