Expedition Pisco & Alpamayo - 14 days

Bus Option: In the morning, according to your travel schedule, you will board the bus service Evolution Service / Cruz del sur company. Departure location: Av. Javier Prado Este Nº 1109, Lima/ Departure time: 9:30 AM. The journey covers approximately 400 km and takes around 8 hours, with onboard service included. Travel along the scenic Pan-American Highway, heading north through the impressive Pacific coastal desert. The route continues into higher terrain, crossing the Cordillera Negra (Black Range) at Conococha Pass (4,020 m), then descending into the Callejon de Huaylas Valley toward Huaraz (3,050 m / 10,030 ft). After crossing the pass, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca, considered among the most impressive mountain landscapes in the world. Due to your arrival time, a trip briefing and packing information for the following days may be provided. arrival Estimated at Huaraz: around 18:00 PM.

Flight Option: Alternatively, you may take a flight from Lima to Huaraz. / Departure from International Airport, Jorge Chávez – Lima – Peru/ Departure time: 7:20 AM / Flight duration: approximately 50 minutes. Upon arrival at Huaraz Airport, you will transfer by ground transportation for about 40 minutes to reach the town. The remainder of the day is free, allowing time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

Our day hike begins with pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz in private transportation (around 8:00–8:30 a.m.). From there, we drive south of the city along a well-paved road for approximately 20 minutes to Santa Cruz Bridge. The trail to Laguna Wilcacocha starts at a small parking area near the bridge. After a short break, we prepare for the hike and begin our ascent. The first section of the trail is a gradual climb along a footpath. As we gain elevation, the views become increasingly impressive. Along the way, we pass through Santa Cruz village, enjoying the peaceful rural landscape.

Upon reaching the shallow lake at 3,600 meters, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Cordillera Blanca, where numerous peaks rise dramatically side by side. Notable mountains visible from this vantage point include Huandoy, Huascarán, Copa, Vallunaraju, Ranrapalca, Churup, Huantsan, Shacsha, as well as the Yanamarey and Caullaraju group to the south. We’ll take time to find the perfect viewpoint to fully appreciate the sweeping scenery and capture memorable photos, followed by lunch with this spectacular backdrop. For the descent, we can either retrace our steps along the same trail or take an alternative route traversing toward Shansha village and finishing at Paria Bridge (this option is recommended only if your knees are in good condition). Whichever route you choose, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz, arriving approximately between 13:30 and 14:00. Snack while walking.

This day begins with pickup from your hotel at 8:00 am, then we transfer on a private vehicle from Huaraz until reaches Pitec at 3,850m. From there start the trek to Churup Lake on a moderate grade path with some steep sections, on the way we perceive various waterfalls. The last forty minutes of the hike up to the lake is a real scramble on slab rock along a waterfall, the headwaters of which are sourced at Lake Churup. Upon reaching the top of the waterfall, we will behold dramatic Churup Lake at 4,450m, which lies just below the impressive mount Churup.

Lake Churup displays a striking azure hue, with orange mineral deposits shimmering near the shoreline. Its remarkably clear waters reveal the rocky lakebed several meters below the surface. We’ll find a comfortable spot along the rocky edge to sit, enjoy lunch, relax, and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery. While the lake is stunning under bright sunshine, it can be just as captivating—if not more so—under cloudy, drizzly skies. In those moments, the landscape takes on an evocative, almost haunting character that leaves a lasting impression.

The return journey follows the same trail back to Pitec, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz, arriving approximately between 14:00 and 14:30. Snack while walking.

