Trekking around Alpamayo is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the Peruvian Andes. Back in 1966, thanks to a photograph of Alpamayo that was published in the German mountaineering magazine "Alpinismus", it was recognized as "The most beautiful mountain peak in the world". Nevado Alpamayo (5947 m) is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz massif of the Cordillera Blanca range (translated from Spanish as "White Mountain Ridge"). It is a beautiful pyramid with steep slopes, rugged with numerous couloirs, covered with ice and snow.
Due to the fact that the array is located in tropical latitudes, the local climate allows you to hike without special mountaineering equipment up to heights of up to 5000 m above sea level. Around the green high-altitude valleys and crystal clear lakes rise many snow and ice peaks, among which is the highest peak of Peru, Huascarán (6768 m), which gave its name to the national park located in this part of the Andes. A total of 35 peaks in the region exceed the 6,000-meter mark.
The classic circular route around Alpamayo provides a great opportunity to capture the most scenic views of the Andes, visit the southern and northern base camps, where professional climbers start their ascent to the mountain, learn about the culture and life of the Quechua Indians of Peru, and see the local flora and fauna - llamas, vicunas, condors and viscachis. The unique experience of this exotic journey will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time.
Important. You have the opportunity to participate in the "Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain" program just before the start of the trek around Alpamayo. This way you will get extra acclimatization before the mountain part of the trek, as well as see one of the "new Seven Wonders of the World" and other famous sights of Peru. To participate in the program, simply tell your manager when you apply for the trek around Alpamayo.
In this itinerary you will find a variety of mountain peaks and lakes, the beautiful cities of Lima and Huaraz, the ruins of ancient civilizations, an introduction to the culture and traditions of Peru, exotic fruits and local cuisine and much more.
Virtually all expenses, except for meals in restaurants and additional excursions, are included in the price of the program. You won't have to overpay!
You will admire the highest snowy peaks of the Andes: Huascaran (6768 m), Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, Ouandoy, Chopikalchi, Kitarahu, etc.
We take seriously the need for gradual acclimatization to altitude and make it as smooth as possible, without sudden drops, which is very likely to help you minimize the unpleasant symptoms of altitude sickness and successfully pass the trek.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
Kuluar experienced teamleaders will accompany the group along the entire route, making your trip as memorable and safe as possible! They have been to South America many times and know the country in detail.
The manager, who will advise you before the trip, thoroughly knows the route and will tell you about it in detail!
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
During the work of the club we have developed an algorithm, which allows us to organize hikes and ascents of the highest quality. You can see this for yourself by applying for participation.
Meeting of the group takes place at our booked hotel in Lima, in the Miraflores area, where you can relax after a long flight. In the evening, a general meeting and getting to know the group over dinner in one of the restaurants in the city.
In the morning, breakfast at the hotel and departure to Huaraz, the capital of the region of Ancash, located at the foot of the Andes at an altitude of 3050 m. The trip is done in comfortable buses, but is quite long and usually takes about 8 hours. But on the way there will be an opportunity to admire the views. Upon arrival we check into a hostel for the next three nights. Huaraz is a pretty big town with all the necessary infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, internet access, bazaars and stores. Here we can gradually acclimatize to the altitude, as well as try exotic fruits and local cuisine.
Today we will take a day trip to the ruins of Chavin de Huantar, a complex of archaeological sites located at an altitude of 3200 m, 100 km from Huaraz. According to some sources, this city is 200 years older than the famous Inca capital of Machu Picchu, which was built in the 10th century A.D. We will also stop at the picturesque Querococha Lake and continue through the Cahuiz mountain tunnel at an altitude of 4,516 m. After descending from the pass, we will stop for lunch and go to see the Chavin de Huantar complex, where we will discover ancient temples steeped in history and view the extensive collection of artifacts in the local museum.
After breakfast at the hostel, we load our bags into the minibus and take the good paved road along the valley to the town of Caras. On the way we pass many traditional Peruvian villages with beautiful views of the mountains ahead. We climb deep into the mountain ranges to the small village of Cachapampa, where we are greeted by our guides with a caravan of mules. We load our luggage, provisions and gear and set off on the trail. Today we have to pass a long ascent to 3800 m, after which we will reach our first camping point in Llamacoral. Accommodation in tents, dinner and sleeping.
