Set high in the peaks of the Peruvian Andes, Alpamayo is regarded by climbers as the most beautiful mountain in the world. Topping out at 19,500 ft. (5,909m) above sea level, Alpamayo is a serious climb for fit and experienced alpinists—but also enough of a straightforward climb that athletic travelers that hire a guide have a chance of reaching the summit.
Climbing the mountain can take 8-10 days depending on fitness and conditions, but if you don’t feel the need to reach the summit but still want to experience the beauty, you can book an 11-day circuit trek that encircles Alpamayo’s base. In a country with such a wealth of treks, this circuit can arguably compete with some of the best hiking trips in Peru, where views look out at the tallest tropical mountains found anywhere in the world, and explores the heart of a Quechua culture that still thrives up here in these hills.
Practical Info
Most tours of Alpamayo begin from Huaraz. Be sure to pack plenty of winter clothing, worn in boots, and a rain jacket, and the best season for trekking is between June and September when the weather is dry but cold. You’ll want to spend a couple of days in Huaraz to acclimate to the altitude.
Did You Know? The total distance for the Alpamayo Circuit is a little over 60 miles.
There was once a time when Pastoturi Glacier was a massive river of ice, but today this glacier in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is shrinking so quickly that the glacier’s retreat has become a site in itself. Located in Huascaran National Park, Pastoturi Glacier—despite its demise—continues to offer an exceptionally scenic way to visit the Andes, and has become a spot to view the effects of climate change in action. Shining blue and white against the craggy peaks, the glacier consumes about three square miles of pristine Peruvian countryside, and is one of the world’s most accessible glaciers you can reach by just driving a car.
To get an up close view, however, you’ll need to get out and walk, which can take about 30-45 minutes along a weaving walkway. Up here in the mountains it can seem the clouds are right at the tips of your fingers, and the gaping blue sky stretches out like a canvas that rests on the snowcapped peaks. In addition to visiting the glacier itself, tours from Huaraz also stop at sights like shimmering Lake Patococha, and scenic vistas that instantly help you feel the magic of these mountains.
Insider's Tip: Chew on coca leaves or coca candy to stave off altitude sickness.
Practical Info
Pastoturi Glacier is about 16,500 feet (5,000m) above sea level, so be sure to have spent a couple of days acclimatizing before making the trek to the glacier. Since snow and ice can occur in any season, be sure to pack gear for frigid conditions, as well as boots and a rain jacket.
Address: Pastoturi Glacier, Huascaran National Park, Peru
