Trek the Alpamayo Circuit and discover the Quechua culture in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru (14 days)
Join this once-in-a-lifetime Alpamayo Circuit trek in the Cordillera Blanca, in the Andes of Peru, around one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, along UIMLA-certified Mountain Leader Ella
Group
Andes
14 Days
May
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca
- Trek past glacial blue lakes, crossing high passes between deep valleys
- Visit remote villages and farming communities along the way
Description
Stunning snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, beautiful meadows and the unique Quechua culture make this 14-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca an experience of a lifetime.
The Alpamayo Circuit trek takes you to discover the incredible mountain scenery of the Andes of Peru, crossing high passes between deep valleys, passing through remote villages and Quechua farming communities. The view of Alpamayo (5947m), considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, is one of the highlights of this tour.
The majestic Cordillera Blanca boasts a pristine scenery and breathtaking landscapes at the heart of the impressive Andes mountain range in Peru, with several peaks between 5700 to 6000 metres of altitude, including Huascarán (6768m), the highest mountain in the country.
During this 14-day trekking loop, we will be hiking past spectacular glacial blue lakes, surrounded always by amazing peaks. Along these days, we will cross eleven mountain passes and many stunning glaciers.
We will meet in the town of Huaraz, where we will do some acclimatization hikes, and then leave the town to camp in the mountains. We will also enjoy the view of beautiful meadows and the opportunity to see some remains of pre-Incan ruins along the trail.
During these days, we will be hiking at an altitude between 2900m and 4860m, covering 140km in 11-Days, with two acclimatization days with day hikes around Huaraz. There will be many several back to back 7 to 8 hour hiking days, so you need to be well acclimatized to altitude before starting the trek, by spending at least three nights in Huaraz (or anywhere above 3500m).
We will be hiking every day only with a daypack, spending the night in tents in camp sites. Local porters (arrieros), donkeys and cooks will assist us along the trek. Through daily interactions with the porters and in the few small villages we will visit along the way, you will also learn about the ancient Quechua culture and langague.
If you want to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Cordillera Blanca, just check the date below and book your trip! Come join this amazing Alpamayo Circuit trek in the Andes of Peru.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Luggage transfer
Price details
- Price per person for a Group from 6 to 12 people: 3109 USD / The price includes: guiding fee, tour organisation, 2 certified English speaking guides, 4 nights at Hotel in Huaraz (double rooms with ensuite bathroom), 10 camp nights, full board with snacks and non alcoholic drinks, camp service & cook (tents, kitchen), dunkies for your luggage during the trekking, park entrance fees, all ground transportation from Huaraz back to Huaraz as defined in the program, satellite phone / The price does not include: flights, bus/taxi to Huaraz, personal insurances, personal equipment, alcoholic drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Huaraz (3000m)
Meet and greet with the group and guide and talk about the last details. Night and dinner at Hotel Zarela in Huaraz.
Day 2: Trekking near Huaraz
Acclimatization hike to a view point above Huaraz
Night and dinner at Hotel in Huaraz.
Day 3: Trekking to Laguna Churup (4485m)
The beautiful Laguna Churup is perfect to acclimatize to altitude even better. Night and dinner at Hotel in Huaraz
Day 4: Start of Alpamayo Circuit - Night at Camp
Transport from Huaraz to Cashapampa. Trekking to Llamacorral (3750m)
Night at Camp
Day 5: Llamacorral to Taullipampa (4250m) Night at Camp
Once we start the trekking circuit in the mountains, our daily routine goes like this:
Every morning starting at around 7.00 we bring you hot tea or coffee to the tent. Then as you pack your day pack and the duffel for the donkeys back we prepare your breakfast. By 8:30/9:00 we’ll start walking on the trails. After a picnic lunch we hike several more hours to reach the camp for the next night. Now you’ll have some time to get cleaned up and for relaxation. After a delicious dinner, chances are you’ll be scurrying to the warmth of your sleeping bag shortly after dinner. Nights come early close to the equator and the temperature drops quickly once the sun goes down.
Day 6: Taullipampa to Tuctu Pampa (4500m) via Punta Union pass (4760m). Night at Camp
Day 7: Tuctu Pampa 4200m – Alto Pukahirka pass 4650m – Laguna Huecrucocha (3950m) Night at Camp
Day 8: Laguna Huecrucocha to Janka Pampa (3600m) via Tupatupa Pass (4400m) Night at Camp
Day 9: Janka Pampa to Huilcca (4200m) via Janajanka Pass (4610m). Night at Camp
Day 10: Huilcca to Mesapampa (4600m) via Kara Kara pass (4830) and Jancarurish (4200m). Night at Camp
Day 11: Jancarurish, day off or exploring Alpamayo base camp (4500m). Night at Camp
Day 12: Jancarurish(4200m) to Osoruri (4500m) via Ventura (4770m). Night at Camp
Day 13: Osoruri to Wishcash (4350m) via Llampapashillun (4850m). Night at Camp
Day 14: Whiscash to Hualcayan (3250m) and transport back to Huaraz. Night at Hotel in Huaraz
Details
More info
How to get to the Cordillera Blanca / Huaraz: Take a flight to Lima, the capitol of Peru and a taxi to the bus terminal. The easiest way to reach the Cordillera Blanca from Lima is by bus from the new bus terminal, it’s a seven- to ten-hour ride from Lima (420km).
How to prepare for trekking in Peru: This trek is rated as moderate to challenging. Well before the trek starts you should be working on your fitness. There are several back to back seven to eight hour hiking days. It is important that you are well acclimatized by spending at least 3 nights in Huaraz (or above 3500m) and do easy hikes during those days before starting the trek. We’re happy to recommend hikes and take you there.
Packing list for trekking in Peru It can get pretty cold at night (-10°C) and than pleasant and warm during the day. Usually the mornings are still cold and as soon as the sun sets it’s cool again. I’ts important to bring layers.
Backpack: 30L (you only carry your day pack) Shufflebag: This bag goes on the dunkies bag and has your items that you need for the trekking Boots: Good trekking boots with ankle support, Teva’s or running shoes for the camps and town 2 Trekking poles Down sleeping bag (800g down) Sleeping mat (Thermarest or similar) Down Jacket with hood Gore-tex Jacket and Pants Long underwear to sleep in the tent and for cold days Trekking pants, 1 pair of Shorts if you prefer to walk in Shorts 2-3 Merino T-shirts or similar 1 warm Pullover Thin gloves Socks Merino preferred Warm hat Buff, neck warmer Sunglasses, hat, sun protection face and lips Head lamps with extra batteries Thermos bottle 1L Drink bottle or camel bag 1L Personal toiletteries pocket knife personal Travel documents, passport Camera 1 lightweight camping plate/bowl personal medicaments
Meeting point
About the guide
Ella
Mountain Leader
Mountain leader from the UIMLA organization
The Swiss Alps where my playground where I grew up in. I love the mountains! After my career as a ski racer for the Swiss National Ski Team I traveled to Patagonia and fell in love with an other great mountain range, the Patagonian Andes. My passion to work with people and to be able to enjoy the great outdoors where the reasons, why I became an UIMLA- mountain leader and a snow-sport instructor with a Federal Certificate of Higher Vocational Education and Training.
Since 2007 I’m guiding my friends and clients in the Swiss and French Alps and show them my second home, the Patagonian Andes. That’s where I spent several months every year.
I’m based in Chamonix and St.Moritz while I’m in Europe and in Bariloche during my Patagonian months.
Please get in touch with me if you are looking to discover one of these two beautiful regions. It will be my pleasure to guide you there.
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
UIMLA
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