Around The Alpamayo

Continuing on this ancient trail, we’ll ascend steadily, making our way toward our objective for the day; Pucaraju Pass (4684 m / 15,367 ft) Here we’ll attain majestic views of Paron (4185 m / 13,730 ft) and Huascaran (6768 m / 22,204 ft), the fourth highest mountain in the Western hemisphere, which was first conquered in 1932 by a German-Austrian expedition. Continuing our trek, we’ll descend until we reach the reflective green-blue waters of Laguna Huecrocochca (3962 m / 12,998 ft) We’ll set up camp nearby and enjoy the serenity of one of South America’s most spectacular regions, Huascarán National Park.
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 14.8 km (9.2 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

Hiking up through the village of Pishgopampa our route ascends through a grassy woodland pass. This is a great place to observe contented alpacas munching happily on high mountain vegetation. Heading over the pass at 4383 m (14,379 ft), we’ll now descend into the picturesque Jancapampa valley, abundant with native shrubbery, including the hardiest members of the rose family, Polylepis trees, which are known to thrive up to the 5000 m (16,404 ft) mark! Heading for our camp at 3535 m (11,597 ft), we may get the chance to meet and greet some villagers from the nearby Andean communities.
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 12.8 km (8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

Trekking our way out of this gorgeous valley, our steep but manageable climb through cultivated farmland passes through field and forest and ascends towards the narrow Yanajanca pass (4598 m / 15,085 ft). Comprising a steady eight hours of trekking, our views today will be dominated by the immense glaciers of Mt Pucajirca’s Eastern Face (6048 m / 19,842 ft). Hiking on the downward trail towards the small settlement of Huilca, tonight’s camp will be majestified by the imposing grandeur of Mt Pucajirca and neighboring peaks. Camp at 4000 m (13,123 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 12.9 km (8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

Breaking camp today, the scene from the Tayapampa Valley encompasses glorious views of Mt Alpamayo’s Northeastern face (5947 m / 19,511 ft), Pucajirca Central (6046 m / 19,835 ft) and Pucajirca Oeste (6039 m / 19,812 ft). Never failing to impress with panoramic views of commanding glacial peaks, the Cordillera Blanca is a perfectly wild and remote mountain haven. As we edge closer to the startling beauty of Apu Alpamayo, we’ll head toward Mayobamba (4480 m / 14,698 ft) with the view of tomorrow’s pass already in sight. Camp at 4400 m (14,435 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 12.9 km (8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

Heading for the climactic moment of our trek, we’ll move at a good pace, hiking up and over Caracara Pass (4815 m / 15,797 ft) and achieve our first superb views of Alpamayo. A magnificent, pyramidal peak, Alpamayo is probably the most famous peak of the Purkahirca Massif, the Cordillera Blanca’s northernmost range. Even though it is somewhat dwarfed by the taller peaks in the region, the beauty of this mountain has long captivated climbers, trekkers, and photographers. We’ll enjoy a well- deserved lunch and then trek to the base camp of Alpamayo, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Laguna Jancarurish, for spectacular photographic opportunities. Retracing some of our steps, we continue our trek down the Jancarurish Valley and arrive at our campsite, in time to appreciate one of the most stunning mountain sunsets in Peru. Camp at 4200 m (13,779 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 10.1 km (6.3 mi) – Time: 5-6 hours

Waking to the glories of Alpamayo makes for a memorable start to today’s walk! As we leave behind our views of this magnificent mountain, we’ll begin a long but perfectly achievable ascent to the Hatun Vientanan pass (4648 m / 15,249 ft). Making our way west, towards the edge of the national park, our previous days of trekking ensure that we will be well acclimatized for the highest of our campsites at 4511 m (14,799 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 15.7 km (9.8 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours

Today, on our penultimate day of trekking, we will achieve the highest altitude of our entire trek. The Toro Pishtanan pass (4848 m / 15,905 ft) presents us with sweeping views across both the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra ranges. Descending to the dreamlike, pristine Cuillicocha Lake (4648 m / 15,249 ft), we are filled with wonder at its. azure waters and the mirror-like reflection of the three Santa Cruz Peaks in its surface. Words cannot do justice to the sublimity of this astonishing place, but Cuillicocha Lake is more than just a picture postcard view! A pre-Incan aqueduct still in use after many centuries, provides valuable water to the farms in the valleys below. Every year Andean farmers make their way into these mountains for an annual ‘aqueduct repair’ festival. Walking onwards to Huishcash, we make camp for our last night under the stars (3992 m / 13,097 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 15.7 km (9.8 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours

Leaving camp this morning, we’ll enjoy our descent to the pre-Incan ruins of Hualacayan, and trek through the Huaylas Valley, where we’ll likely happen upon villagers and farmers going about their daily chores. Upon reaching the edge of the national park, we will be met by our private vehicles. Relaxing during our scenic drive back to Huaraz, we’ll return to our hotel for a well-earned shower and rest. Now we get to revel in the feeling of achievement and aliveness we’ve gained from having completed this captivating, wild, and dramatic mountain trek. Time to celebrate!
(B / L)

Driving distance: 107.3 km (66.7 mi) – Time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 6.7 km (4.2 mi) – Time: 3 hours

End of services
B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner