Trek Peru’s Iconic Santa Cruz and Climb Alpamayo’s Summit

Today, you’ll leave the bustling coastal city of Lima behind and travel north to Huaraz, nestled in the Andes at 3,100 metres above sea level. This scenic eight-hour bus ride takes you along the Pan American Highway, where you’ll see Peru’s striking desert coast before ascending into the mountains.

As the bus winds through the Cordillera Negra, keep your eyes open for your first glimpses of the towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Passing through Conococha Pass at 4,020 metres, the journey offers a taste of what’s to come with its rugged landscapes and dramatic vistas.

Once you arrive in Huaraz, relax and acclimate to the altitude. Your hotel in Huaraz provides a comfortable base as you prepare for the treks and climbs ahead in one of the world’s premier highland adventure destinations.

Begin your acclimatisation with a hike to Laguna Wilcacocha, a serene lake situated in the Cordillera Negra. At an altitude of 3,725 metres, this trek offers both a gentle challenge and spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca. The surrounding landscapes provide a peaceful setting, perfect for adjusting to the higher altitude.
As you trek, enjoy panoramic views of iconic peaks like Huascarán, Chopicalqui, and Copa. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the sight of native birds, including wild ducks that often inhabit the lake area, adding to the natural beauty of this scenic hike.

After your time at Laguna Wilcacocha, return to Huaraz for another restful night. This acclimatisation trek lays the groundwork for the challenging climbs ahead, easing your body into the altitude and offering a taste of the landscapes to come.

Today’s adventure takes you on a challenging hike to Laguna Churup, located at 4,450 metres and known for its clear, turquoise waters and spectacular setting. You’ll begin the journey with a private transfer to Pitec, followed by a hike along an ancient Inca trail leading through narrow, rugged paths with steep sections and fixed ropes.

Laguna Churup sits beneath its namesake peak, a stunning sight with towering cliffs and snowy glaciers. The climb is an ideal way to acclimatise further while taking in one of the most breathtaking lakes in the Cordillera Blanca region.

After exploring the lake and taking time to enjoy the crisp mountain air, you’ll head back to Huaraz for a comfortable night at your hotel, feeling ready for the days of trekking and climbing ahead.

Embark on your first guided ascent with a climb to Nevado Mateo. This 5,150-metre peak offers a fantastic introduction to high-altitude mountaineering. Starting with an early morning transfer to Punta Olimpica Pass, you’ll be guided along a route that provides sweeping views of neighbouring peaks and glacial landscapes.

This ascent, though challenging, is accessible for beginners and offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience at higher elevations. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll be supported every step of the way, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience.

Return to Huaraz after your descent, where you can reflect on your first successful climb and prepare for the iconic treks and ascents.

Today, journey deeper into the heart of the Andes as you travel from Huaraz to Amapampa Camp, a scenic spot at 4,250 metres. The route takes you through the Santa Valley and past Yungay before ascending the Portachuelo Pass at 4,650 metres, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Cordillera Blanca.

From here, the trek leads toward the small village of Vaqueria, where pack animals will join the team, ready to assist with carrying equipment for the days ahead. A short trek then brings you to Amapampa Camp, where you’ll spend your first night surrounded by impressive mountain vistas.

Settle in at camp, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the adventure of traversing the Santa Cruz Valley in the coming days.

Today, the trek continues through the Santa Cruz Valley, leading to the iconic Punta Union Pass at 4,750 metres. This pass offers unmatched views over the valley, providing a spectacular vantage point for photos and a brief rest before you descend toward Taullipampa Camp.

From Taullipampa, the trail brings you closer to Alpamayo Base Camp, where you’ll catch your first close-up of the striking Alpamayo peak, known for its sharp lines and towering presence. You’ll camp here overnight, soaking in the atmosphere of this high-altitude base.

Enjoy the quiet of the mountains as you prepare for the climb to Alpamayo in the days ahead, where the challenge and rewards will intensify.

Leaving Alpamayo Base Camp, you’ll prepare for the next phase of your journey with a trek to Moraine Camp, situated at 4,900 metres. This ascent requires teamwork and support from local porters and guides, ensuring you can focus on the rugged trail ahead.

As you make your way across the moraine—a steep stretch of loose rock at the glacier’s edge—you’ll feel the increasing elevation and isolation of the setting. The moraine provides a unique landscape shaped by glacial movement and erosion, offering a dramatic perspective.

Upon arrival at Moraine Camp, settle in for the night and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the challenges of the coming summit attempt.

Today’s climb to High Camp at 5,300 metres brings you face-to-face with the iconic Alpamayo peak. The route is steep and challenging, following glacier paths with spectacular views of the surrounding range.

As you approach High Camp, you’ll sense the anticipation building for the summit attempt. The environment is stark and raw, with towering ice formations and the surrounding silence broken only by the sound of crampons on ice.

Settle in early for the night, as an early start is essential to make the summit push tomorrow. Your guides will review the final preparations, ensuring everyone is ready for the climb.

The highlight of your journey has arrived as you set out before dawn to climb Alpamayo’s towering ice face. Using the French route, you will ascend a challenging ice wall with angles ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. This exhilarating climb demands focus and determination.

As you approach the summit, a narrow ridge opens to panoramic views of Quitaraju and the expansive Cordillera Blanca. The climb is demanding, but the sense of achievement at the top is unparalleled, with breathtaking views stretching across the Andes.

