Upon your arrival in Huaraz, whether it be at the bus terminal or airport, our team at Andes Eco Adventure will greet you and provide comfortable transportation to your designated hotel. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,052 meters (10,013 feet) above sea level, Huaraz offers a picturesque setting amidst the towering peaks of the Andes.

After settling in, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a small city tour, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and atmosphere of Huaraz. Explore the bustling streets, visit local markets, and marvel at colonial architecture as you acclimate to the altitude.

Later in the day, we'll conduct a comprehensive briefing for the Alpamayo expedition. Our experienced guides will outline the itinerary, discuss safety protocols, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This briefing ensures that you are fully prepared and informed for the adventure ahead, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience on Alpamayo.

Highlights:

• Hassle-free transportation from the bus terminal or airport to your hotel in Huaraz.
• City tour to explore the sights and sounds of Huaraz, offering a glimpse into local culture and heritage.
• Expedition briefing conducted by our expert guides, providing essential information and ensuring your readiness for the Alpamayo expedition.

Logistics:

• Transportation: Private transfer from bus terminal or airport to hotel.
• Duration: Flexible, depending on arrival time and city tour.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at designated hotel in Huaraz.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization in the picturesque city of Huaraz, nestled at an elevation of approximately 3,052 meters above sea level. Take advantage of this free day to adjust to the altitude and explore the charming surroundings at your own pace.

Highlights:

• Acclimatization: Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude of Huaraz, an essential step before embarking on the Alpamayo expedition.
• Exploration: Explore the vibrant streets, colorful markets, and cultural landmarks of Huaraz, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.
• Leisure Activities: Enjoy leisurely strolls, visit museums, or relax in cafes, taking in the breathtaking mountain views that surround the city.

Logistics:

• Elevation: Huaraz is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,052 meters above sea level.
• Transportation: No organized transportation provided. You are free to explore Huaraz on foot or by local transportation.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at designated hotel in Huaraz.

Take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming adventure on Alpamayo.

Today, you'll embark on an acclimatization excursion to the stunning Lake 69, situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca. Departing from Huaraz, you'll ascend to higher elevations as you journey towards this pristine alpine lake.

Highlights:

• Lake 69 Excursion: Explore the mesmerizing beauty of Lake 69, nestled at an elevation of approximately 4,600 meters above sea level. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
• Scenic Trekking: Enjoy a scenic trek through the picturesque landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca, passing by glacial streams, rugged terrain, and lush Andean flora.
• Acclimatization: Use this opportunity to further acclimatize to higher altitudes in preparation for the Alpamayo expedition. Take it slow and steady, allowing your body to adjust to the thin air.

Logistics:

• Elevation: Lake 69 is located at an elevation of approximately 4,600 meters above sea level.
• Transportation: Private transportation provided from Huaraz to the trailhead. From there, you'll trek to Lake 69 and return to Huaraz.
• Trekking Time: The trek to Lake 69 typically takes several hours, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at designated hotel in Huaraz.

Our journey commences in Huaraz, where we'll personally pick you up from your hotel using private transportation. Heading north through the picturesque Huaylas valley, our route takes us to Yungay, then onward to Huascaran National Park. Here, we'll check in and venture through the breathtaking Llanganuco canyon, treating our eyes to the vibrant hues of Orconcocha and Chinancocha, two stunning turquoise lakes. Ascending further, we'll reach the captivating viewpoint of Portachuelo Pass, offering panoramic vistas of Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Huandoys, Pisco, and the myriad turquoise lakes of the distant Llanganuco valley. Continuing our journey, we'll arrive at Vaquería village, the starting point for our approach to Alpamayo.

Vaquería village serves as the hub for our logistical support, where donkey drivers and their trusty companions await to assist with the transfer of equipment to our campsite. After approximately 5 hours of trekking, we'll reach Tucto camp.

Accommodation: Mountain tents. Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner. Transportation: 3-hour car transfer. Estimated Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours. Elevation Gain: +550 meters (3700 masl to 4250 masl). Distance: 13.5 kilometers.

Continuing our approach to Alpamayo, on the second day, we ascend to Punta Union Pass (4750 m), offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding snowy peaks. From this vantage point, we'll marvel at iconic mountains such as Taulliraju, known as the Cathedral of the World, and Artesonraju, famously featured in Paramount Pictures' logo. Other notable peaks include Rinrijirca, Paria, and Quitaraju. Descending into the Santa Cruz valley, we'll pass by the Taullipampa camp before trekking through Quebrada Arhuay to finally reach our Alpamayo base camp.