Distanse: 10 km, altitude difference +900 m
Today we have a full day of hiking with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. After breakfast and camping we head to Ichikocha and Yatunkocha Lakes, which are about two hours of gentle climbing. From here we will be able to see the most beautiful peaks above the 5000 m mark - Alpamayo, Kitarahu and Paron. Then it's on to our campsite at Taulipampa. Time and weather permitting, those who wish may take a radial with a guide to the observation point near the South base camp of Alpamayo (4.5 km one way and +300 m of climbing).
Distanse: 12 km, altitude difference +400 m
Morning crossing with the ascent to the Punta Union Pass at 4750 m. From here we will have great panoramic views of the valley, the glaciers and the surrounding mountains, below we will be able to appreciate all the distance we have traveled during the previous days. After the photo session and a snack we will go down to our overnight stop at Tuktupampa, which will take about 3-4 hours.
Distanse: 9 km, altitude difference +550 m; -600 m
Each next day of our trek will be marked by a new pass from 4400 to 4860 m. This trek is for true mountain lovers and conquerors! You will be rewarded for your daily work with beautiful views that you won't find anywhere else in the world. The glaciers and snow-covered peaks will be so close, that sometimes you can literally reach them with your hand. Today we will ascend to the pass of Alto Pucaraju, 4640 m and descend for the night on the other side to the altitude of 3950 m.
Distanse: 9 km, altitude +450 m; -700 m
Today our trek will take place at lower altitudes. First we will ascend the valley to the altitude of 4100 m, overcome the small serpentine to the Tupatupa pass and descend to the overnight stay in Hankapampa at the altitude of 3600 m.
Distanse: 14 km, altitude +450 m; -810 m
Our pass today is called Yanakon, 4610 m. From here the snowy slopes with glaciers descending from them will be only a few hundred meters away! To set up camp we go down to the campsite at an altitude of 4000 m.
Distanse: 14 km, altitude difference +1060 m; -600 m
This day we have to take by storm two passes: 4460m Mesapata and 4830m Karakara Pass, which are located in a bundle. Descent between them is not so big, but total elevation gain for the day is still considerable, so let's gather all our strength and fight spirit! After the second pass we will go down to the river valley and stop at Hankarurish campsite at 4200 m.
Distanse: 13 km, altitude difference +950 m; -750 m
Today we are going to have a very busy day. First early in the morning we will make a day hike to the North Alpamayo base camp to the altitude of 4550 m. And after the descent we will have a long hike through the Ruinapampa valley, which will lead us to the Vientunan Pass, 4,850 m. We will go down a little bit to 4600 m. and spend the night at the Osoruri pads - it will be our highest overnight stay for the whole trek.
Distanse: 12 km, altitude difference +750 m; -400 m
Immediately after breakfast we approach our next pass, Osoruri, 4,850 m. From it we will have one of the most beautiful views on the track - the stunning water surface of Lake Cuyicocha. We go down to the lake and enjoy the views to the summit of Santa Cruz (6260 m). Of course, we don't forget to take lots of vivid photos as a memento. Here we take a farewell look at the snow-covered peaks of the Andes. From here we will go mostly downhill to the forests, green valleys and civilization.
Distanse: 7 km, altitude difference +300 m; -550 m
A kilometer and a half descent and we arrive at the Oualkayan village, where transport to Huaraz is waiting for us. About four hours in the car and we will be in the city, where we can take a hot shower and enjoy all the other benefits of civilization.
Distanse: 10 km, altitude difference -1550 m
Today we say goodbye to the mountains and leave for Lima by bus. Our trekking part of the program is over, and now we can devote the rest of the time to exploring the city, sampling local cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs. In the evenings, there is a light and music performance by Circuito Magico del Agua in a park in Lima. This place is the largest open-air fountain complex in the world, which we recommend you visit as part of your free program.
