Experience the wonders of the Peruvian Andes on this 12-day guided Alpamayo Base Camp trek
The 12-Day Guided Alpamayo Circuit Trek in Peru is as every bit rewarding as it is challenging. Voted one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, this Alpamayo tour is jam-packed with world-class trekking and will put you to the test as you climb the moraine up to Alpamayo base camp.
Each day, your feet will carry you to new viewpoints, where the majestic peaks of the Cordillera Blanca are waiting to show off their snow-capped splendour. The valleys explored on the Alpamayo circuit are no less spectacular. Trek through the varied landscape of the Peruvian Andes and camp under the stars beside stunningly clear mountain lakes. It goes without saying that Alpamayo trekking will astound you at every turn.
Your guides will take care of all the details, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery. Trekking Alpamayo is a high-adrenaline experience, as you will spend most of your time at elevations above 4,000 m. For this reason, it’s a good idea to spend a few days hiking near Huaraz before the Alpamayo tour to acclimate to the altitude.
Experience the heart of the Andes mountains as you witness the might and majesty of the Alpamayo peak firsthand over 12 thrilling days. The Alpamayo Circuit Trek is an experience you will never forget.
Alpamayo Peak
The Alpamayo Peak has captivated trekkers for decades and is known as one of the most beautiful and majestic peaks in the Peruvian Andes Cordillera Blanca. With an elevation of 5,947 m (19,511 ft), trekking on this remote ice face, known for its pyramid-like shape, is a jaw-dropping experience.
The summit of Aplamayo was first reached by a German trekking team in 1951. Since then, several routes have been developed to explore this colossal mountain including the formidable climb to the summit and the impressive trek to its base camp.
Huayhuash vs Alpamayo Circuit
When comparing the Huayhuash vs Alpamayo Circuit treks there are plenty of similarities and differences that make each adventure an attractive option. Both are high altitude treks that will take you through the Andes Mountains, meaning acclimatization is critical. When choosing between the Huayhuash Circuit vs Alpamayo Circuit, the Alpamayo Circuit is often considered to be slightly less travelled, making it a good option if you want to get away from the crowds. Either way, you will be able to experience some of the most amazing mountain terrain that Peru has to offer.
Highlights of the Alpamayo Circuit Trek
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Itinerary of Alpamayo Circuit Trek
Day 1 Transfer to Vaqueria, Trek to Paria
After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in a van bound for Vaqueria (3,700m / 12,139 ft). As you pass through the Callejon de Huaylas, below the Cordillera Blanca, you will see many small towns, such as Tarica, Carhuaz, Mancos, and Yungay. From Yungay, you will head east on a dirt road for about 2.5 hours to the Llanganuco Lakes: Orgoncocha (“male lake”) and Chinancocha (“female lake”). Stop here to stretch your legs and take pictures of these beautiful lakes. The drive continues to the Portachuelo Llanganuco Pass (4,767 m / 15,640 ft) on an exciting road full of sharp turns and switchbacks, but also breathtaking panoramic views of some of the major peaks of the Cordillera Blanca: Chopicalqui, Huascaran, Huandoy, Pisco, and Chacraraju. After 2 more hours of driving, the van ride ends in Vaqueria. Once in Vaqueria, transfer your luggage to the horseman and his pack animal, then hit the trail for the first leg of the hike. After hours in the car, the 4 hour hike through Huaripampa Valley will feel refreshing. End the day at Paria (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) and camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping at Paria (3,800 m)
Distance: 4 hours, 100 m ascent
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Trek to Tuctu
After breakfast, a short 2.5 hour walk brings you to your next campsite at Tuctu (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Set-up camp and then from the campsite, hike up to the Punta Union overlook (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) for a spectacular view of the Santa Cruz Valley and several stunning peaks, including Taulliraju, Rinrijirka, and Paria. Return to the campsite by the same trail. Visiting the Punta Union overlook takes about 4 hours of hiking, round trip.