Accommodation: Mountain tents. Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner. Estimated Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours. Elevation Gain: +50 meters (4250 masl to 4300 masl). Distance: 13 kilometers.

Today, we'll ready our personal mountain equipment for transportation by the porters before embarking on a challenging ascent. Setting out on a rocky trail, we'll hike uphill for approximately 3 hours until we reach the Alpamayo moraine camp.

Accommodation: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, and dinner.
Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours.
Elevation Gain: +650 meters (4300 masl to 4950 masl).
Distance: 2 kilometers.

It's a demanding day, but the stunning scenery and sense of achievement make it all worthwhile. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as we approach the majestic Alpamayo.

Today marks our arrival at the high camp of Alpamayo, a crucial step in our ascent. The porters will handle the transfer of camping equipment, allowing us to focus on the challenging terrain ahead.

Continuing our ascent, we'll navigate through morainic sections until we reach the glacier. Here, we'll equip ourselves with essential gear including harnesses, mountain boots, helmets, crampons, and ice axes under the guidance of our experienced guides. Safety is paramount as we traverse the glacier and tackle a small climbing wall en route to the high camp.

As the sun sets, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of the sunset casting its warm hues upon the Alpamayo climbing wall, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

After a rewarding day of climbing, we'll gather for dinner, providing a well-deserved opportunity to refuel and rest in preparation for the challenges of the next day.

Accommodation: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, and dinner.
Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours.
Elevation Gain: +450 meters (4950 masl to 5400 masl).
Distance: 2 kilometers.

With each step, we inch closer to the summit, fueled by the camaraderie of our team and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andean landscape.

The highly anticipated day has dawned - it's time for our ascent to the summit of Alpamayo. We'll kick off the day around midnight, fueling up with a hearty breakfast before our guide thoroughly inspects all necessary climbing equipment. Once roped together, we'll commence our journey, beginning with a traverse to the base of the wall.

Entering the climbing channel, we'll navigate slopes as steep as 60º, with our guide carefully selecting the best route based on mountain conditions. After approximately 8 hours of continuous climbing, we'll triumphantly reach the summit. From this vantage point, the Cordillera Blanca mountain range reveals itself in all its splendor, offering a 360º panorama of Peru's most iconic peaks, including Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Huascaran, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz, Pucajirkas, Rinrijirca, Paron, Caraz, Aguja, and Piramide.

At the summit, we'll take the necessary time to rest, hydrate, and capture unforgettable photographs. Finally, we'll begin our descent, rappelling down the same route we ascended. Returning to our camp, we'll replenish our energy with a satisfying meal and well-deserved rest.

Depending on individual fitness levels and prior coordination with the guide and support team, it may be possible to descend to Base Camp on the same day.

Accommodation: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, and dinner.
Estimated Climb Time: 10 to 12 hours.
Elevation Gain: +547 meters (5400 masl to 5947 masl), 450 meters Alpamayo Ice Wall.

As we stand atop Alpamayo, surrounded by majestic peaks and unparalleled beauty, we'll savor the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering one of the world's most iconic summits.

After a well-deserved breakfast, we embark on our descent back to base camp. Beginning our journey, we'll navigate a series of rappels before continuing onward through the rugged terrain until we reach the moraine. From there, we'll descend further until we arrive back at camp.

Our cook will greet us with a delicious lunch upon our return, providing the nourishment needed to replenish our energy stores. With hearts full of pride and satisfaction for our remarkable achievement, we'll rest and reflect on the incredible feat we've accomplished.

Accommodation: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner.
Estimated Descent Time: 3 to 4 hours.

As we descend from the lofty heights of Alpamayo, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andes, we'll carry with us memories that will last a lifetime.

Today, our hike begins with an ascent from Huayllapa to Tapush Pass, winding through verdant vegetation along the way. After approximately 5 hours of trekking, we'll reach the picturesque Tapush Pass, where we'll pause for lunch and take in breathtaking views of Diablo Mudo Mountain (5350m) and the serene Susococha Lake.

Continuing our journey, we'll descend until we reach the Gashpapampa camp, situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters, making it the highest camp of the entire circuit.

Meals: Breakfast.
Estimated Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours.
Elevation: -1200 meters (from Tapush Pass to Gashpapampa camp), -150 meters (from Huayllapa to Tapush Pass).
Distance: 23.5 kilometers.
Transportation: 3-hour car transfer.

As we trek through the stunning landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca, we'll be immersed in the natural beauty of the Andes, forging unforgettable memories along the way.