Discover the epic world of mountaineering, among the high peaks of Perú

Join the perfect introduction to safe, successful and awesomely fun mountain climbing.

The Full Alpine Course allows time for a more comprehensive study of the skills and techniques necessary for independent climbing expeditions.

The course offers a broad coverage of alpine climbing and mountaineering skills, be it simply traveling safely on a glacier or leading technical pitches on snow and ice.

Learn the basics – from hazard evaluation, equipment use and climbing knots, through to making anchors, haul systems and undertaking crevasse rescue.

From safely crossing snow fields through to vertical ice climbing, this course prepares you for all that the mountains can throw at you.

The course climaxes with an ascent of the magnificent Yanapaqcha.

The course is 12 days from Lima to Lima, with all services included, or 6 days from Huaraz to Huaraz with expedition services only.

For the 6 day version, you must already be well acclimatized.

Many clients follow the course with an ascent of Pisco and/or Chopicalqui, or even as preparation for the Alpamayo Expedition and other bigger climbs in the Cordillera Blanca.

We can also organize customized alpine courses, if you have limited time or specific requirements.

“The trekking and mountaineering guides were experienced, knowledgeable and I felt that quality and safety was always the top priority in anything that we did." Marie Cheng, London UK

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 -

Private airport pick-up, and a night in Lima.

Day 2 -

Private transfer to the coach station and a comfortable first class ride to Huaraz, approximately an 8 hour journey.

Day 3 -

Meet the guide leader to review your itinerary, answer questions and finalise the expedition details. Spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby pre Inca ruins of Wilkawain.

Day 4 -

Acclimatisation hike to the turquoise waters of Laguna Churup (4,500m), a 6 hour round trip. Spend the night at a cozy mountain lodge.

Day 5 -

Transport to the trailhead and take a day hike to Laguna 69 (4,950m), then return to the trailhead and camp in a scenic meadow (4,000m).

Day 6 -

Hike to the base camp of Yanapaqcha (4,750m). Preliminary skills may commence this day as time allows, including introduction to mountaineering and hazard management, equipment use and care, climbing knots and altitude physiology.

Day 7 -

Master practical skills including walking with crampons, kicking steps/following tracks, using an ice axe to walk and self belay, self-arrest, team-arrest, rope team travel techniques, and snow/ice anchors.

Day 8 -

Start learning all components of the crevasse rescue system. Then return to the glacier where you will put your new skills to the test. The afternoon is dedicated to practicing crevasse rescue, a common hazard on all glaciated climbs.

Day 9 -

Head up to the ice to practice various techniques and scenarios of glacier travel. At an ice wall you will learn a top-rope anchor system and spend a few hours climbing.

Day 10 -

Begin the summit attempt. Depending upon snow conditions, weather, and team health/fitness, the summit can be reached in 4-6 hours. The descent will take 3-4 hours and you should be back in camp by mid afternoon.

Day 11 -

Pack up camp, and hike out to the road where transport will be waiting for the return to Huaraz. Meet again for a celebratory feast that evening.

Day 12 -

Last minute gift shopping before departing for Lima at 10am, arriving at the airport or your hotel by 7pm.

What's Included

Can be included

All in-country transport during trip
First class bus tickets
Hotel accommodations for specified time
Professional, certified English-speaking guides
Professional outdoor cook, 3 healthy meals a day plus snacks during the wilderness components of the trip
All technical equipment
All national park entrance fees
All camping and cooking equipment
Donkeys or llamas and porters where applicable
Sleeping tents
Sleeping mats
Cook tent, eating tent, tables, chairs, and bathroom tent
First aid kit stocked for wilderness expeditions
Celebration banquet at the end of trip