Climbing Alpamayo (5947 m), Peru

• Residents of most countries do not require a visa to visit Peru (for stays of less than 90 days).
• Emergency and medical insurance (insurance with coverage of at least $30,000 and coverage for mountaineering risks).

The group meets in Lima.

KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air Europa, and their partner airlines, such as LATAM (connected with LAN Peru and Avianca) and others (e.g., Turkish Airlines, Swiss Air)

Before long treks of 6-8 hours during the acclimatization period, before significant temperature fluctuations (daytime temperatures of +30°C, nighttime temperatures of -5°C to -15°C at the summit) during the day, before walking along rocky trails and glaciers. Before a certain degree of discomfort at altitudes above 4,500 m.

In the cities, we stay in comfortable 4* hotels; in the mountains, we live in tents. At the high-altitude camp, conditions are derivative, with no showers or electricity.

Meals are served in cafes in towns and prepared by a chef along the route, and are included in the price. We recommend bringing additional energy bars, nuts, and other snacks during the ascent.

It’s convenient to take a wheeled suitcase or a duffel bag with handles with a capacity of 100 liters or more, as well as a 45-50 liter backpack for storing a sleeping bag, mat, and climbing gear. The backpack weighs approximately 10 kg. We use mules on this trek, so the ascent will be as light as possible.

Guides will have a first aid kit for emergency medical care. However, it is recommended to bring personal medications for chronic and specific illnesses, bandages, headache tablets, cold and pain relievers, and vitamin C and B vitamins for better adaptation to the mountains.
A doctor and medical oxygen are available at the base camp.

Throughout the entire route—from the trek to base camp to the summit push—traditional mobile phone coverage is unavailable. Communication is only possible via satellite phones or specialized satellite trackers.

The average temperature is up to +26°C, with daytime temperatures in the mountains reaching +10°C to +15°C, and along the coast, +30°C.

At the Alpamayo (5,947 m) altitude, extreme conditions prevail: at the summit camp, nighttime temperatures typically drop to -10°C to -15°C, while at the summit itself, due to strong winds, temperatures can reach -20°C and below.

This route takes place at altitudes above 5,000-6,000 meters, where solar radiation is much stronger than on the plains. The mountain climate and thin air affect the body’s condition for the first 5-7 days. Improper acclimatization and rapid elevation gain can lead to altitude sickness.

That’s why we’ve developed a special acclimatization program and health monitoring for each participant along the route. The trek isn’t technically challenging and follows a mountain road, but it does require good physical fitness and adherence to mountain safety regulations. All guide instructions along the route are mandatory!

We recommend reading the article about acclimatization in the mountains.

Peculiarities of acclimatization in high mountains

Also watch a video about altitude sickness.

Also read the article on preparation: Physical and mental preparation before climbing and hiking in the mountains

And watch a series of videos about the training process.

Absence of diseases incompatible with active tourism: List of diseases

• Technical qualifications: Experience in ice or combined routes rated AD-AD+ (3A-3B according to the CIS classification).
• Altitude adaptation: Experience in climbing or trekking at altitudes of 4,000 meters or higher.
• Special skills: confidently negotiate ice slopes with inclinations ranging from 45° to 55°.
• Physical fitness: In addition to technical skills, a high level of endurance is required for 6-7 hour hikes with vertical gains of up to 1,200 meters.

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN).

The best rates are offered at currency exchange offices (Casas de Cambio) in city centers. Avoid exchanging at airports due to the low rates.

In large cities (Lima), Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. For cash withdrawals, use ATMs from major banks such as BCP, Scotiabank, or Interbank. Always choose to pay in local currency (PEN) to avoid unnecessary currency conversion fees.