Santa Cruz Trek Peak Alpamayo 5957 m and Chopicalqui 6354 m

If you’ve ever dreamt of standing on some of the most breathtaking mountain summits in the world, this 20-day guided adventure from Huaraz, Peru, might just be your best shot. For around $9,950 per person, you’ll journey through the Cordillera Blanca, exploring stunning glaciers, lakes, and towering peaks—culminating in a challenging but rewarding climb of Alpamayo, often called the most beautiful mountain on earth, and Chopicalqui, a formidable giant over 6,300 meters.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers top-tier logistics and guidance, thanks to certified UIAGM guides and experienced local climbers. Second, the experience is infused with a sense of luxury and security, including satellite internet, high-mountain rescue support, and comfortable accommodations in Huaraz. It’s not just about reaching the summit; it’s about doing so with maximum safety, comfort, and connection—even in the remotest parts of the mountains.

A single drawback might be the price, which is on the higher end. However, when you consider what’s included—all logistics, expert guiding, safety measures, and accommodations—it’s a comprehensive package that delivers serious value. This tour suits experienced climbers with good physical fitness who want a well-organized, safe, and luxurious high-altitude adventure. If you’re after a truly authentic, guided ascent with some of the best views and professional support, this could be your ideal choice.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Luxury: The tour combines high-altitude climbing with comfortable accommodations, satellite internet, and high-mountain rescue.
• Expert Guides: Led by UIAGM-certified professionals, ensuring safety and expert navigation in challenging terrain.
• Authentic Mountain Experiences: The itinerary includes acclimatization hikes, spectacular viewpoints, and technical ascents of iconic peaks.
• Well-Structured Itinerary: Balanced mix of travel, training, acclimatization, and summit days—plus rest days.
• Remote but Connected: Stay connected with satellite internet even at high camps.
• Price Reflection: The cost covers nearly everything—transfers, permits, guides, tents, meals—making it a hassle-free experience, though it’s a premium price.

Starting in Lima: Ease into Peruvian culture

The adventure begins in Lima, with a hotel stay in a centrally located 3-star hotel, giving you a chance to recover from your flight and soak in some city sights if you wish. The transfer logistics are smooth, with included airport transfers ensuring you’re welcomed without hassle. This approach sets a comfortable tone before heading into the mountains.

Journey to Huaraz: Gateway to the Cordillera Blanca

Next, we travel north to Huaraz, either by a scenic 8-hour bus ride or a quick 50-minute flight via LATAM-PERU. The bus ride offers spectacular views over the Pacific coastal desert and across the Cordillera Negra. Arriving at 3,100 meters, you’ll immediately see the impressive Cordillera Blanca rising in the distance—a visual promise of what lies ahead. The drive over Conococha Pass (4020 m) is a highlight, demonstrating the remarkable contrast between coastal desert and snow-capped peaks.

Acclimatization and Exploration: Preparing your body and mind

A vital part of any high-altitude adventure is acclimatization, and this tour delivers. The visit to Laguna Wilcacocha offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca and a practical introduction to the altitude (3100m). The next day, the challenging walk to Laguna Churup provides a good acclimatization hike, with the trail featuring narrow paths and some sections with fixed ropes—perfect for getting used to alpine terrain.

The itinerary also includes a visit to Contrahierbas, a popular beginner-friendly peak, which provides stunning views of Huascarán and other giants. These acclimatization days are crucial for preparing your body for the more strenuous climbs ahead and are appreciated by reviewers who valued the professionalism of guides like Eric Albino.

Transition into the mountains: From valleys to glaciers

As you progress, the journey takes you deeper into the Santa Valley, with base camps established at strategic points. The crossing of Punta Union Pass is a highlight, offering spectacular views over the Santa Cruz valley and the glaciers below. From here, the plan is to reach Alpamayo, one of the most photogenic mountains in the world.

The trail to Alpamayo Base Camp involves crossing moraine, glacier routes, and camp setups at around 4300 meters. The guides’ expertise in managing these transitions is clear, and the support team (porters, cooks, and guides) handles logistics seamlessly. As one reviewer noted, the guides demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail, which is critical in such environments.

Climbing Alpamayo: An iconic summit

The climb itself is technical, with the French route on Alpamayo featuring ice walls of 60-80 degrees and narrow ridges. The “High Camp” at 5300 meters is a steep glacier, and the morning summit push begins very early. From the top, the views are truly breathtaking—Huascarán, neighboring peaks, and the expansive glacier fields.

The ascent involves crossing crevasses, ice slopes, and sections of 75-80º ice, requiring solid technical skills. Yet, the guides are well-trained to ensure safety. One reviewer called it “a challenge that pushes you to the limit but rewards you with one of the most breathtaking views on the planet.” The descent is quick but careful, often via rappels, which the guides handle expertly.

