A 13-day circuit around Alpamayo that pairs high-altitude camping and technical passes with a community-supported acclimatizing day. Expect sustained hikes above 4,000 m, dramatic views of glacial lakes, and a direct donation program that visits local villages.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A high-altitude morning light spills across serrated granite and snow as your group files out of Huaraz and into the Cordillera Blanca. The trail climbs from Cashapampa up through puna grasslands, camps at Llamacorral (3,800 m), and spends two nights near Alpamayo’s base camps where the peak’s perfect pyramid looms like a challenge in white. Over 13 days you cross multiple passes — Punta Union (4,800 m), Alto Pucajirca (4,700 m), Yanacon (4,850 m) and more — tracking glacial meltwater and blue highland lakes such as Arhueycocha and Cullicocha.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
13 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness required — regular hikers who can sustain 6–9 hour days with significant altitude gain will be comfortable.
Wildlife
History
Quechua communities have long inhabited the high valleys; modern trekking routes formed as mule tracks used for trade and shepherding evolved into guided circuits in the 20th century.
Conservation
The Cordillera Blanca’s glaciers are retreating rapidly; stick to established campsites, carry out all waste, and follow local guidelines to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Alpamayo Trek 13 days Support Comunity Program today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Use the included acclimatizing community day to adapt — ascend slowly on pass days and hydrate constantly to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy, broken-in waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential; consider microspikes in shoulder seasons where snow and ice persist.
Pack for variable weather
Temperatures swing dramatically; bring a warm down layer, a waterproof shell, and sun protection for high-exposure passes.
Respect the community visit
The tour includes a donation visit — engage respectfully, ask before photographing, and follow local guides’ directions to ensure the program’s transparency.
Mountaineering-quality sleeping bag (rated to -10°C)
Cold nights at 4,000+ m make a warm sleeping bag essential for safety and recovery.
winter
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and grip for long days on scree, wet trails and occasional snow are non-negotiable.
Synthetic base layers and insulated mid-layer
Layering lets you regulate temperature from cold passes to warm daytime climbs.
Trekking poles with snow baskets
Poles reduce knee strain on descents and improve balance on steep, loose or snowy sections.
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