Alpamayo Trek hiking, Peru - FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I hike it alone?

It is possible. We do not recommend it.

If you were injured or stricken with altitude sickness, you could be in real danger. Parts of the trek are very remote. There is no access.

Instead look for other hikers in Huaraz. Post a note at Cafe Andino, Casa de Guias & hostels. You should be able to hook up with others within a few days.

Should I join a tour? Hire a guide?

We are independent hikers. This website is for those who like to carry their own pack.

Carrying a pack on a hike this high is good exercise. A great physical challenge. You have tremendous flexibility to camp where you wish. This is the best way to do Alpamayo for experienced hikers.

Of course you can carry your own pack and hire a guide to enrich the experience & keep you out of trouble. A nice compromise, especially if you do not speak Spanish.

Hiring your own arriero, organizing your own logistics, can be fun too. Best to arrange it in Huaraz when you get there though it may take several days.

We have seen companies offering different versions of the Alpamayo Trek for between US$750 - $1900 / person. Or more.

Some are overpriced. Be cautious with whom you go. Some operators are very lax. Some do not deliver what they promise. Much depends on which guide you happen to get.

Hike Alpamayo on your own, if you can.

Can I bring children?

No one will stop you. We do not recommend it.

Altitude sickness is too big a risk.

Should I be worried about bandits?

Bandits are a real problem in the nearby Huayhuash range. But the Cordillera Blanca so far is safe.

Alberto Cafferata at Pony’s Expeditions in Caraz spent some time with us explaining why banditos do not hassle hikers on Alpamayo. Thieves have no escape route since the range is populated around the periphery in every direction.

In fact we have never heard of armed robbery on Alpamayo. E-mail if we are mistaken.

So, no worries.

We still recommend you not carry any more cash than necessary in the wild Andes. There is very little to spend it on up there, anyway.

As always, do not leave anything outside your tent at night — not even in the vestibule.

On day hikes, break camp & stash your packs somewhere out of sight before walking off with a day pack.

Should I hike Santa Cruz instead?

Yes.

That’s the short answer. Santa Cruz is a better option for most hikers. Far more hikers do the Santa Cruz. Everything is easier to organize.

Santa Cruz is safer & has less risk of altitude sickness. (Only 1 high pass, Punta Union, 4760m.) If you get sick on the way up, relief by descending quickly is much easier.

Alpamayo is better for hiking fanatics. It is more rugged & less accessible. You see far fewer other hikers. We like it that way.

Should I hike Huayhuash instead?

If you are a hardcore multi-day hiker, yes.

Close to Huaraz, Huayhuash is a dangerous 10-day circuit, a minimum of 140km (87 miles). It is an even more spectacular, serious adventure than Alpamayo or Santa Cruz.

If this appeals, check our Huayhuash website for details.

Huayhuash vista