Before flying back home, you can visit the historic center of Lima with the Cathedral or take a tour to the ancient pre-Inca pyramids of Huaca Pucciana. For those whose flight is scheduled for the evening (after 6:00 p.m.) there is an optional excursion to the Palomino Islands. This archipelago, just an hour and a half from the port of Lima, is a nature reserve that is home to marine animals and large colonies of birds such as boobies, pelicans, patios, gulls and red-footed cormorants. The highlight of this trip will be the opportunity to dive into the water and swim in close proximity to the sea lions that live there, which out of their natural curiosity willingly swim up to tourist boats and are very friendly to people who join them in the water.
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
Since our trek is not in the Amazon tropical jungle, it is not necessary to get vaccinated. If you want to, you can do it.
You do not need a visa to Peru. Of the documents you need to have with you only a valid passport.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
The flight to Peru from Kiev is possible only with connections in Europe, most often in Paris or Amsterdam. The cost of such an international flight is about $1,200-1,300, but may vary slightly depending on the time of purchase and departure dates. When choosing a flight, keep in mind that with short connections of less than 2 hours there is a high probability of delay of your luggage, which can be delivered only in a couple of days. So try to choose longer connections or prepare in advance all the things you need for the first days in your hand luggage that you will take with you on the plane.
When planning the day of your return flight from Lima, keep in mind that the fountains are not open on Mondays and the Huaca Puclana ruins complex will be closed on Tuesday.
Our recommendations for airline ticketing services can be found in this article.
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this item. For some participants, it saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers"
During the trek in the mountains three meals a day is included in the price. You pay for meals in cafes and restaurants individually according to your preferences and appetite. During the trip you cook food by cook, the menu consists of local and European dishes. Products for the trek beforehand are bought and transported together with the equipment on mules. There are 3 main meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can take some sweets or your favorite goodies for a snack. The highlight of Peruvian trekking will be an invigorating morning tea made of coca leaves, which will be prepared for you by our cook before breakfast.
During the walking part of the trek, accommodation is possible only in tents. There will be no electricity, cell phone service, or internet access for most of the route. The hotels in Lima and Huaraz have all the amenities and free Wi-Fi. It will also only be possible to take a full-fledged hot shower while staying in the hotels. It will be possible to heat some water for washing and hygiene procedures on the trek.
Thanks to the fact that the load is carried by mules, the backpacks on the route will be light. But the trek runs at high altitudes, up to 4850 above sea level, where the oxygen supply is very different from what we are used to below. That's why ascents can be hard, especially at first, until you get acclimatization. As far as possible we shall try to gain altitude gradually, without sudden jumps. This is why we need the first three days of the program with overnights in Ouaras in order to let the organism adapt to the new conditions. During the trekking many people are helped by a traditional Peruvian method - chewing coca leaves, which is used by all locals when climbing at higher altitudes and in everyday life to cheer up. The only thing you should know for sure is that in Peru it is not forbidden by law, and you can buy a packet of leaves for chewing at any local herbal shop.
In any case you should be in good physical shape in order to pass the trek, because the daily routine is from 7 to 15 km with the drops in altitude up to 1500m. Be sure to run often before the trek.
Peru's climate varies greatly from region to region. On the Pacific coast it is usually very hot and dry all year round, although during the winter period (June-August for Peru) night temperatures can drop as low as +13 C. At an altitude of 4 thousand meters above sea level the average temperature is about 20 ° C during the day, in clear weather can be even hot, but if the weather suddenly deteriorates, it rains and wind rises, it can be a sharp cold snap to +5-7 C. At night the thermometer column can drop even below zero, and for overnight stays at even higher altitudes night temperatures down to -10 C are not uncommon. The period from May to September is considered the dry season, but in the mountains the weather is variable and rainy days are possible even during this time.
The cost depends on the number of participants in the group:
The total cost of additional expenses will be up to $300. Of these, $150-$200 will be used for meals in cafes and restaurants, and $100 for additional excursions and souvenirs.
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to choose a separate flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations from his experience and shares flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
To reserve a place in the group, you need to make an advance payment of $500 in a way that is convenient for you. It is after you have made the prepayment and purchased the tickets that you will be booked in the group. The remainder of the amount should be handed over to the guide on the first day of the program in cash dollars. In case of get out the itinerary you will not receive a refund.