Overnight Location: Camping at Tuctu (4,200m)
Distance: 6.5 hours, 950 m ascent, 550 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Huecrococha Lake via Alto Pukahirka Pass
Today’s route on the Alpamayo Trek begins by with approximately 4 hours hiking up to the Alto Pukahirka Pass (4,725 m / 15,502 ft). Rest here and take pictures of the incredible mountainous view, including Puka Hirka, Taulliraju, Chacraraju, and Paria peaks. The trail continues down for about 3 hours to the shores of Huecrococha Lake (3,950 m / 12,959 ft) where you will camp for the night, savouring the views of the Cordillera Blanca.
Overnight Location: Camping at Huecrococha Lake (3,950 m)
Distance: 7 hours, 525 m ascent, 775 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Jancapampa via Tupa Tupa Pass
Get ready for another great day trekking the Cordillera Blanca. From Huecrococha Lake follow the trail for 3.5 hours to reach yet another beautiful mountain pass, the stunning Tupa Tupa Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). Enjoy spectacular views from the pass, and then continue walking down into the Jancapampa Valley where you will camp at the valley header at the base of the Puca Hirka peaks (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Jancapampa (3,700 m)
Distance: 5.5 hours, 450 m ascent, 700 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Trek to Huilca via Yanajanca Pass
Enjoy a day of varied scenery on the Alpamayo Circuit today, as you hike for about 3.5 hours from Jancapampa to the Yanajanca Pass (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This pass offers amazing Cordillera Blanca views, and you’ll see Puca Hirka Mountain and the Jancapampa Valley. Rest here and take pictures before descending for about 3 hours to reach the campsite at near the village of Huilca (4,250 m / 13,943 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Huilca (4,250 m)
Distance: 6.5 hours, 900 m ascent, 350 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Trek to Jancarurish via Mesapata Pass and Kara Kara Pass
Today’s hike takes you to two different passes so keep your camera ready for more breathtaking views of the Cordillera Blanca. First, hike up to the Mesapata Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), then descend from this pass only to climb again up to the Kara Kara Pass (4,830 m / 15,846 ft), which is one of the highest passes on this tour. The Kara Kara Pass gives you an incredible view of Alpamayo Mountain, as well as Santa Cruz and Quitaraju mountains. After hiking for 5.5 hours, you’ll want to rest and take plenty of pictures before descending for about 1.5 hours to the next campsite at Jancarurish (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Jancarurish (4,200 m)
Distance: 7 hours, 580 m ascent, 630 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Day Off at Jancarurish or optional trek to Alpamayo Base Camp
Today is a day off to rest in the Jancarurish campsite. For those who wish to get closer to Alpamayo Mountain, there is an optional tour up to the ancient Alpamayo base camp. Alpamayo was rated the “Most Beautiful Mountain in the World” by the German magazine Alpinismus in 1966 based on a survey of climbers and photographers and it continues to be listed among the most beautiful mountains in the world. The climb to base camp is very steep and takes about 4 hours. Rest there and take pictures before returning to the campsite by the same steep trail.
Overnight Location: Camping at Jancarurish (4,200 m)
Distance: 4 hours one-way (optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Osoruri via Ventuna Pass
It’s another great day trekking the Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca. Hike up to the Ventuna Pass today (4,770 m / 15,640 ft) where you can see the Milhuacocha and Pilanco mountains as well as parts of two valleys, the Cedros and the Alpamayo. It takes about 4 hours to reach the pass, where you can stop and rest as you take in the spectacular views. From the pass, continue hiking down for about 2 hours until you reach the Osoruri campsite (4,500 m / 14,763 ft) where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: Camping at Osoruri (4,500 m)
Distance: 6 hours, 570 m ascent, 270 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Trek to Wishkash via Llampapashillun Pass
From the Osoruri campsite, hike today up to the highest pass of this Alpamayo tour, the Llampapashillum Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). It takes about 4 hours of hiking to reach this pass. Continue your trek down to the beautiful Cullicocha Lake, at the base of Santa Cruz Mountain where you will certainly want to take a break and take photos. Finish the day with a 2.5 hour hike down to your last campsite of the tour at Wishkash (4,350 m / 14,272 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Wishkash (4,350 m)
Distance: 6.5 hours, 350 m ascent, 500 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Trek to Huaylcayan then Transfer to Huaraz
Complete the Alpamayo Circuit tour today and return to civilization! Follow the trail from Wishkash as it zig-zags down to Hualcayan (3,250 m / 10,662 ft), which takes about 4.5 hours. In Hualcayan, a van will be waiting to take you back to Huaraz. The drive to Huaraz takes about 4 hours and you will eat lunch along the way. Once in Huaraz, you will transfer back to your hotel for a comfortable night’s rest.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4.5 hours, 900 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This guided trekking tour is always run as a custom tour for your group only, and the pricing is based on the number of guests on your trip.