Today is a reserve day, allowing you time to rest or make adjustments due to weather conditions. This day provides flexibility, whether it’s to relax after the Alpamayo summit or to adjust plans if conditions required an extra night at High Camp.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Alpamayo Base Camp and use the time to fully recover. This additional day can also be used to re-acclimatise before the next part of the journey. Your guides will ensure you are prepared for the descent through the Santa Cruz Valley as you look ahead to the remainder of the expedition.

After taking in the sights, begin your descent back to High Camp. You can stay overnight or continue further down based on the group’s energy levels.

Today, you’ll begin the journey back to civilisation with a scenic descent through the Santa Cruz Valley toward Cashapampa. The trail winds through lush landscapes, alpine meadows, and rocky trails, offering a new perspective on the route taken during the ascent.

As you move down to lower elevations, take in the flora and fauna of the valley, with the chance to spot local wildlife and appreciate the distinct change in landscape. This leg of the trek takes around six hours, concluding at the village of Cashapampa.

A private transfer will be waiting to take you and your team back to Huaraz for a well-deserved night of comfort and relaxation at your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Huaraz to recover from the physical demands of the Alpamayo expedition. This is an opportunity to rest, explore the town, or engage in optional activities designed to ease sore muscles and revitalise your spirit.

For those seeking a little more adventure, Huaraz offers nearby rock climbing at the well-known Chancas walls, with routes of varying difficulty levels set against a beautiful Andean backdrop. Alternatively, visit the local hot springs, which are perfect for soothing tired muscles in a tranquil natural setting.

Whatever you choose, this day provides the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration as you prepare for the final climb of your expedition.

Your next adventure begins as you depart from Huaraz and travel to the base of Chopicalqui, one of the region’s most notable peaks. The journey starts with a scenic drive along Quebrada Llanganuco, offering stunning views of turquoise lakes and rugged mountain terrain.

Once at the trailhead, you’ll begin a steady ascent toward Moraine Camp at 4,900 metres, a challenging trek that introduces you to the rugged terrain of Chopicalqui. As you climb, you’ll pass through diverse landscapes, from rocky outcrops to patches of snow.

Settle in at Moraine Camp, where you’ll prepare your gear and enjoy a meal under the Andean sky, ready for the climb ahead.

Today, the journey takes you higher as you ascend to Chopicalqui High Camp, 5,350 metres. This stage of the climb crosses the rocky moraine and enters onto the glacier, where you’ll navigate around crevasses and tackle the icy terrain with the guidance of your experienced team.

This ascent requires careful footwork and steady progress, with breathtaking views that expand with every step. The high camp provides a dramatic setting beneath the peak of Chopicalqui, surrounded by ice fields and towering ridges.

Spend the evening at High Camp, mentally and physically preparing for tomorrow’s summit push. The early morning climb will be challenging, so rest well and enjoy the calm of the mountains.

Today is the ultimate test of endurance as you reach the summit of Chopicalqui at 6,354 metres. The climb begins early, requiring you to cross icy slopes, navigate steep crevasses, and tackle technical sections with the support of fixed ropes.

The final stretch includes a steep 75-80° ice wall, a thrilling climb that will bring you to the summit, where sweeping views of the Cordillera Blanca and surrounding peaks await. Standing atop Chopicalqui, you can reflect on the journey and the effort that brought you to this moment.

After taking in the sights, descend to High Camp and continue down to Base Camp, where you’ll spend the night celebrating the successful climb with your team.

Today marks the end of your mountain adventure as you descend from Chopicalqui Base Camp back to the main road. The path takes you through Quebrada Llanganuco, retracing the journey taken days earlier, with one last opportunity to enjoy the towering peaks and deep valleys of the Cordillera Blanca.

Once you reach the valley, a private bus will be waiting to take you back to Huaraz. As you drive through the Andean landscapes, you’ll have time to reflect on your climbs’ experiences, challenges, and rewards to Alpamayo and Chopicalqui.

Upon arriving in Huaraz, settle into your hotel for a well-deserved night of rest, with the vibrant town providing a welcoming end to your expedition in the Peruvian Andes.

Your time in Huaraz ends today as you begin the return trip to Lima. You have two options for the journey: a scenic eight-hour bus ride through Peru’s diverse landscapes or a quick 50-minute flight that offers aerial views of the Andes.

Whether by bus or plane, the route back allows you to relax and enjoy a final look at Peru’s contrasting scenery, from high mountains to coastal plains. Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy the amenities of the city.

Tonight, take the opportunity to experience more of Lima’s culinary and cultural highlights or rest after the long journey, savouring the memories of your time in the mountains.

With a free day in Lima, you can explore the city’s rich heritage or relax before your departure. Consider visiting iconic sites like the historic Plaza Mayor or the artistic district of Barranco, known for its colourful murals and vibrant energy.

For those with an interest in Peru’s history, the Larco Museum offers fascinating artefacts from pre-Columbian civilisations. At the same time, the city’s renowned restaurants serve up dishes inspired by traditional flavours and local ingredients.

As the day winds down, prepare for your journey home with any last-minute shopping or a relaxing evening at your hotel. This final day allows you to leave Peru with a full appreciation of its diverse culture and unforgettable landscapes.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Peru as you prepare for your flight home. A transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport, where you’ll check-in for your flight back to Europe or your next destination.

As you board, reflect on the extraordinary landscapes, memorable climbs, and experiences that marked your journey through the Cordillera Blanca. This adventure has offered physical challenges and moments of quiet beauty, leaving you with lasting memories of Peru’s high mountains and rich culture.