An 11-day, high-altitude circuit from Huaraz that circles Alpamayo’s northern base while supporting local communities. Long days and high passes reward trekkers with dramatic glacial scenery and direct cultural engagement.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
At first light the trail breathes cold air and the peaks respond: Alpamayo’s pyramidal ridges cut the sky while a scattering of condors rides the thermals above high pastures. The eleven-day circuit leaves Huaraz and moves through the raw, glaciated core of the Cordillera Blanca, shifting from green villages to wind-swept passes above 4,500 m and back to rivers that dare you to slow down.
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
11 days
Fitness Level
Best for trekkers with strong cardiovascular fitness and prior multi-day high-altitude experience; able to hike 8–10 hours on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Cordillera Blanca has been inhabited by Quechua-speaking communities for centuries; many trails follow ancestral paths used for trade and seasonal grazing.
Conservation
Huascarán National Park protects glacial and high-Andean ecosystems but faces pressure from melting glaciers and increased trekking traffic; minimize impact by packing out waste and using established campsites.
Reserve your spot on the Alpamayo Trek 11 days - Comunity Support Program today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Spend the first full day in Huaraz or on the included acclimatizing tour before committing to high passes; altitude sickness risk is real above 3,500 m.
Layer for unpredictable weather
Temperatures swing from sun-drenched afternoons to sub-zero nights — bring breathable base layers, an insulated jacket and a wind shell.
Filter water on the trail
Natural streams are common but treat or filter water at every refill to avoid gastrointestinal issues on multi-day legs.
Pack light, use mule support
Donkey logistics are used on the route; limit personal overnight pack to essentials and let the mule train carry heavier group gear.
Sturdy backpack (50–65L)
Holds personal kit and layers for long days and multi-night camping.
Insulated down jacket
Critical for cold nights at 4,000+ m and wind-exposed camps.
winter
Water filter or purification tablets
Ensures safe drinking water from streams and lakes along the route.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and provide stability on rocky switchbacks.