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 2: from $2,750 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: from $2,270 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4+: from $2,180 USD per person
Accommodation on Alpamayo Circuit Trek
You will be pitching a tent at various scenic spots along your trekking route. These campsites are owned by the rural communities in the region and provide revenue for these local communities. Camping allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings around you, as well as enjoy staying on the trail itself along the way. We also strongly suggest you do book an additional few nights in Huaraz before your trek for acclimatization.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard tents are double and single ones are on request.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Camping in Cordillera Blanca ★
You will be pitching camp at scenic spots along the Alpamayo Trek. Your campsites are owned by the rural communities in the Cordillera Blanca, and your staying there provides valuable revenue.
What’s included in Alpamayo Circuit and Base Camp Trek?
Meals
9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
Accommodations
Accommodations along the ten-day tour are included (camping). We strongly advise you to book pre-trekking days in Huaraz to get used to elevation.
Transportation during the tour
Transfers from Huaraz to the trailhead at the start of the trekking tour and back to Huaraz at the end of the tour are included.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Hotel taxes and service charges in Huaraz
- Camp cook
- Horseman, pack animals, and emergency horse
- Camping equipment for collective use (sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dinning tent, bathroom tent, mattress, table and chairs)
- Kitchen Service (all the crockery)
- Park fee entrances
- First Aid Kit
- Luggage portage using donkeys and/or horses
- All logistics
Not Included
- Anything not listed as included
- Flights to Peru
- Personal trekking gear
- Any food or beverages not listed
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Incidental personal expenditures, including any travel insurance, emergency evacuations and medical expenditures
- Travel, personal, and medical insurance
- All transportation not included in tour:
- Transfer to Huaraz from Lima
- Transfer from the airport to the bus station in Lima
Optional Extras
- Additional nights in Huaraz
- 3 day, 2 Night pre-trip acclimatization hikes in Huaraz
Frequently Asked Questions about Alpamayo Circuit Trek
Go2Andes is a family-operated tour operator whose owners were raised in a small Peruvian village called Llamac, located in the iconic Cordillera Huayhuash in the Andes.
Nearly all of Go2Andes’ guides are from the villages of the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash, and they use this deep familiarity to their advantage.
Go2Andes has led clients from over 30 different countries and they aim to become friends with each client before returning them home.
Learn MoreAlpamayo Circuit Trek Map
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Christian is incredibly familiar with the intricacies of creating an unforgettable adventure tour and never gets tired of leading new groups on their adventures. He’s particularly fond of the mountains and loves trekking tours.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to do and why?
- A: I consider the Cordillera Huayhuash to be my favourite, because it is the place where I was born. When I accompany groups there I love to show off its beauty, and it is considered by some guides to be among the 10 best hikes in the world.
- Q: What is an experience that anyone visiting Peru should have?
- A: Visit an archeological site (Machu Picchu, Caral, or Chavin de Huantar), take a trekking circuit in the Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash, and eat traditional dishes (pachamanca, ceviche, or picante de cuy).
- Q: What has been the most challenging adventure you’ve had?
- A: Climbing a snow-covered peak of 6000m.