We will pick you up from your hotel with our private vehicle at around 7:30 a.m. and begin the drive through the fertile Callejón de Huaylas Valley. Along the way, we will stop in the town of Anta to enjoy spectacular views of the Andes, including the impressive western face of Huascarán (6,768 m / 22,205 ft), the highest mountain in Peru. Then we will continue driving north through the Callejón de Huaylas to the town of Yungay. From there, we head toward the mountains along a dirt road until reaching the entrance of the Llanganuco Valley, where we will stop to register and purchase entrance tickets for the national park. From this point, we drive deeper into the narrow Llanganuco Valley, surrounded by towering granite walls and beautiful quenual forests. This glacial valley is also home to abundant high-Andean vegetation, including ferns and bromeliads. Soon we arrive at the famous Lakes Chinancocha and Orconcocha (3,850 m), where the valley opens into a spectacular landscape with panoramic mountain views. We will stop there to take photographs and enjoy the scenery. Afterward, we continue driving to Cebollapampa, located at the end of the valley. From this point, we will hike along a good trail until reaching base camp at 4,650 meters. Donkeys and experienced donkey drivers will support us by carrying our climbing gear up to base camp. Snack + lunch while walking.

Summit day: As usual, we depart very early from base camp, around 12:30 a.m. We begin by hiking over a rocky section, gradually gaining elevation until we reach the edge of the glacier. Once there, we put on our climbing gear, including crampons and harnesses. Then we continue across a relatively easy glacier, navigating several crevasses and ascending slopes of up to 45° until reaching the col. From there, we follow the west ridge along a route that is not overly steep, although there are occasional sections with inclines of 45° to 50°, sometimes on solid snow. This route is not highly technical, but it can be physically demanding due to the altitude. From the summit, the views are truly unique and magnificent, offering spectacular panoramic photo opportunities—especially toward Chacraraju, where you can admire its really sharp, and fluted south face. After spending some time on the summit, we descend along the same route back to base camp. Snack: while climbing.

We walk down from base camp along the Pisco valley until Cebollapampa, where the trail ends. Finish Our Climb. Where the transport will be waiting for us to return to Huaraz. Back to Huaraz for a nice shower in the hotel and some rest, then to enjoy a good dinner celebrating in y the town after a successful climbing. Snack while walking.

Rest day in the town to recover energy after climbing Yanapaccha. Prepare for the next goal Alpamayo

We will pick up you at your hotel with our private vehicle. As we drive through the rich Callejón de Huaylas valley. On the way, we will stop at anta to appreciate the spectacular views of the Andes including the western face of Peru’s highest peak, Huascaran (22,205 ft). Then we will follow driving along Callejon de Huaylas until Caraz, and Cashapampa village, where we will meet with the donkeys & the donkey driver. We will begin our trek by walking along the right bank of the Santa Cruz River. This narrow valley has sparkling waterfalls, forest, groves, & highland bushes, our trail will pass under looming rock towers and rockslides until arriving at our campsite, located in a wide meadow with a spectacular view of the valley’s head. Snack + lunch while walking.

This day we will walk up on gently a grade uphill, passing the beautiful mountain lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha, hiking upon green lush valley until Quisuar, from it we walk upon a steep hill but the trail winds up on switchbacks until reaching Alpamayo viewpoint at Arhueycocha gorge. There offers a superb view of mount alpamayo east face, despite not being one of the higher summits but is highly demanded by many mountaineers. Alpamayo in 1966 an international survey was declared as the most beautiful mountain in the globe and this beauty draws climbers from afar by its spectacular pyramidal shape on the north face and lovely ice fluted on the southwest face. Even that is perfect point as well to appreciate the dramatic vista of artezonraju, the angle the peak bears a striking resemblance to paramount studios logo. Keep walking up we will reach the Alpamayo base camp at Arhueycocha valley. Snack + lunch while walking.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Base Camp, we begin our ascent toward Moraine Camp, located just below the glacier on polished granite rock slabs. At the beginning of the climb, we follow steep and sometimes very steep sections of trail, crossing slippery ground as well as loose and rocky terrain. After several hours of steady climbing, we reach Moraine Camp at approximately 5,000 meters. From this camp, the views are truly spectacular, especially looking east and south toward the magnificent peaks of Pucajirca, Paria, and Artesonraju. Snack + lunch while walking.

