Global Expeditions South America

Peru Alpinist

Climb Alpamayo and Quitaraju

15 Days Group: Small teams, high guide ratio (2:1) $6,900 per person

About this Expedition

Known as the crown jewel of the Cordillera Blanca, Alpamayo (19,512’ / 5,947m) is celebrated as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Its elegant, fluted ice face offers one of the most rewarding alpine challenges anywhere. Together with nearby Quitaraju (19,820’ / 6,041m), this expedition is designed for climbers looking to put their technical skills to the test on two world-class peaks.

This is a trip for serious alpinists: long approaches, technical snow and ice climbing, and the satisfaction of standing on top of two legendary summits.

Highlights:

    • Climb Alpamayo, the “most beautiful mountain in the world”
    • Attempt Quitaraju from the same high camp
    • Technical snow and ice climbing up to 70º
    • A true Andean base camp experience with full porter and cook support
    • Small teams, high guide ratio (2:1) for safety and success
Explore this Trip with BBE

This expedition combines the adventure of big Andean approaches with the precision of steep alpine climbing. You’ll develop and refine steep snow and ice skills, learn advanced expedition systems, and gain experience that will carry forward to the world’s most ambitious alpine objectives.

Why Choose BBE
  • Certified Guides: All expeditions are led by IFMGA-certified guides with extensive Andean experience.
  • Small Teams: Low client-to-guide ratio (2:1) for safety, learning, and success.
  • Full Logistics: From Lima to high camp – professional cooks, porters, and a comfortable base camp.
  • Culture & Community: Travel through Peruvian villages and valleys, gaining insight into Andean life.
  • Proven Track Record: Decades of guiding experience across the Andes, Himalaya, and beyond.

Day 1 – Arrival in Lima
Evening arrival (6pm–12am). Transfer to hotel.

Day 2 – Drive to Huaraz
8-hour bus ride to Huaraz, the climbing capital of South America. Overnight at Olaza Hotel.

Day 3 – Acclimatization & Organization
Gear checks and logistics, plus a first acclimatization hike to a nearby high-altitude lake.

Day 4 – Drive & Trek to Llama Corral (11,500’ / 3,505m)
Drive to Cashapampa, meet burros, hike into the Santa Cruz Valley.

Day 5 – Base Camp (13,500’ / 4,115m)
Continue the trek past alpine lakes to Alpamayo Base Camp.

Day 6 – Load Carry to Moraine Camp (16,000’ / 4,877m)
Carry and cache gear. Return to Base Camp.

Day 7 – Rest Day in Base Camp
Review advanced rope systems, rest, and prepare.

Day 8 – Move to Moraine Camp

Day 9 – Move to Col Camp (18,000’ / 5,486m)
Challenging glacier climb and WI3 pitches with full packs. Stunning high-camp views.

Day 10 – Summit Alpamayo (19,512’ / 5,947m)
Climb via the Ferrari or French Direct Route (55–70° snow/ice, 8–10 pitches). Return by rappels to Col Camp.

Day 11 – Rest Day at Col Camp

Day 12 – Summit Quitaraju (19,820’ / 6,041m)
A sustained climb of 12+ pitches of neve and hard ice. Return to camp.

Day 13 – Descend to Base Camp

Day 14 – Return to Huaraz
Ride horses out of the valley and transfer by van to Huaraz. Celebration dinner.

Day 15 – Travel to Lima / Depart
Morning departure to Lima. Evening international flights (after 11pm).

This is an advanced expedition. Participants should be comfortable climbing WI3 ice, 55–70° snow, and moving efficiently with a heavy pack at high altitude. Previous alpine experience required.

Porters and burros carry group gear, but climbers carry personal equipment plus shared loads on the approach and higher camps. Expect 40–50 lbs on carry days.

The Cordillera Blanca climbing season (June–August) offers stable weather with cold, dry nights and sunny days. Expect nighttime temperatures at high camp to drop well below freezing.

  • IFMGA-certified guiding
  • All group logistics in Peru (transportation, meals, porters, cooks, tents)
  • Hotel nights in Lima and Huaraz
  • Group climbing gear (ropes, anchors, etc.)

  • International airfare to Lima
  • Personal climbing gear and clothing
  • Meals in Lima and Huaraz
  • Travel insurance
Book Trip
Location:
Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Group:
Small teams, high guide ratio (2:1)
Duration:
15 Days
Skill:
Advanced
Dates:

June 14 – June 28, 2026

July 5 – July 19, 2026

July 26 – August 9, 2026

Pricing

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.