Among the many peaks of the world, Alpamayo/Nevado Alpamayo (5947 m) rightfully bears the title of the most beautiful. One of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz massif of the Cordillera Blanca range flaunts a regular triangular shape that resembles a majestic ice tower that seems to be rising to the sky... The slopes of the mountain are covered with ice crystals, and graceful outlines reflect sunlight, giving the impression that the peak is shining with its own cold flame. In the rays of dawn, it seems unearthly... Yet this magic hides the other side of the coin 😉
Climbing the Alpamayo is a challenge that requires endurance, experience, and coolness. The amazing work of art hides steep ice walls, difficult technical routes and unpredictable weather conditions...
Back in 1966, the judges of the German mountaineering magazine Alpinismus' photography contest recognized the peak located in the Peruvian Andes as the most beautiful of all! And in the Kuluar rating: the top of the most beautiful mountains on earth, Alpamayo takes a worthy sweet spot 😉
The steep ice slopes of Alpamayo are crossed by numerous couloirs that form routes of varying difficulty, but there are no easy ones. Even the classic route paved by the Italian climber Casimiro Ferrari carries risks - the threat of avalanches and sudden collapses of ice blocks. Nevertheless, the peak continues to fascinate travelers, and commercial expeditions led by local guides go there every year.
And for those who want to admire Alpamayo without technical climbing, KULUAR has prepared a picturesque 15-day trekking around Alpamayo, which offers the best views of one of the most beautiful peaks in the world. The Alpamayo climbing route passes through passes up to 5000 meters high and leads to the southern and northern base camps, from where the climbing to the peak itself begins. A real extravaganza of emotions awaits you! You will plunge into the original world of the Peruvian Quechua Indians, feel unity with nature, when the silence of the mountains will be disturbed only by the rustle of the wind and the cries of condors soaring in the sky. A meeting with graceful vicuñas or inquisitive vizcachas will give you moments of delight and sincere joy. This trip will ignite the fire of adventure in your heart and leave you with fond memories that will never fade.
Here, alpine green valleys and clear lakes are surrounded by majestic peaks, among which the highest famous mountain in Peru, Huascaran (6768 m), stands out. It is this mountain that gave its name to the national park, which is located in this picturesque corner of the Andes. In total, there are more than 35 peaks in the region exceeding 6000 meters.
The ruins of Chavin de Huantar - a complex of archaeological sites located at an altitude of 3200 m, the picturesque Lake Querococha, the most beautiful peaks that exceed the 5000 m mark - Alpamayo, Kitarahu and Paron! And also the 4750 m high Punta Union Pass, glaciers and snow-capped peaks will be so close that sometimes you can literally reach them with your hand. Next, the ascent to the Alto Pucaraju Pass, 4640 m, the storming of Mesapata (4460 m) and Caracara (4830 m), the Alpamayo North Base Camp, a long passage through the Ruinapampa Valley, which will lead to the Ventunan Pass, 4850 m... Huh, can you imagine, it will all be yours! The trip will continue with the Osoruri Pass, 4850 m, which will offer one of the most beautiful views of the track - the incredible water surface of Lake Cuyicocha. You will take photos with views of the Santa Cruz peak (6260 m) - they are alien here! How can you deny yourself such happiness?
Interestingly, in the Peruvian Andes, the rainiest period is in the summer months, from November-December to the end of March. At this time, mountainous areas can experience heavy rainfall, which complicates trekking routes, as the ground becomes slippery and trails less passable. At the same time, due to the increased humidity, the local nature becomes especially vivid, and rivers and waterfalls become full of water.
The best time to travel is the local "winter" - from May to mid-October. This is the dry season, when the weather is more stable, precipitation is minimal, and the sky remains clear. These conditions create ideal opportunities for trekking and enjoying the scenery.
As already mentioned, trekking with KULUAR around Alpamayo in the Cordillera Blanca mountains takes place at high altitudes, sometimes reaching 4850 m above sea level, where the amount of oxygen in the air is much lower than in our usual conditions. This can make climbing more difficult, especially in the early days, until the body gets used to the new reality. That is why we have thought through and provided for a gradual increase in altitude to avoid sudden changes. The first three days in the Huaraz are reserved for adaptation and smooth entry into the rhythm of high-altitude trekking.