Note: Please, understand for this day donkey support is not available. Therefore, each participant must carry their own personal equipment from Base Camp to Moraine Camp. You will need to carry your daypack with your personal gear, including: climbing equipment, clothing, sleeping bag and sleeping pad (foam mattress or thermal mat), extra warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, water bottle, camera, hiking poles, technical climbing gear should include: a pair of technical ice axes, harness, crampons, mountaineering boots, carabiners, ATC belay device, helmet, Prusik cords, and slings. Our porters will carry the group climbing equipment, including tents, food, cooking gear, and ropes, but each climber is responsible for carrying their own personal and technical equipment.

After breakfast, we begin our hike toward the glacier. Once we reach it, we put on our climbing gear. After roping up, we start ascending the rolling glacier, carefully negotiating several crevasses and climbing sections of snow and ice slopes of about 45° until we reach the hard ice at the base of the ice cliff. From there, there are three main sections to climb:

• First pitch: around 15 meters on hard ice at approximately 65° depending of ye season
• Second pitch: around 60 meters on solid snow at about 50°
• Third pitch: around 60 meters on solid snow at around 60°

Usually, these sections require the use of two technical ice axes to safely overcome the steep terrain. After completing these pitches, we reach the high pass (col) between Mount Alpamayo and Mount Quitaraju, located on a high glacier plateau. Snack while climbing.

Route Conditions and Summit Day: Until mid-July 2025, the most commonly climbed route on the southwest face was the French Vasque route. However, a large ice cornice appeared hanging over the left side of the route, creating a serious objective danger for climbers. Because of this hazard, many teams began climbing via the French Direct route instead, which is longer but generally considered safer. The French Direct route is approximately 450 meters long and usually requires about 7–8 pitches of 60 meters each to reach the summit ridge.

Summit day: As usual, we leave from High Camp around 12:00 a.m. to begin our ascent. The route chosen may vary depending on the conditions of the mountain. I f we choose the French straight Route, the First section is to cross the glacier between High Camp and the bergschrund, carefully negotiating several crevasses until reaching the base of the southwest ice-fluted face. After crossing the bergschrund, we begin climbing the steep face composed of mixed snow and hard ice, where the use of two technical ice axes is essential. The first 2–3 pitches are usually climbed on good snow slopes of about 50°–55°. The upper pitches are typically on excellent ice, ranging from 60° to 75°. The final section of the last pitch may reach around 80° before gaining the summit ridge. Once we reach the summit, the difficulty can vary from year to year. In some seasons it is possible to reach the absolute highest point of the mountain, while in other years an unstable cornice may block the final section of the ridge. From the summit ridge, the views are panoramic and extraordinary, offering unforgettable scenery across the Cordillera Blanca. The descent follows the same route, usually requiring around 7–8 rappels to return safely to High Camp. Snack while climbing.

We walk down along the Santa Cruz valley; the trail will end at cashapampa village. Finish Our Climb. Where the transport will be waiting for us to return to Huaraz. Back to Huaraz for a nice shower in the hotel and some rest, then to enjoy a good dinner celebrating in y the town after a successful climbing. Snack + lunch while walking.

Bus option: Morning Bus according to your travel schedule, boarding bus service (departure place, Jr.Teresa Gonzales de Faning 457-Centenario. /Departure Time around: 9:30 AM). The transfer takes 400 km, around 8 hours journey with board service, arrive to lima approx. 18:00 pm.

Flight option: If you take flight to travel Huaraz - Lima/ this service takes around 50 minutes to arrive Lima. (Departure place is from Huaraz airport departure time: 7:20 AM). After arriving in the Lima airport, you move with a transportation for around 40 minutes to arrive the lima down town Miraflores or San Isidro, or you may wait at the international airport to connect your flight to your country.