ALPAMAYO
The Most Beautiful Mountain in the World
Alpamayo (from Quechua: Allpa mayu, meaning “muddy river” or “earth river”) is a dazzling peak in the northern section of the Cordillera Blanca, inside Huascarán National Park. Locally known as Shuytu Rahu (“elongated snowy mountain” in Ancash Quechua), this stunning pyramid-shaped mountain rises to 5,947 m (19,511 ft) and was named “The Most Beautiful Mountain in the World” by the German magazine Alpinismus in 1966. 🏆
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Caraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral
We begin our journey heading north from Huaraz to the town of Caraz (2 hrs drive), then continue to Cashapampa (2,920 m). Here, we meet our muleteers and load the donkeys with our gear. The trek kicks off through the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley 🌿. After 5–6 hrs of hiking, we reach Llamacorral Camp (3,760 m) for our first night under the stars.
- 🚗 Road Distance: 93.9 km (58.4 mi)
- 🥾 Hike: 9.7 km / 6.0 mi | ⏱️ 5–6 hrs | 📈 +858 m
- 🏕️ Camping at Llamacorral
- ⏰ Start: 7:00 am
Day 2: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Base Camp
We trek through the scenic Santa Cruz Valley, visiting Laguna Jatuncocha before ascending a zigzag trail into the Arhuaycocha Valley. Our camp for the night is at Alpamayo Base Camp (4,300 m).
- 🥾 Hike: 14 km / 8.7 mi | ⏱️ 5–6 hrs | 📈 +540 m
- 🏕️ Camping at Base Camp
- ⏰ Start: 7:00 am
Day 3: Base Camp – Moraine Camp – Camp 1
A challenging but rewarding day. We hike to Moraine Camp (4,900 m), then rope up and climb onto the glacier using our technical gear. After about 6–7 hours, we reach Camp 1 (5,350 m) right beneath the majestic west face of Alpamayo. 🧗♂️❄️
- 🥾 Hike: 3.3 km / 2.0 mi | ⏱️ 6–7 hrs | 📈 +1050 m
- 🏕️ Camping on the glacier
- ⏰ Start: 6:00 am
Day 4: Summit Day! 🏔️ Camp 1 – Alpamayo Summit – Camp 1
The big day! We begin at midnight, cross the bergschrund (rimaya), and climb the French Direct Route – 500 m of steep ice at 70–80°. Reaching the summit at 5,947 m, we’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the Cordillera Blanca 🏞️. After celebrating, we rappel down and return to Camp 1.
- 🧗♂️ Climb: 1.1 km / 0.68 mi | ⏱️ Ascent: 6–8 hrs | Descent: 5–7 hrs
- 📈 Elevation gain/loss: +597 m / -597 m
- 🏕️ Camping at Camp 1
- ⏰ Start: 12:00 am
Day 5: Extra Day – Weather Buffer 🌤️
This is a backup day in case of bad weather or delays. It gives us a better chance of summiting safely.
Day 6: Camp 1 – Base Camp
We descend safely using rappels and glacier travel to return to Base Camp (4,300 m). Time to relax, recover, and share stories from the summit! 🏕️✨
- 🥾 Hike: 3.3 km / 2.0 mi | ⏱️ 7–8 hrs | 📉 -1050 m
- 🏕️ Camping at Base Camp
- ⏰ Start: 8:00 am
Day 7: Base Camp – Cashapampa – Huaraz
We descend safely using rappels and glacier travel to return to Base Camp (4,300 m). Time to relax, recover, and share stories from the summit! 🏕️✨
- 🥾 Hike: 23.7 km / 14.7 mi | ⏱️ 7–8 hrs | 📉 -1380 m
- 🚗 Drive: 93.9 km / 58.4 mi
- 🛏️ Hotel accommodation
- ⏰ Start: 7:00 am
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