In addition, mules transport the bulk of the cargo, so your backpack will remain light, making it easier to move around.
Interesting fact: To facilitate acclimatization, locals use a traditional method of chewing coca leaves. This is a common practice among climbers and locals alike, who use it in everyday life to increase endurance. Whether to try this method is a personal choice, but in Peru, its use is absolutely legal, and you can buy the leaves at any market or herbal shop.
The route requires good physical fitness, as the daily hikes range from 7 to 15 km with elevation changes of up to 1500 m. To feel confident, it is worth paying attention to training in advance - regular jogging or hiking before the trip will greatly ease the challenges on the route. We have already written about the details of the training process before hiking in the mountains in our article.
By the way, before starting trekking around Alpamayo, we recommend joining the Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountains program. This is not only a great chance to see one of the "new seven wonders of the world", but also a great way to gradually adapt to the altitude before the mountain route. You will also be able to visit the iconic places of Peru, filled with history and incredible views. And who wants more - all trekking tours in Peru are at your service!
Since this region of the Andes is located near the equator, the snow line passes at altitudes above 5000 meters, so high mountain passes can be overcome on foot on well-trodden paths. The main difficulty of the route is adapting to the thin air, but Kuluar took maximum care to ensure smooth acclimatization, increasing the altitude gradually.
Another challenge may be the duration of the trek, as the trek itself involves 10 days of complete isolation from civilization with overnight stays in tents. Most of the route will have to be spent without electricity, mobile communication, and the Internet. It's great to be able to get away from gadgets, enjoying nature, live communication and a complete reboot! But the hotels in Lima and Huaraz will already have all the amenities - free Wi-Fi and a full hot shower 😉
For comfortable overnight stays, we use spacious tents, soft mattresses, and large gas cylinders that will not only provide hot meals, but also warm water for washing and even a camping shower. As on the Ausangate and Salkantay routes, meals are prepared by a local chef, taking into account the wishes of the group and adding authentic ingredients. Breakfasts and dinners are held in a large dining tent that protects against any weather vagaries.
Due to its location in the tropical zone, this mountain range opens up the possibility of trekking without the need for special climbing equipment even at altitudes up to 5000 meters. But reliable trekking shoes are essential, as well as knowledge of the three-layer clothing concept. Choose boots with non-slip soles and ankle bracing. How to choose hiking boots - we wrote 😉
You will be provided with group equipment, including two- and three-person sleeping tents, mats, a large awning for the kitchen and dining room, cooking utensils, gas cylinders, camp chairs, table and utensils.
Well, below is a complete list of what you need:
Among the important personal items, we recommend taking:
And as for the main thing:
In the city of Huaraz you can rent things, but we recommend using your own equipment, as the quality of the rental may not be good 😉
Once again, we remind you that throughout the entire route of trekking around Alpamayo your equipment is transported by a caravan of donkeys or mules. You will only need to carry a backpack with the most necessary things (sunglasses and cream, camera, drinking water).
Alpamayo (Spanish: Nevado Alpamayo) is one of the highest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca range in the Peruvian Andes.
Alpamayo means "allpa" in Quechua, "mayu" in Quechua, i.e. "earth river", and is also called "Shuyturaju" by the locals, meaning a mountain covered with snow or a pyramid of snow.
The Cordillera Blanca, with its 35 peaks over 6,000 meters high, represents only a small part of the Andes mountain range that stretches across the entire western side of South America. The Englishman C. R. Enoch, who was the first to cross this mountain range in 1903, laid the foundation for mountaineering research in this region.
Around Peru's highest peak, Huascarán (6,768 m), a national park has been created covering an area of approximately 3,400 square kilometers. Thanks to its unique biodiversity, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several scenic trekking routes within its boundaries, the main attraction of which are numerous glacial lakes - there are about 300 of them in total.
Lima is the capital of Peru and one of the largest metropolitan areas in South America, home to more than 10 million people. The symbol of its historical significance is the majestic Main Cathedral, built in 1535. The Spanish colonizers decorated it with gold, trying to impress the indigenous population with their luxury and power.
Well, the moment when your heart beats in unison with the mountains is priceless. This journey changes, gives inspiration and leaves a mark in your soul forever... As we culminate, we want to say that only the best, the most interesting and the brightest is ahead!
Kuluar - your life-changing mountain experience!
