ALPAMAYO – QUITARAJU

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Huaraz – Caraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral

   We start our journey from Huaraz to Caraz (2 hrs by car), and then drive to Cashapampa (2,920 m). Here we meet our team of muleteers and begin hiking through the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley, surrounded by lush vegetation and rivers. We camp at Llamacorral (3,760 m) after 5–6 hrs of trekking. 🌄

   • 🚗 Drive: 93.9 km / 58.4 mi
   • 🥾 Hike: 9.7 km / 6.0 mi | ⏱️ 5–6 hrs | 📈 +858 m
   • 🏕️ Camping at Llamacowrral
   • ⏰ Start: 7:00 am

2. Day 2: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Base Camp

   We continue hiking deeper into the Santa Cruz Valley, passing turquoise glacial lakes like Laguna Jatuncocha, and then ascend into the spectacular Arhuaycocha Valley. We set camp at Alpamayo Base Camp (4,300 m) with stunning views of the mountains ahead. 🏞️

   • 🥾 Hike: 14 km / 8.7 mi | ⏱️ 5–6 hrs | 📈 +540 m
   • 🏕️ Camping at Base Camp
   • ⏰ Start: 8:00 am

3. Day 3: Base Camp – Moraine Camp – Camp 1

   We hike to Moraine Camp (4,900 m) and then rope up to begin glacier travel. After 6–7 hours, we arrive at Camp 1 (5,350 m), surrounded by towering ice walls and nestled between Alpamayo and Quitaraju. 🧗‍♂️❄️

   • 🥾 Hike: 3.3 km / 2.0 mi | ⏱️ 6–7 hrs | 📈 +1050 m
   • 🏕️ Glacier camping at Camp 1
   • ⏰ Start: 6:00 am

4. Day 4: Summit Day – Alpamayo (5,947 m)

   We start early (midnight) and climb the French Direct Route on the southwest face – a steep 500 m ice wall with 70–80° angles. After 6–8 hrs of intense climbing, we reach the summit and take in the mind-blowing views! Then rappel back to Camp 1. 🏔️🎉

   • ⛏️ Climb: 1.1 km / 0.68 mi | ⏱️ 6–8 hrs ascent | 5–7 hrs descent
   • 📈 Elevation: +597 m / -597 m
   • 🏕️ Night at Camp 1
   • ⏰ Start: 12:00 am

5. Day 5: Rest / Contingency Day 🛌

   A day to rest, recover, or wait out bad weather. This buffer gives us a better shot at both summits.

6. Day 6: Summit Day – Quitaraju (6,036 m)

   Another alpine start! We head toward Quitaraju's North Face, climbing a 400–500 m ice wall (55–65°) to reach the top at 6,036 m – our second epic summit of the trip! Then descend safely and return to Camp 1. 💪⛰️

   • ⛏️ Climb: ~1.5 km | ⏱️ 6–9 hrs ascent & descent
   • 📈 Elevation: +686 m / -686 m
   • 🏕️ Night at Camp 1
   • ⏰ Start: 12:00 am

7. Day 7: Camp 1 – Base Camp

   We descend back to Base Camp, carefully rappelling and navigating crevasses along the way. A well-earned rest awaits with good food and warm drinks at lower altitude. ☕🛖

   • 🥾 Hike: 3.3 km / 2.0 mi | ⏱️ 7–8 hrs | 📉 -1050 m
   • 🏕️ Camping at Base Camp
   • ⏰ Start: 8:00 am

8. Day 8: Base Camp – Cashapampa – Huaraz

   Our final trekking day takes us back down the Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa, passing beautiful glacial lakes along the way. At the trailhead, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz. 🚐💚

   • 🥾 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