Quitaraju is a mountain located in the Huascarán National Park. It has an altitude of 6,040 m.a.s.l. It is located in the Santa Cruz massif in the Cordillera Blanca in the Peruvian Andes.
If you want to do this type of climbing, it is necessary to acclimatize previously for several days and be in good physical/technical conditions.
The itinerary is a model to follow, however, situations such as natural disasters, climate change, landslides, political unrest, strikes, demonstrations, changes in government regulations or another force majeure may cause this program to vary.
Our expedition begins from the city of Huaraz were we set off in private transportation for about 3 hours until we reach the district of Cashapampa at 2,900 masl. From here, we will hike approximately 4 to 5 hours through the Santa Cruz Valley were the hiking trail is marked by the vegetation growing alongside the path until we arrive at Llamacorral campsite located at 3,760 masl. Here we will be able setup our tents, cook a hot meal and enjoy the rest of the afternoon before getting a good night’s rest for tomorrows activities.
The day begins with a good breakfast, then we will pack our tents and gear to continue our hike approximately 5 hours, following the same trail through the Santa Cruz Valley. During the hike we will pass by two lakes called Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The first lake was almost destroyed by a landslide but the second lake gives the valley an added beauty and serenity. The Santa Cruz hiking trail will then take us to a right turn though a zigzagged path called Arhuaycocha until we reach the famous Alpamayo base camp at 4,300 masl.
After breakfast we will pack our climbing gear and proceed to make our way through the moraine, this will require navigating over large rocks and polished granite along the way until we arrive at the glacier. Here we will take accessible ramps for easier ascent and after passing some crevasses we will arrive at high camp, at the foot of the well-known face of the Alpamayo where we setup camp. The day’s activities take approximately 6 to 7 hours.
We start our ascent at 1:00 am making a glacier crossing until we reach the bergschrund, then we take the wall of approximately 750 m, with a slope of 60 to 80 degrees until we reach the summit, then we will descend in several rappels. 6 to 7 hours Approx. optional (you can go down to the base camp).
After packing our gear and supplies we will descend approximately 4 to 5 hours without any hurry back to Alpamayo base camp. Here we can enjoy the remainder of the day to recharge energies and get a good night sleep before preparing our backpacks for the return back to Huaraz.
After breakfast, we will hike about 4 to 5 hours through the entire Santa Cruz Valley until we reach Cashapampa. Here, a private transport will be waiting to drive us back 3 hours to the city Huaraz.
This program is designed exclusively for private groups in order to provide you a better experience. We have local certified guides and support team at your disposal. If you have any questions regarding our packages and pricing options please feel free to contact us.
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