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Alpamayo
Alpamayo's near-perfect pyramid shape and intricate ice routes make it a standout among the peaks of the Peruvian Andes. The climb offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, set against a backdrop of stunning glacial landscapes.
Route
- 3,047 m gain over 5 days
- Starting and ending in Cashapampa
- approach: walk in
Walk in
- +1,450 m over a 20 km approach
- 2 days in
- 1 days out
Climb
- +1,597 m over 2 - 3 days.
- 2 high camps. Base camp and high camp are typically used, and sometimes an intermediate camp for those less acclimatised.
Difficulty
- AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)
- D: Hard (alpine grade 4)
When to go
- May to August
Profiled guides
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Andean Raju Expeditions | more info | from $1,940 |
 Peruvian Mountains Adventures & Expeditions | more info | from $2,800 |
| Peru Adventures Travel | more info | from $1,750 |
 Grupo Alpamayo Tours | more info | from $2,950 |
Walk in from Cashapampa to base camp, camping along the way (two days up, one down). It's a big walk up to high camp, which is shared with Quitaraju.
Base Camp
Located in the Arhuaycocha Valley, Base Camp serves as the main staging area for the ascent. It is the starting point for acclimatization and preparation.
4,350 m
High Camp
High Camp is situated on the glacier and serves as the final staging area before the summit push. Climbers navigate through snow and ice to reach this camp.
5,300 m
Summit
The summit of Alpamayo, reached by climbing the steep and technical southwest face. This section involves advanced ice climbing techniques.
5,947 m
Walk in from Cashapampa to base camp (camping along the way). From base camp you climb up to high camp (same as for Quitaraju).
Alpamayo weather
How is the weather on Alpamayo, and when is the best time to go.
The weather in the Cordillera Blanca, where Alpamayo is located, varies significantly throughout the year. The best months for climbing are typically May through August, which are the dry season months with the most stable weather conditions.
The best time to climb Alpamayo is in these months:
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
Decent weather in these months, but expect cloudy weather once or twice a week given the proximity to the Amazon.
Alpamayo Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
Camping on the walk in is possible anywhere. Then with 2-3 camps on the climb.Guides
Plenty of guides ply this route.Porters
Mules are available in the town but will go up to base camp only. If you want porters for high camp, arrange them in Cashapampa or even in Huaraz before leaving.Alpamayo access - getting there
How to get to Alpamayo
Drive to Cashapampa, or take local transport changing at Caraz.
Alpamayo questions
What to know about climbing Alpamayo
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Alpamayo Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Alpamayo route.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Alpamayo trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
