Alpamayo

The ice-clad Alpamayo Peak (19,511ft / 5947m) is part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in the Peruvian Andes. The whole range falls within the Huascarán National Park. It’s a steep mountain, famous for its almost perfect pyramidal structure and beautiful top cone. Remotely located, the ascent should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers with proper climbing equipment. Literally translated from Quechua, Alpamayo means ‘Earth River’. In 1966, it came first in a survey amongst climbers and photographers, winning the title of ‘most beautiful mountain in the world’.

The Peruvian Andes are a favourite for hikers and climbers. The area is safe and offers fantastic hiking with jaw-dropping views. Relative to other popular hiking areas it is not too busy. The weather is ideal between May and September.

Did You Know

  • Whilst smaller than many of its neighbouring peaks, Alpamayo features an unmistakable pyramidal structure that entices climbers from all over the world.
  • The first successful ascent of Alpamayo was made on 20th June 1957 by a German expedition, which included climbers Gunter Hauser, Bernhard Huhn and Horst Wiedmann.
  • Less than half of those who arrive at base camp actually make it to the summit.
  • Recent years have seen several accidents and deaths on the mountain. For instance, in 2003, an ice avalanche claimed 8 lives.

Alpamayo Trek & Climb

The ascent to Alpamayo’s peak is technical and involves mountaineering skills so it is only for experienced and skilled people climbing with an organised team. Unfortunately, a by-product of Alpamayo being unofficially named the most beautiful mountain in the world has been an increasing number of climbers flocking to the area. This can sometimes turn what could be a pleasant 5-hour climb into a nightmare 15-hour session. Alpamayo is more remote than many of the other peaks in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, with the hike to base camp alone taking between 2-3 days.

Map of Mount Alpamayo
Map of Mount Alpamayo

However, the Alpamayo area has several well-established hiking routes which circuit the mountain without actually ascending it; The 8-day Alpamayo Circuit (140km or 87miles) and the Alpamayo Base Camp route (90km or 56miles).The Alpamayo Circuit combines the Santa Cruz Trek and the Alpamayo base camp trek. These routes cover a huge range of environments including mountains, valleys and glaciers and are highly rated as a result. However, as there are few facilities in the area you will need to be self-sufficient and used to trekking for days with only a map and what you can carry to sustain you.

You can buy any kit and supplies you need from Huaraz. You will need some Spanish or at a push Portuguese if you don’t have a guide in case you meet or need anything from the local Quechua people and it will also greatly assist your transit to and from the trail. You need to pay for a permit to enter the Huascarán National Park which you can do in Huaraz. There are some good places in Huaraz where you can get a drink and a bite and talk to other climbers to get the latest information on routes, conditions and anything else important – Cafe Andino is the best.

Altitude sickness is a serious risk in the area due to the elevation so visitors will need to build in a period to safely acclimatise. Since evacuation is not possible it is a good idea to only attempt these hikes if you already know that your body adapts well to high altitudes. If you are not an experienced independent hiker use a local trekking company.

Alpamayo Base Camp

This trek takes from 8 to 12 days depending on your fitness and how much rest time you would like – it is a hard physically demanding route. You can do this alone or use one of the many trekking companies. There is a shorter Santa Cruz to Alpamayo Base Camp trek of 3 days which is much easier.

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5 Comments

  1. I have been planning a trip to see this mountain in person for the last 7 years. Every time I would be going, something would come up. Not this year!! I will be going in July and I am so excited. I bought a brand new camera to take with me as well. I am hoping it is not as crowded as I have heard it can be. That would be unfortunate. Thanks for this info! I actually learned a few things.

  2. Alpamayo at 5947m considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the world. to climb this peak you need 7 days itinerary from Huaraz to Huaraz from Lima to Lima 10 days

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