Rest and recovery in Huaraz

After conquering Alpamayo, the journey back to Huaraz is straightforward, with a 6-hour trek through the Santa Cruz valley. Here, the experience becomes more relaxed—rest days, optional rock climbing, or visiting hot springs are common choices, as one reviewer enjoyed a peaceful day in nature.

Climbing Chopicalqui: Technical and rewarding

Next, the tour shifts focus to Chopicalqui, another imposing peak over 6,300 meters. The ascent involves trekking to base camp and then crossing glaciers and crevasses before reaching High Camp at 4900 meters. The climb includes sections of rock and ice, with some technical challenges like crevasse crossings and steep slopes of 75-80º.

The guides’ expertise is again evident, as they carefully manage the route and safety protocols. The final summit push is demanding but incredibly satisfying, offering commanding views of the Llanganuco Valley and surrounding peaks. One traveler described the Chopicalqui climb as “a demanding mountain, but with guides who really know their stuff,” making the technical aspects manageable.

Support, safety, and connectivity

This tour’s standout feature is the incorporation of high-mountain rescue support from Socorro Andino Peruano, and Startlink satellite internet, allowing you to stay connected even in the remotest camps. This combination of safety and connectivity is rare in high-altitude expeditions and provides peace of mind. The ISO 9001 certification of the operator underscores their commitment to quality.

Logistics, accommodations, and meals

Throughout the trip, all logistics are handled—transfers, permits, tents, meals, and transportation. The accommodations in Lima and Huaraz are well-rated 3-star hotels, providing a comfortable base before and after your climbs. During the trek, you stay in personal tents with dining and toilet tents set up at base and high camps. Meals are included, with hearty breakfasts, packed lunches, and warm dinners, ensuring you’re fueled for each day.

Reviewers have praised the professional guides and well-organized logistics. One noted, “Very beautiful landscapes! Unique experience and super top logistics and guides!” This level of organization minimizes stress, allowing you to focus on the experience.

This expedition suits experienced climbers with good physical fitness and some technical mountaineering experience. The climbs are demanding, and altitude adaptation is necessary; the itinerary includes acclimatization days, but you need to be prepared. It’s particularly appealing to those who value professional guidance, safety measures, and a touch of luxury, making the challenging environment more comfortable.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning scenery, technical climbs, and seamless logistics, and don’t mind paying a premium for top-quality service, this tour will check all your boxes. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a challenging yet well-supported high-altitude adventure with options to relax and enjoy scenic views at every turn.

This tour offers a rare combination of adventure, luxury, and safety in one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on the planet. The guides’ professionalism, the support infrastructure, and the focus on connectivity and rescue set it apart from typical trekking or climbing trips. While the price is higher than average, the inclusions—all logistics, accommodations, expert guides, safety measures, and connectivity—justify the investment for serious climbers.

For those ready to challenge themselves on iconic peaks like Alpamayo and Chopicalqui, and to do so with the reassurance of top-tier support, this journey promises to be unforgettable. The scenery alone makes it worth the effort, and the guided approach ensures your safety in the demanding environment of the high Andes.

What is included in the tour price?
The fee covers all transfers, hotel accommodations in Lima and Huaraz, bus transportation, certified guides, climbing support staff, meals during the trek, permits, tents, and safety equipment.

Are flights to Lima included?
No, the tour begins with your arrival in Lima. You’re responsible for your international flight. Once in Lima, transfers to the hotel and onward travel are included.

What kind of guides will I have?
You will be guided by UIAGM-certified high mountain guides, ensuring professional, safe, and knowledgeable leadership on all climbs.

What about safety and rescue?
The tour features exclusive high-mountain rescue support from Socorro Andino Peruano, offering peace of mind when tackling challenging terrain.

Can I stay connected during the trek?
Yes, you’ll have Startlink satellite internet, allowing you to stay in touch even at high camps.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, this is designed for climbers with strong physical fitness and some mountaineering experience. The technical nature of the climbs requires a certain skill level.

What is the best season for this tour?
While the specific season isn’t mentioned, high-altitude climbs in the Cordillera Blanca are typically best during the dry season, from May to September.

How much free time do I have?
Most days are busy with acclimatization, trekking, and climbing. There’s limited free time, but rest days are included for recovery and optional activities.

What should I bring?
While most personal equipment is not included, you’ll need to bring appropriate mountaineering gear, including boots, ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and layered clothing. The tour provides tents and technical support.

Whether you’re after a challenging ascent, a luxurious support system, or simply want to conquer some of the most stunning peaks in South America, this tour combines the best of all worlds. Just remember, it’s not for the faint of heart—expect an adventure that’s physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.