14-day Alpamayo climb from Lima: Santa Cruz Trek & summit

You climb an ice wall angled 60 to 80 degrees to reach Alpamayo's summit.

This 14-day expedition from Lima blends acclimatization hikes at Laguna Wilcacocha, Laguna Churup, and Nevado Mateo with the Santa Cruz Classic Trek through the Cordillera Blanca, culminating in a technical ascent of Alpamayo via the French Route. The program includes certified AGMP/IFMGA guides at a 1:2 client ratio, all meals, camping equipment, and private transport throughout. International flights to Peru are not included. Personal climbing gear and equipment rental are optional extras arranged in Huaraz.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and rest in Lima

• Arrive in Lima, Peru
• Rest overnight at hotel

Day 2: Travel from Lima to Huaraz

• Bus journey Lima to Huaraz
• Relax and acclimate in Huaraz

Day 3: Acclimatization hike to Wilcacocha Lake

• Hike to Laguna Wilcacocha
• Return to Huaraz

Day 4: Hike to Churup Lake

• Transfer to Pitec
• Hike to Laguna Churup
• Return to Huaraz

Day 5: Climb Nevado Mateo peak

• Transfer to Punta Olímpica Pass
• Guided ascent of Nevado Mateo
• Return to Huaraz

Day 6: Transfer and trek to Amapampa Camp

• Transfer Huaraz to Yuracoral
• Trek via Cebollapampa and Portachuelo Pass
• Arrive at Amapampa Camp

Day 7: Trek to Alpamayo Base Camp

• Hike to Punta Unión Pass
• Descend to Taullipampa Camp
• Continue to Alpamayo Base Camp

Day 8: Ascent to Moraine Camp

• Trek from Base Camp to Moraine Camp
• Settle in at Moraine Camp

Day 9: Climb to High Camp Alpamayo

• Ascend to High Camp at 5300 m
• Prepare for summit attempt

Day 10: Summit Alpamayo and descend

• Early morning summit climb
• Return to High Camp or Base Camp

Day 11: Reserve day at Alpamayo Base Camp

• Rest or adjust plans at Base Camp
• Optional descent to High Camp

Day 12: Descent through Santa Cruz Valley

• Descend via Santa Cruz Valley
• Arrive at Cashapampa
• Transfer to Huaraz

Day 13: Return to Lima from Huaraz

• Transfer to bus station
• Bus or flight to Lima
• Hotel transfer in Lima

Day 14: Departure from Lima

• Transfer to airport
• Flight home

The experience

The expedition starts in Lima with an overnight hotel stay, then an eight-hour bus journey north to Huaraz at 3,100 metres. Once there, you spend three days acclimatizing: a hike to Laguna Wilcacocha at 3,725 metres in the Cordillera Negra, a challenging trek to Laguna Churup's turquoise waters at 4,450 metres along an ancient Inca trail with fixed ropes, and a guided ascent of Nevado Mateo at 5,150 metres from Punta Olímpica Pass. Each acclimatization day returns you to Hotel Rubi in Huaraz to rest and prepare.

The Santa Cruz Trek begins with a private transfer to Yuracoral, then ascends through the Santa Valley past Yungay to Portachuelo Pass at 4,650 metres. From there, pack animals join the team to carry equipment as you trek toward Vaqueria and camp at Amapampa at 4,250 metres. The next day crosses Punta Unión Pass at 4,750 metres (the trek's highest point and a vantage over the entire valley) before descending to Taullipampa Camp and then to Alpamayo Base Camp at 4,300 metres, where you'll see the peak's striking ice face up close.

The climb itself takes three days from Base Camp. You ascend to Moraine Camp at 4,900 metres across loose glacial rock, then to High Camp at 5,300 metres on steep glacier paths. Before dawn on summit day, you begin the technical ascent using the French Route: an ice wall at 60 to 80 degrees that demands focus and crampons. The summit at 5,947 metres opens to views of Quitaraju and the Cordillera Blanca's full expanse. After descent and a reserve day at Base Camp, you trek back through the Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa in about six hours, then transfer to Huaraz. The final leg is an eight-hour bus ride or 50-minute flight back to Lima, with hotel transfer included, followed by your international departure.

What’s included

• Bus transport between Lima and Huaraz with Cruz del Sur.
• private transport during the tour per itinerary.
• pickup and drop-off from Lima airport.
• hotel stays in Lima (3-star central) and Huaraz (Hotel Rubi or similar).
• entrance fees to Huascarán National Park.
• certified high mountain guide with a 1:2 client ratio.
• experienced climbing porters.
• donkeys and drivers for carrying gear.
• guided acclimatization tours at Laguna Wilcacocha, Laguna Churup, and Nevado Mateo.
• personal tents for clients and crew at Base Camp.
• kitchen tent, dining tent with table and chairs, and toilet tent at Base Camp.
• all cooking equipment, plates, cups, and utensils.
• all meals during the trek including snacks and tea.
• option for single tents upon request at Base Camp.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?The 14-day duration locks in the acclimatization schedule that makes the Alpamayo summit safe and achievable for climbers new to high altitude, but it rules out shorter trips or flexible start dates. Book this if you can commit to the full program and have the physical fitness for sustained climbing at altitude. It is not suited for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy, or those unable to dedicate two weeks away.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the highest altitude I'll reach on this 14-day expedition?

Alpamayo's summit stands at 5,947 metres, reached via the French Route ice wall on day nine. Before that, you acclimatize at Nevado Mateo (5,150 m), Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), and High Camp (5,300 m), so your body adjusts gradually to the altitude.

Do I need my own climbing equipment, or is it provided?

Personal climbing gear like boots and ice axes is not included and must be arranged separately. Rental options are available in Huaraz. The expedition provides all camping tents, cooking equipment, plates, cups, utensils, and a kitchen tent at Base Camp.

How many people will be on the trek, and who leads it?

Certified AGMP/IFMGA guides lead the expedition at a 1:2 client ratio, meaning one guide per two climbers. Experienced climbing porters and donkey drivers support the team throughout, carrying gear and assisting with logistics at camp.

What meals are included during the 14 days?

All meals during the trek and climbing days are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea. Meals in Lima and Huaraz city restaurants are not included, nor are drinks outside the camp dining tent.

Is the Santa Cruz Trek difficult, and how long does it take?

The Santa Cruz Trek spans four days (days 6–9) through the Cordillera Blanca, crossing Punta Unión Pass at 4,750 metres and descending through alpine meadows and rocky trails. It is challenging but designed as part of the acclimatization process before the Alpamayo summit attempt.

What happens if weather stops the summit climb?

Day 11 is a built-in reserve day at Alpamayo Base Camp to allow for weather delays or rest. Your guides will adjust the schedule based on conditions, and this flexibility is part of the expedition's safety planning.