The snow-capped Alpamayo, located in the White Mountains Range of the Ancash region, is considered one of the jewels of the White Mountains Range and a long-awaited goal for lovers of mountaineering and mountain tourism.
In 1966, 52 years ago, the prestigious magazine Alpinismus awarded it the title of "The most beautiful mountain in the world" and there are plenty of reasons for such a well-deserved distinction.
The snowy Alpamayo, which has a height of 5,947 meters above sea level, is located more than 400 kilometers northeast of the city of Lima. It is a mountain of the Andes mountain range located in the northern part of the western branch of the White Mountains Range, within the Huascarán National Park.
The beautiful mountain is located near the Alpamayo hamlet, between the Los Cedros and Arhuaycocha streams, in the district of Santa Cruz, province of Huaylas. It has a glacial area of ​​4.69 square kilometers with a minimum altitude of 4,745 and a maximum of 6,005 meters above sea level.
To reach the summit of the snowy peak, seven days of walking are required to reach the Caracara pass and then to the Alpamayo base camp, from where you get the best views of this magnificent snowy peak and where you can also witness one of the sunsets. most impressive in Peru.
Its access takes place from the city of Caraz, at the northern end of the Callejón de Huaylas, by a 28-kilometer carriageway, to the town of Cashapampa. From this place, there are 22 kilometers of walking along the Santa Cruz stream, to the Quisuarpampa sector, where the detour to the north is taken, ascending through the Arhuaycocha stream, to the base camp.
The Alpamayo has 13 routes, among the best known are: Basque-French, Ferrari, and Japanese. Access to Alpamayo lasts between 5 to 7 days approximately. Currently the expeditions ascend the Quebrada Arhuaycocha, climbing the south west wall (Ferrari route) that was climbed in 1975, with an ascent grade D (Difficult).
The mountain has a level of difficulty between moderate and difficult for those who are interested in climbing it; This difficulty varies depending on the time of the visit and the weather conditions that arise.
The Alpamayo snow-capped mountain has a peculiar shape: pyramidal, a feature that makes it quite attractive for lovers of mountaineering and nature tourism. A destination that deserves to be known.
The Snowy Alpamayo presents a level of difficulty between moderate and difficult for those who are interested in climbing it; this difficulty usually varies depending on the time of the visit and the weather conditions that arise; In general, it is recommended to visit the snowy peak between the months of May to September and the minimum excursion to the top, it usually takes an average of 8 days if you follow the French Direct route and you choose to be accompanied by a group. specialized. Keep in mind that there are at least 13 ascent routes to the snowy peak, however, only one of these is the most used by tourist companies to the place.
It must be taken into account that the temperature in the place is quite cold, reaching -6ºC, during night hours, so adequate clothing should be provided for the tour, as well as following the recommendations provided by the company. with whom you go.
The trek to Alpamayo is one of the longest walks offered by the Huascarán National Park, covering exactly 80 km. During the tour you will have to traverse deep canyons and high slides, in addition to enduring a variety of heights and climates. Likewise, you can admire the rich flora and fauna of the Andes, various glaciers and lagoons, picturesque towns and archaeological remains such as Hualcayán and Yaino. It will be possible to see the imposing snow-capped Alpamayo up close.
The Snowy Alpamayo, known locally as 'Shuytu rahu' and internationally as 'The most beautiful mountain in the world', is one of the most important tourist spots in the Huascarán National Park and in all of Peru. It is an unforgettable experience to enjoy the majesty and the snowy peaks.
