Climbing Ishinca Valley and Alpamayo

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  • 11 days/ 10 nights
  • 5,947 m
  • Difficult

Overview

Climbing in the Cordillera Blanca is one of the most rewarding mountaineering experiences in the world. This expedition combines two iconic objectives: Nevado Ishinca (5,530 m / 18,143 ft) an ideal peak for acclimatization and Alpamayo (5,947 m / 19,511 ft), widely regarded as the most beautiful mountain on Earth.

The Ishinca Valley, located just outside the city of Huaraz, offers excellent conditions for acclimatization and technical skill development, surrounded by impressive peaks such as Urus and Tocllaraju. Alpamayo, famous for its steep ice flutings and elegant summit pyramid, represents a world-class technical challenge for experienced climbers.

This expedition is carefully designed to ensure proper acclimatization, high safety standards, and a progressive increase in technical difficulty, maximizing the chances of a successful summit.

Recommendations:

  • For this type of mountaineering program, it is essential to acclimatize for several days prior to the expedition and to be in good physical and technical condition. Participants should have previous experience in high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering skills to safely enjoy the ascent.

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Huaraz – Cochapampa – Ishinca Base Camp
  • Day 02: Summit Nevado Ishinca
  • Day 03: Ishinca Base Camp – Cochapampa – Huaraz
  • Day 04: Rest & Preparation Day in Huaraz
  • Day 05: Huaraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral
  • Day 06: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Base Camp
  • Day 07: Alpamayo Base Camp – Moraine Camp – High Camp
  • Day 08: Summit Nevado Alpamayo
  • Day 09: Reserve Day (Weather / Safety)
  • Day 10: Descent to Alpamayo Base Camp
  • Day 11: Alpamayo Base Camp – Cashapampa – Huaraz

Itinerary description

Day 01: Huaraz – Cochapampa – Ishinca Base Camp 4,350 m / 14,272 ft

Private transport from Huaraz to Cochapampa, followed by a scenic trek into the Ishinca Valley. Camp setup at Base Camp and a short acclimatization walk surrounded by spectacular Andean peaks. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 02: Ishinca Base Camp – Summit Nevado Ishinca – Base Camp Summit: 5,550 m / 18,209 ft

Early alpine start for the ascent of Nevado Ishinca. This glacier climb is perfect for acclimatization and technical preparation. After reaching the summit and enjoying panoramic views, we descend back to Base Camp.

Day 03: Ishinca Base Camp – Cochapampa - Huaraz 3,050 m / 10,007 ft

Descent through the valley to Cochapampa and return to Huaraz by private transport. Afternoon free for rest and recovery.

Day 04: Rest & Preparation Day in Huaraz 3,050 m / 10,007 ft

A full rest day to enhance recovery and acclimatization. Equipment checks, technical briefing, and preparation for the Alpamayo expedition. Optional light activities.

Day 05: Huaraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral 3,760 m / 12,336 ft

Drive to Cashapampa and begin the trek into the Santa Cruz Valley. A gradual hike through high-Andean landscapes with stunning mountain views. Camp at Llamacorral.

Day 06: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Base Camp 4,300 m / 14,108 ft

Continuation of the trek toward Alpamayo Base Camp, passing through breathtaking scenery with views of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, and Artesonraju. Camp setup and rest.

Day 07: Alpamayo Base Camp – Moraine Camp – High Camp 5,450 m / 17,881 ft

Carry technical equipment up the moraine and establish High Camp on snow and ice. Final preparations for summit day and early rest.

Day 08: High Camp – Summit Nevado Alpamayo – High Camp / Base Camp 5,947 m / 19,511 ft

Midnight alpine start for the ascent via the classic French Route, featuring steep ice climbing and exposed sections. After summiting, descent to High Camp or Base Camp depending on conditions.

Day 09: Reserve Day (Weather / Safety Contingency)

This extra day is reserved for unfavourable weather, route conditions, or additional rest to maximize summit success and safety.

Day 10: High Camp / Base Camp – Alpamayo Base Camp 4,300 m / 14,108 ft

Final descent to Base Camp. Time to rest, pack equipment, and enjoy the accomplishment in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca.

Day 11: Alpamayo Base Camp – Cashapampa – Huaraz 3,050 m / 10,007 ft

Trek out of the Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa and private transport back to Huaraz. End of expedition services.

Includes:

  • Private transportation according to the itinerary
  • Certified and qualified UIAGM / AGMP Mountain Guide(maximum 2 clients per guide)
  • Assistant Guide (UIAGM candidate)for groups of more than 2 clients
  • Specialized high-mountain cook
  • Kitchen assistant for large groups
  • Full use of kitchen utensils
  • All meals during the expedition (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • High-mountain porter support, responsible for carrying collective equipment to high camps
  • Mules and muleteersto transport camp and personal equipment to base camp
  • Collective first aid kit
  • Collective technical climbing equipment
  • Collective camping equipment (kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, tables, chairs)
  • Huascarán National Park entrance fees and permits
  • Expedition tents (2–3 people per tent)

Not included:

  • Bus or plane tickets (domestic or international)
  • Hotel accommodation in Huaraz
  • Pre-expedition acclimatization program
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on the final day
  • Meals and drinks while staying in Huaraz
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal mountaineering equipment, including (but not limited to): harness, technical pants, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex), mountaineering boots or mixed boots, clothing layers, personal medication, sleeping bag, backpack, crampons, ice axe, sunglasses, etc.
  • Additional or optional tours
  • Sleeping bag(recommended rating –15°C to –20°C / 5°F to –4°F)
  • Evacuation, medical treatment, and rescue costs
  • Laundry service
  • Personal toiletries
  • Mattress
  • Tips for staff
  • Any other expenses not specified in this program

Additional Service:

  • Equipment rentalis available if you do not have the required personal gear
  • Additional services can be arranged upon request

Prices & Dates

This expedition is designed exclusively for private groups to ensure a high-quality, personalized experience. We work with local certified guides and a professional support team dedicated to your safety and success.

For detailed pricing and availability, please contact us directly.

NOTE:

  • Special discounts are available for groups of more than 5 participants
  • Additional information is available upon request

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