6-Day Nevado Alpamayo Climb from Huaraz: 5,947m Peak

Six days on the ice: from base camp to one of the world's most beautiful peaks

A 6-day mountaineering expedition to Nevado Alpamayo (5,947m) departing from Huaraz, with private transfer, local guides in multiple languages, porters, all meals and camping. The operator holds ISO 9001 certification and provides satellite internet connectivity and high-altitude rescue support throughout the climb. Children from age 15 are welcome. High physical fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Transfer and trek to Llamacoral

• Private transfer to Cashapampa
• Meet team and burros
• Trek to Llamacoral camp

Day 2: Trek to Alpamayo Base Camp

• Trek from Llamacoral to Arhuaycocha
• Arrive at Alpamayo Base Camp

Day 3: Ascend to Moraine Camp

• Prepare expedition equipment
• Begin trek with local team
• Trek to Moraine Camp

Day 4: Ascend to Alpamayo High Camp

• Trek to Alpamayo High Camp
• Enjoy views and early dinner

Day 5: Summit Alpamayo and descend

• Climb Alpamayo summit
• Rest and take photos at summit
• Rappel and descend to High Camp
• Descend to Base Camp or stay at High Camp

Day 6: Descend and transfer to Huaraz

• Hike down Santa Cruz valley
• Arrive at Cashapampa
• Transfer to Huaraz

The experience

The expedition starts with a three-hour private transfer from Huaraz through the Santa valley to Cashapampa, where you meet the local team and pack animals before trekking to Llamacoral camp at 3,850m. Over the next four days you move progressively higher: through the base camp at 4,350m with views of Alpamayo, Artesnorahu and Taulliraju, then across the glacier moraine to 4,900m, and finally to the high camp at 5,300m where the summit looks within reach. Each camp sits on the mountain itself, not in a town, so you acclimatize while moving upward.

Summit day begins before dawn from high camp. The French route climbs a 60 to 80-degree ice wall that narrows toward the top, then a final push along the narrow ridge to the 5,947m peak. The ascent takes five to six hours. The descent by rappel takes two to three hours. In good weather, climbers return to high camp by noon and can descend to base camp the same day, or rest another night if needed. From the summit, Quitaraju (6,036m) sits nearby and Huascarán (6,768m) rises to the southwest. The final day is a six-hour trek down through the Santa Cruz valley back to Cashapampa, where the minibus returns you to Huaraz and a hotel bed.

The operator provides a Peruvian qualified guide fluent in English, Spanish, German or Italian; porters to carry expedition gear; a high-altitude cook; satellite internet via Starlink so you stay connected even on the glacier; and rescue support from Socorro Andino Peruano, the Peruvian high-altitude rescue group. All meals, camping tents for two, park entrance fees and kitchen equipment are included. You need to bring or rent technical climbing gear (Gore-Tex jacket and pants, down jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen), and you must test the mountain equipment before the expedition begins.

What’s included

• Private transfer from Huaraz to Cashapampa and return.
• all meals during the six days.
• camping tents for two persons.
• porters to carry expedition equipment.
• a Peruvian qualified guide in English, Spanish, German or Italian.
• high-altitude cook.
• entrance fees to Huascarán National Park.
• satellite internet connectivity via Starlink.
• high-altitude rescue support from Socorro Andino Peruano.
• kitchen equipment and pack animals for transport.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 May 2027

AgesAdult (30 to 50 years) · Youth (15 to 18 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

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?Book this if you're committing to the full six-day expedition with a fixed departure date. Choose another option if you need flexibility or prefer a shorter base camp visit.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 18 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the route up Nevado Alpamayo?

The primary route is the French route, a 60 to 80-degree ice wall that narrows toward the summit, followed by a final section along the narrow ridge to the peak at 5,947m. The ascent from high camp takes five to six hours and the descent by rappel takes two to three hours.

How high do I sleep each night on the mountain?

Night one is at Llamacoral camp (3,850m), night two at Alpamayo base camp (4,350m), night three at moraine camp (4,900m), and night four at high camp (5,300m). After summit day, you either stay another night at high camp or descend to base camp (4,300m) the same day, depending on how you feel.

What happens if I don't reach the summit?

If you are too tired or the weather turns, the itinerary allows you to rest an extra night at high camp or descend to base camp. The guide makes the call based on your condition and safety. Reaching the summit is the goal, but the expedition is designed so that climbers can turn back without penalty.

Do I need mountaineering experience to climb Alpamayo?

The operator requires high physical fitness and technical climbing ability. You must test the mountain equipment before the expedition begins. The route involves ice climbing and rappelling, so prior mountaineering experience or training is essential.

What is included in the price and what do I need to bring?

Included are the private transfer from Huaraz, all meals, camping tents, porters, a qualified guide, park entrance fees, satellite internet and high-altitude rescue support. You must bring or rent technical climbing gear: Gore-Tex jacket and pants, down jacket, hat, gloves, UV sunglasses and sunscreen.

Is this trip available year-round?

The 2025 season runs from May 20th to September 30th. Outside these dates, the expedition is not offered.