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You’ll attain a sense of real accomplishment after completing this gorgeous-beyond-words trek in the remote mountainous terrain of the Cordillera Blanca. This circuit features amazing views of spectacular glacial peaks, including the famous Alpamayo, considered by some mountaineers to be the most beautiful mountain in the world due to its pyramidal shape. On this trekking circuit, there are many crystalline and colorful glacial lakes with impressive mountain views; dizzyingly high passes; pastoral scenes of verdant farmland; and traditional, colorful Andean villages. We’ll have the chance to savor the unique experiences of meeting and interacting with the local Quechua people going about their daily activities, including herding alpacas and sheep and performing agricultural chores; often while dressed in the colorful garb typical of these regions, such as hand-woven ponchos and earflap chullo hats.
Huaraz
9 Days / 8 Nights
April – October
2 passengers
On request
1-2-3-4-5
Getting an early morning start, we’ll drive along the Santa Valley passing several villages along the way until we reach present-day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gulley between the Huascaran massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak. As we near the overhanging valley, we arrive at the boundary of Huascaran National Park. Llanganuco, as the area is known, has two crystalline turquoise lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha. We’ll continue driving to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass at 4750 m (15,584 ft) From here we can observe the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca including Huascaran, Huandoy´s Peak, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. Finally, we will descend to Vaquería, at 3700 m (12,139 ft). This is where we’ll begin our trek.
We walk down towards a trail that makes its way to the left, over a small ridge into the remote Huaripampa Valley, nestled among mountains. As we slowly head up this valley, we’ll pass a small settlement of farmers, going about their agricultural activities. Walking through areas of verdant Andean flora, we’ll soon catch sight of snow-capped Chacraraju. Taulliraju will soon come into view as well as we stride alongside pastoral meadows and fields. We’ll make camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 masl (12,713 fasl).
(L / D)
Driving distance: 119 km (74 mi) – Time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 11.2 km (7 mi) – Time: 5 hours
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
– Transportation
– Professional bilingual guide
– Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
– All meals during trek
– Non-alcoholic drinks
– Kitchen and dining tents
– Cook and field staff
– Horses and drivers
– Entrance tickets
– Solar energy lamps
– Eco toilets
– Adequate garbage disposal
– First aid kit and oxygen tank
– Personal travel insurance
– Laundry service
– Airline tickets
– Sleeping bags (rent available)
– Personal gear
– Alcoholic beverages
– Additional services
– Tips
– Extras
– Regular and long wicking first layer for cold weather, like polyester, nylon, or merino wool
– Short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, breathable fabrics, like nylon and polyester
– Light-colored long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
– QuickDry Pants, trekking pants, and shorts
– Insulated long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)
– Liner gloves
– Light cap and beany
– Rain jacket (in the rainy season, bring rain pants)
– Breathable sports socks or hiking socks
– Warm socks for nights
– Multifunctional headwear (e.g. Buff)
– Waterproof and breathable hiking boots
– Comfortable and lightweight shoes for campsite
– Sleeping Bag (0°/32° to -15°/ 5°) (rent available)
– Day Pack (preferably with rain cover)
– Trekking Poles (available to rent)
– Waterproof duffle bag
– Sunglasses
– Headlamp
– Microfiber towel
– Sunblock, lip balm, and insect repellent
– Reusable water bottle or vacuum bottle
– Portable Power Bank (to charge lamps, etc)
– Personal First Aid Kit (recommended)
Personal First-Aid Kit: On each trip we carry a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. Knee and ankle braces are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.
START DATE | END DATE | DETAILS | STATUS |
---|---|---|---|
19/04/2021 | 27/04/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
17/05/2021 | 25/05/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
21/06/2021 | 29/06/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
19/07/2021 | 27/07/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
16/08/2021 | 24/08/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
20/09/2021 | 28/09/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
18/10/2021 | 26/10/2021 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
25/06/2023 | 03/07/2023 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |
17/09/2023 | 25/09/2023 | Around the Alpamayo | Two more to open |