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.
Overview:
- Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
- Maximum height: 6040 masl
- Availability: June-August
- Difficulty: Difficult
FYI:
- 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.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Huaraz - Cashapampa - Llamacorral 3760 masl
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.
Day 02: Llamacorral - Alpamayo Base Camp 4300 masl
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.
Day 03: Base Camp - Moraine Camp 4900 masl- High Camp 5450masl
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.
Day 04: High camp - Summit Quitaraju 6040 masl
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).
Day 05: High Camp - 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.
Day 06: Alpamayo base camp - Cashapampa - 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.
Recommendations:
- 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.
It includes:
- Private transportation (according to the program)
- Certified and qualified UIAGM/AGMP Mountain Guide (2 clients maximum per guide)
- Assistant guide (UIAGM candidate), with more than 2 clients
- Specialized high mountain cook
- Kitchen assistant (large group)
- Kitchen utensils
- Food during the program (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Porter support (high mountain assistant, who transfers collective equipment to the high camps).
- Mules and muleteers support (who transfer the camp equipment and personal equipment to the base camp).
- Collective first aid kit
- Collective technical equipment
- Camping equipment (kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs)
- Huascarán National Park entrance ticket/permits
- Camping tents (2 to 3 people per tent)
Not included:
- Bus or plane ticket reservation for transfer
- Hotel reservation for accommodation in Huaraz
- Acclimatization program before climbing
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Food and drinks during the stay in Huaraz
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal climbing equipment (harness, mountain pants, mountain jacket (Gore-Tex), mountain shoes or mixed shoes, mats, appropriate clothing, personal medication, sleeping bag, backpack, crampons, ice ax, sunglasses, etc.).
- Additional tours
- Sleeping bag (approximately -15 ° C to -20 ° C)
- Evacuation, medical and rescue costs
- Telephone calls, access to internet booths and other additional expenses
- Laundry service
- Personal toiletries
- Mattress
- Tips to staff
- Additional expenses not specified in this travel program
Additional Service:
- If you do not have the above-mentioned equipment, you have the option to rent it.
- If you wish to have any additional service, do not hesitate to ask.
What to bring:
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Climbing boots (compatible for crampons)
- Hiking shoes (Gore-Tex)
- Socks (we recommend bringing changes, for climbing and hiking boots)
- Spats
- Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts or T-shirts
- Lightweight trousers
- Regular and long underwear (over 4,000 masl)
- Light hat and wool cap.
- Water bottle
- Lightweight gloves
- Small backpack
- Strong canvas duffle bag
- Sunglasses (100% UV, dark), sunscreen, lip balm
- Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb.
- Climbing helmet
- Climbing harness
- Pair of climbing karabiners
- Lines for Prusik
- ATC guide
- Technical ice axes
- Sleeping bag (approximately -15 ° C to -20 ° C)
- Trekking poles
- Camera (optional)
- Marching Foods Assorted cookies (sweet and salty), dried fruits, candies, etc.
Prices & Dates:
- 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.
Note
- Receive a special discount for groups of more than 5 participants.
- Additional information is available upon request at the time of booking.