Everest 2006
The North Ridge- New!
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Trek into the heart of the magnificent Cordillera Blanca area
We値l climb two classic summits: Pisco and Alpamayo
Lima: A unique stop for the international traveler, with fascinating markets and a very modern downtown area. We spend our first night here before leaving for Huaraz.
Huaraz: Off to the town of Huaraz, in either a private mini van or bus. This is our base for climbs and treks into the Cordillera Blanca. Huaraz is at 10,100 ft. So in order to adjust to the altitude we値l spend 3 nights here before starting our trek into the Cordillera. Each day we値l hike into one of several valleys above Huaraz situated around crystal blue alpine lakes, below the snow capped peaks of the Cordillera.
Trekking in the Quebradas: We will visit several of the best Quebradas (or Valleys/Canyons) in the area. Starting with the Laguna Paron Area. This lake is at 13,500 ft. and is at the ideal altitude to spend a day hiking up to the glaciers below Piramid and Artesonraju. Then to the Quebrada Honda and the Laguna Paccharuri, followed by the Quebrada Quilcayhuanca and the Laguna Cuchillacocha. Each day we have some time to see the small local villages and explore their history, retuning to Huaraz each evening.
The Llanganuco Valley and Pisco Oeste: The start of our actual trek and the first climb will take us into the Llanganuco Valley and our base camp below Huascaran. We値l make a short acclimatization hike from base camp to Laguna Chacraraju and back. The next day we値l move up to a high camp below the SW ridge of Pisco. Early the next morning we値l set off up the easier SW ridge above our high camp, which involves 45-50 degree snow climbing, descending via the same route. This is a spectacular summit between the impressive Huandoy and Chacraraju.
The classic Llanganuco to Santa Cruz trek: From our base camp in the Llanganuco Valley we will cross over the Andes to the Morococha Valley, down to the interesting small village of Colcabamba. Trekking from here up into the Huarupampo Valley, is both remote and spectacular. We will camp near the Quebrada Paria below Taulliraju and Artesonraju, then near the Punta Union Pass by Laguna Taullicocha. We use mule support for this part of our trek to Alpamayo base camp.
Alpamayo: After crossing Punta Union Pass, we will descend into the upper Santa Cruz Valley and then advance to Alpamayo Base Camp in the Arhuaycocha Valley. From here, we値l continue up to Camp 1, below the glacier, then the next day up to our 17,400 ft. camp 2 between Quitaraju and Alpamayo, and summit the following day via the classic Ferrari (SW Face) route.
Drive back to Lima: We値l return to Lima with time to relax, shop or explore more of the sites. We suggest you plan some extra time to visit the beaches or fly down south to Cuzco to visit Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail (ask about add on prices after our trip to Huaraz). Most tickets to and from the U.S. go through Miami, Los Angeles or Houston.
Included: Transfers, hotels in Huaraz, park fees, transportation Lima to Huaraz round trip, local transportation, burros/mules, food on the trek and climb, group climbing/camping equipment, permits, 1 to 3 guide ratio maximum on climbs.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Lima, Lima Hotels, food in restaurants while in Lima and Huaraz, bottled water, soda, alcohol, personal gear and climbing equipment.
Length: 16 days Lima to Lima.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult trekking at altitude. To climb Pisco, easy to moderate technical snow climbing to 45 degrees; to climb Alpamayo, moderate technical snow and ice climbing to 50 degrees.
Altitude: During the trek we will maintain a safe rate of ascent, the most important factor at altitude. Pisco is 5752 Meters and Alpamayo is 5947 meters (close to 20,000 ft.)
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.