Climb where the weather is stable, the mountains are tall and glaciated, and the culture is alive. Leave the crowds behind and step deep into the Peruvian Andes.

The Cordillera Blanca (White Mountain) range has many possibilities for your climbing ambitions. We specialize in private trips, and will create an expedition crafted around your schedule, abilities, and interests. This is adventure travel exactly the way you want it. The life experience you will walk away with is priceless. Peru offers all levels of climbing objectives, which allows us to deliver an appropriate and compelling adventure for you.

The Climb 

This mountain, seen in the banner above, is one of Peru's true gems. Not for the faint of heart, this climb is a great test piece for those interested in technical high altitude climbing. The trek into basecamp is one of the most scenic in the country, and donkey support keep your pack under 10 pounds (4kg). From basecamp the trekking ends and the climbing begins. With climbing packs we advance up to the moraine camp, and finally high camp. On our summit push we will ascend 1000' (300m) of 50-75° snow and ice via the French Direct Route. 

Team members must be in top physical condition, aka "hard to kill" as Mark Twight puts it. Ice climbing skills are mandatory, and can be honed with prep days in the States prior to the expedition. 

 Mark Smiley is an IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide, and will be leading the trip. 

DETAILS 

°June 17-29, 2023

°4 spots available. 2 guides IFMGA Mountain Guides (2:1 ratio). 

°Several support staff and donkeys carry the loads 

°Alpamayo 19551'  

°Price: $6800 Includes: Hotels (double occupancy with rooms), bus to Huaraz, private taxis to mountain trailheads, food on mountain, guides, cooks, porters, donkeys, park fees, group gear, logistical support,  15% off all ice climbing prep days with Mark Smiley, pro level photos Mark takes of you in action during the expedition, and a beautiful ready-to-hang print of your favorite photograph from the trip. 

*$4500 for those that are interested in joining the trip, without climbing above basecamp. Rather, going on day hikes around the beautiful valley during the three day summit push. 

°Does not include: Airfare to Lima, food while off the mountain (restaurants), expenses incurred for itinerary deviation, personal travel insurance, personal expenses, alcohol, gratuities for Peruvian support staff (approx $100/person depending on quality of service rendered. Mark will not accept tips. If you liked the service he rendered, show it by booking him for another trip). If there is a flight to Huaraz (avoid the 8 hour drive) from Lima, we will book it, and that will increase the cost by approximately $150 each way. 

°Deposit: $3000 due to hold your reservation, non refundable. Remaining balance due 60 days prior to the start of trip. Non-refundable for any reason. We encourage you to purchase trip insurance.

°You must be physically and mentally prepared to succeed on a climb of this difficulty. Mark will lay out a path to get you there.
°FLIGHT: Book your flight to arrive in LIM June 17  ~10PM, and depart LIM June 28  ~11PM

ITINERARY  (subject to change)

(1) June 17: Fly to Lima (airport code: LIM). Most flights arrive after 9PM. Sleep in the 4-star hotel connected to the airport (5 minute walk from baggage claim).   

(2) June 18: Private van to Huaraz in the early AM to beat the crazy Lima traffic. This transforms the 9-hour bus ride into a pleasant 6-hour van ride. Sleep in Huaraz (10,000').
(3) June 19: Day hike around Huaraz to a beautiful waterfall. Sleep in Huaraz.

(4) June 20: Private van to Alpamayo trailhead (10,000'), hike to first camp (12,400'), 3-4 hrs on the move. Donkey supported.
(5) June 21: Hike to basecamp (14,200'), 3-4 hrs on the move. Donkey supported. 
(6) June 22: Day hike around basecamp, let our red blood cell count increase,   acclimatization/rest.   

(7) June 23: Hike to the Moraine camp (16,400'), 3 hrs on the move. Porter supported.  

(8) June 24: Climb to high camp (18,000'), 6 hrs on the move. Porter supported.      

(9) June 25: Summit day Alpamayo, 10 hours on the move. Self supported. 

(10) June 26: Descend to basecamp, 5 hours on the move. Self and Porter supported. 

(11) June 27: Hike out (16 miles), bus to Huaraz. Celebration Dinner!

(12) June 28: Day bus back to Huaraz, 8 hours. Book a flight that departs Lima after 10PM. 
(13) June 29: Arrive home

Contact Mark today: mark@smileysproject.com