Alpamayo Circuit Trek & Climb Pisco

Timing: 15 days Trek & Climb (option for 14 days)
Pisco Climb: 5753m (18875 ft)
Grades: Trek / Hard
Pisco Climb / PD / Moderate snow climbs – Beginner suitable – Physically Hard

This exciting longer trek & climb combo offers the best of the Cordillera Blanca: – a high altitude trek featuring the spectacular Laguna Cullicocha and Alpamayo peak followed by the challenge of climbing Pisco, rewarded for your efforts on the summit with amazing views of the surrounding highest peaks in the mountain range.

Richard from the UK said: We had an amazing Trek. George, the cook – provided the best food we ate whilst in Peru. Freddy our guide took genuine interest in what he was showing us …… Our Pisco climb was well organised and we couldn’t have had a more incredible experience.

Day 1: Drive 5 hours to Hualcayan 2900m. On the way we have visits to Yungay where there is a memorial to the thousands of people killed in the 1970 earthquake, and then the colourful local market at Caraz.

Day 2: Climb steadily in a zig zag path from Hualcayan to Wishcash 4300m.4 to 5 hours hiking.

Day 3: Continue upwards to the spectacular lake Laguna Cullicocha 4850m at the base of massive Santa Cruz mountain. A long descent to camp at Ruinapampa 3800m. 8 hours.

Day 4: An easy day, walking gently up valley to Cruze Alpamayo camp 4150m. 3 to 4 hours.

Day 5: Extra night at Cruze Alpamayo Camp to appreciate the stunning views of Alpamayo. Visit Laguna Jancarurish or Alpamayo Base Camp (4500m).

Day 6: Climb to the often windy pass Cara Cara 4830m from where we have more fantastic views of Alpamayo and the lakes, then traverse to another pass Mesapata 4500m and before descending to camp at Lake Safuna 4200m 7 hours.

Day 7: From Safuna to another pass Paso Pucajirca 4600m and camp in the open grassy valley of Jancapampa 3600m 7 hours. There are a lot of farming families living in the valley and we meet many curious local children.

Day 8: We pass by many adobe farm houses, sheep, cattle and horses while climbing up to the pass Pass Tupatupa 4400m and descend to camp beside the small lake Laguna Huecrococha (3950m). 7 hours.

Day 9: Pass Alto de Pucaraju 4650m from where we have breathtaking views of the mountain Taulliraju, then a steep descent to camp in a lovely quiet valley at Tuctubamba (4250m). 7 hours

Day 10: At first we walk easily down the Huaripampa Valley passing through farming settlements. Then we climb to the road at Vaqueria where our private vehicle will be waiting to drive us over the 4850m Portachuelo Pass to our camp at Cebollapampa (3850m). 4 hours hike and 2 hour drive.

Day 11: Rest Day at Cebollapampa camp

Day 12: A short day. Climb on a good path to Pisco Base Camp. 4650m 2½ hours.

Day 13: Climb over moraine rocks to Morena Camp. The route is over large moraine rock and is steep in places. Donkeys cannot come this way. Porters carry the tents, climbing rope, food and cooking equipment, but you need to carry your own personal gear. 4900m 3 hours

Day 14: 40 minutes climb on moraine to the glacier, then on the snow for about 4 to 5 hours to the summit. For most of the route, it is not overly steep or technically difficult, although the altitude does make it a challenge. There are occasional short steep sections and hard ice, or possibly a crevasse which the guides will help you to negotiate around. Return to Base Camp mid afternoon. About 10 to 12 hours total for the day.

Day 15: An easy descent down to the road at Cebollapampa 1½ hours and return to Huaraz in our private van.

14 Day Option: Omit the rest day at Cebollapampa.

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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 or climb or would be happy to join with other people.

 

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